Collaboration Spotlight: A Conversation with Stephanie Fu of Biggest Little
Open-ended play, minimalism, and meaningful design, these are the values that connect Biggest Little and Keiko Furoshiki in our new collaboration: the Art Play Silk.
In this conversation, Stephanie Fu, founder of Biggest Little, shares her journey from finance professional to toy designer, the inspiration behind her brand, and how thoughtful design can transform play for children (and parents, too).
The Story Behind Biggest Little
Can you share a bit about the story behind Biggest Little and what inspired you to create toys for open-ended play?
Stephanie Fu:
Biggest Little was really born out of my frustration with the buying mentality I stepped into when I became a parent. Coming from a problem-solving background in finance, and having a deep love for timeless design, I constantly saw ways toys could be improved.
After my second daughter was born, our home was flooded with toys — for the newborn, for the toddler — it started to feel like the walls were closing in. I felt like I was losing the joyful, silly part of myself. So we made a big change: we donated almost everything, packed up, and moved into a one-bedroom apartment.
Surprisingly, that experience brought more joy, not less. With fewer things, we had more room to play, talk, and create. I saw firsthand how creative children become when they’re not constantly told what to do.
Inventing toys wasn’t the plan, but one day, sitting on a park bench with my daughter who feared water guns, an idea sparked. What if we could make a toy that felt safer and more inviting? That moment led to prototypes, parent conversations, and, eventually, to the mission of Biggest Little — to design toys that solve real challenges and inspire creativity through simplicity.
On Timeless Design and the Art Play Silk
Your toys are often described as timeless, simple, and deeply imaginative. How do those values come through in this collaboration with Keiko Furoshiki?
Stephanie:
Fabric as a plaything is the perfect foundation for timelessness and simplicity. Natural materials like cotton and silk are open-ended and inherently versatile — tools that children can shape into their own stories.
With the Art Play Silk, Keiko and I asked: How can we add her art in a way that still leaves room for imagination? Each print feels open and full of possibility — a child might see rocks, waves, or clouds. As they grow, their interpretations change, keeping the fabric endlessly engaging. We wanted every design to be abstract enough to invite creativity yet familiar enough to feel comforting.
How the Collaboration Began
How did this collaboration with Keiko Kira come about?
Stephanie:
When I met Keiko and her team in the summer of 2023, I was immediately drawn to her mission — reducing waste while making gift wrapping beautiful and meaningful. At Biggest Little, we also value intention and cultural artistry, so partnering with her felt natural. We both wanted to bring something to life that reflected our shared love of thoughtful, sustainable design.
Designing Through a Child’s Eyes
What was it like collaborating on the design process? Were there any particular colors or emotions you wanted the Art Play Silk to capture?
Stephanie:
It was such a joy — truly immersive. Keiko approaches design like an educator, with deep thought for how children actually play.
For the Hide and Seek print, made for newborns, she layered black-and-white contrasts with pops of color to invite discovery. For Dots and Friends, we explored organic lines and color combinations that spark imagination while keeping Keiko’s artistic voice front and center. Every element — from scale to translucency — was chosen with purpose.
Shared Values in Design
Both your brands share a love for intentional design. How did those shared values influence the final product?
Stephanie:
Intentionality means everything we make has a reason to exist. Nothing is random. From the artwork to the fabric weight and translucency, every decision came back to one question: How will this enhance a child’s play experience?
Why Play Silks Matter
For families new to play silks, what makes them an essential part of play?
Stephanie:
Play silks grow with your child. For babies, they’re about texture and movement. For toddlers, they transform into blankets, rivers, or capes. As children grow, silks become tools for storytelling, dance, fort-building — anything they imagine.
There’s no right way to use one, and that’s what makes them magical. They invite curiosity, creativity, and connection — exactly the kind of play we want to nurture.
A Natural Fit for Waldorf and Montessori Play
Biggest Little has roots in Waldorf and Montessori play philosophies. How does the Art Play Silk fit into that world?
Stephanie:
Perfectly. Both approaches value hands-on, sensory-rich learning and open-ended exploration. In Montessori environments, the silk becomes a tool for fine motor skills and storytelling. In Waldorf-inspired spaces, it’s already a classic — a bridge between art, nature, and imagination.
With Art Play Silk, we add a layer of artistry and cultural depth to that tradition, ensuring it supports both development and creativity.
Creativity at Home
Do you have a favorite way your own family uses play silks?
Stephanie:
My girls constantly surprise me! Lately, they’ve been making dresses with long flowing trains, but it changes every day. Personally, I love wearing one around my neck for a pop of color — it’s soft, breathable, and reminds me of the joy of play.
Lessons from Collaboration
What did you learn from working with Keiko Kira, whose background is rooted in Japanese textile tradition?
Stephanie:
Keiko brings so much intentionality and calm to her work. She honors tradition while embracing modern expression — a balance that resonates with how I think about design. Her thoughtfulness mirrors the quiet simplicity I hope families feel when they open one of our toys.
The Heart of Play
Finally, what do you hope families feel when their child begins to play with the Art Play Silk?
Stephanie:
I hope they feel what I did as a child — the wonder of turning something simple into something extraordinary. The Art Play Silk is more than a toy; it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and create. It’s a reminder that joy often lives in the simplest things.
Closing Thoughts
The Art Play Silk collaboration between Biggest Little and Keiko Furoshiki celebrates creativity, culture, and connection. Made from a soft cotton-silk blend, each piece is designed to grow with your child — from tummy time to storytelling to dress-up play.
Bring art, intention, and imagination into your child’s world.
