SUITED FOR THE FUTURE
AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD
THE STORY OF PENNI LI
Born in Brooklyn. Growing in Georgia. Inspired by childhood. Designed for the future.
Penni Li is a designer children’s fashion house rooted in imagination, craftsmanship, individuality, and legacy.
Founded by designer Monica Wilkerson, the story of Penni Li begins in Brooklyn, New York, where Monica’s love for fashion was nurtured long before the brand had a name.
From the age of six, Monica was surrounded by the beauty and individuality of handmade clothing. Her grandmother handmade much of her wardrobe throughout childhood and, in doing so, introduced her to a world where clothing could be more than something you simply wore it could tell a story, express personality, and make you feel completely your own.
Her grandmother became one of the earliest and greatest influences on Monica’s creativity, helping nurture her love for designing and sewing from a young age.
As Monica grew older, that foundation became a passion of her own. While attending both high school and college for fashion design she began designing and creating her own wardrobe, developing an even deeper appreciation for originality, craftsmanship, and clothing that stood apart.
Years later, motherhood gave that passion a new purpose.
Penni Li was named after the nickname of Monica’s first daughter, a nickname given to her by Monica’s grandmother. It became a beautiful thread connecting three generations: grandmother, mother, and daughter.
Today, Monica is the mother of two daughters, and both have become an endless source of inspiration and motivation behind Penni Li. Through them, her lifelong love of children, fashion, imagination, and individuality continues to evolve.
Penni Li has since relocated from New York to Georgia, where the next chapter of the fashion house is being built. Yet the heart of New York remains woven into its identity the energy of the city, Monica’s Brooklyn upbringing, her fashion education, and the childhood memories that first taught her the value of being beautifully different.
Georgia is now home. New York is part of our DNA. Childhood is our inspiration.
Penni Li creates distinctive, high-end designer fashion for children, bringing together thoughtful craftsmanship, unexpected details, playful imagination, and sophisticated design.
From statement pieces to select ready-to-wear collections, each creation is approached with the belief that children's wear can be whimsical without sacrificing sophistication, luxurious while still allowing children to be children, and timeless while celebrating the imagination of a new generation.
Because childhood deserves extraordinary design, too.
Penni Li celebrates the child who is becoming.
The dreamer.
The creator.
The individual.
The future leader.