European Children’s Fashion Boutique Bombon Launches on NYC’s Upper West Side
When Upper West Side resident Annelle Finol welcomed her son in 2023, she experienced the transformative moment many new mothers know well—a deep reflection on life’s next chapter. After building a successful finance career and living internationally across Toronto, Amsterdam, and beyond, she felt drawn toward something more meaningful, creative, and family-centered. This inspiration birthed Bombon, an exclusive online boutique specializing in premium baby and children’s clothing curated from boutique European brands.
The boutique’s name, “Bombon”—Spanish for “chocolate” or “candy” and often used as a term of endearment—perfectly captures the sweetness of childhood while reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse, welcoming spirit. Annelle chose the Upper West Side deliberately, drawn to its authentic community atmosphere and unparalleled access to both Central Park and Riverside Park. “We spend countless hours outdoors now, and this area of Manhattan feels refreshingly different from the New York I experienced before becoming a mother,” she shares.
While Bombon operates exclusively online currently, its roots run deep in the Upper West Side community. Annelle manages daily operations from her neighborhood home, strategically timing business calls and vendor communications around her son’s nap schedule. Her entrepreneurial vision extends beyond digital retail—she’s actively scouting for temporary pop-up retail spaces and dreams of establishing a permanent brick-and-mortar storefront. “These exceptional pieces truly shine when customers can touch the fabrics and see the craftsmanship in person,” she explains. “Every brand we carry has a unique heritage story, and I’m passionate about sharing those narratives directly with families.”
Bombon’s carefully curated collection features distinguished European labels including Al Agua Patos, Fina Ejerique, and Donsje, sourced from Spain’s fashion capitals, Denmark’s design studios, and the Netherlands’ artisan workshops. The boutique specializes in sizes ranging from newborn through 4 years, with particular emphasis on coordinated sibling sets that create beautiful matching looks across baby and toddler age ranges. “European fashion culture embraces coordinated sibling dressing for everyday occasions, not just special events,” Annelle notes. “I wanted to introduce this charming tradition to American families—transforming ordinary moments into something memorable and special.”
The current summer collection showcases lightweight, breathable designs prioritizing comfort during active play while maintaining sophisticated European styling. This August marks an exciting expansion, with Bombon introducing nine additional premium labels from Italy’s fashion districts, Estonia’s emerging designers, and France’s renowned children’s couturiers—perfectly timed for the fall season’s arrival.
For Annelle, Bombon represents far more than a children’s clothing business. It embodies her commitment to celebrating childhood wonder, creating something personally meaningful, and maintaining strong community connections both locally and internationally. “After years of international living, I’ve discovered my perfect circle,” she reflects. “I’m home in New York with my growing family, pursuing work I’m passionate about, and building it right here in the heart of the Upper West Side.”
Families can explore Bombon’s complete collection at bombonbabies.com and follow @bombonbabies on Instagram for new collection announcements, styling inspiration, and updates about upcoming local community events.