Maileg is a world of magic, imagination and creative play! I love Maileg since so many years! We have already a nice collection, but I can’t resist to add new pieces from time to time, because they are all so adorable.

“In a busy world of bright lights, bells and whistles, where new stories are continually impressed upon us… Maileg is a world in which matchboxes can be beds for mice; princesses make perfect teatime companions; and adventures can be found on a friendly forest walk. It is a world where cats and mice are friends. Ours is a world of childhood imagination – and this is a world we value.
Maileg (pronounced My’lye) is a brand of charming Danish-designed toys created to inspire our children’s favorite playtime stories.” 

There is so much love to details in every single piece. And such a magical harmony of soft colors. I was so curious to learn more about this wonderful Danish brand. And I am so happy to meet the founder and the heart of Maileg universe. Please welcome Dorthe Mailil and her great team!

Photo credit: @Maileg ~ Dorthe Mailil, the founder and creative director

How did you get the idea of creating Maileg?
As the unlikely outcome of one of Dorthe’s class projects, Dorthe created a distinctive clay character of exaggerated proportions whose spunky personality and charm immediately won the hearts of her entire class. This “pixie” quickly grew into a family of pixies, and Dorthe moved from the medium of clay to felt. Fabric. Following her joy for childhood play and imagination (at all ages!) Dorthe and her husband Erik founded Maileg in 1999 – combining their last name “Mailil” with the “leg”, the Danish word for play.

You can find carefully selected and a wide range of Maileg toys in the wonderful online shop Nostalgie im Kinderzimmer!

After your education at Danish Design School you have studied at L’ecole D’art de Marseille and Paris. How did these years influence your work?
Dorthe supplemented her education with studies at L’ecole D’art de Marseille and Paris, which she cites as contributing to the inspiration behind many of the sweet and nostalgic details that define the Maileg brand.

Where does your inspiration come from?
It is unlikely to see Dorthe anywhere without her sketchbook in hand, and she has been known to wake up in the middle of the night with the newest idea for her next Maileg creation. The inspiration comes from everywhere, a walk in the forest, a book, a trip to Paris, old children clothes bought from second hand. Inspiration is everywhere…

How would you describe Maileg in only 5 words?
Storytelling
Childhood imagination
Playfulness
Unique details
High quality

“Maileg toys help children explore the pure and simple wonder of imagination. Beloved for their heartwarming personalities, Maileg toys show playfulness and charm in every last detail. Theirs is a timeless world filled with beautiful accessories and settings to be collected, cherished and shared with friends and family for generations.”

Thank you for letting us learn more about Maileg universe. I am sending greetings from France to Dorthe and the whole team.

I am also very thankful to Nostalgie im Kinderzimmer for this beautiful collaboration. We have a nice surprise together, so keep in touch and don’t miss it!

Sunny greetings from France,

Arminka aka Petit Sourire

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In collaboration with Maileg & Nostalgie im Kinderzimmer