Meet the Family Behind Little Paralia: James & Maria Tedesco
You might know James Tedesco as the captain of the Sydney Roosters. Or the man wearing the number 1 jersey for the NSW Blues (go the Blues). Or the former captain of Australia.
We know him as Maria's husband, and dad to their little ones — and one half of the family who helped bring Little Paralia to life.
How It Started:
Little Paralia wasn't born in a boardroom. It came from a big idea to bring more quality and cuteness to kids while giving back — talking about all the details: what actually goes on our kids' skin, why "organic" so often means a price tag that doesn't add up, and whether there was a way to make beautiful, breathable, organic clothing turn into a gorgeous Greek inspired collection for little ones.
Maria brought the eye for what real families need day to day — soft, easy, pieces that look adorable while also being comfortable. James brought the same standard he holds himself to on the field: no shortcuts, do it properly, or don't do it at all. Between the two of them, Little Paralia found its shape.
A Collection with Heart (and a Bit of Santorini)
Little Paralia is our Greek-inspired range for 0–4 years — think whitewashed villages, sun-bleached linen, and the kind of easy, breezy palette that makes you want to book flights you can't afford. Every piece — the Koukla Dress, the Athina Jumpsuit, the Agapi Romper, the Naxos Overalls, the Adonis Polo, the Santorini Pants, the Opa Shorts, the Alpha Tee — is organic cotton and linen, made properly, made to last, made to be handed down.
And it's not just a pretty collection. A portion of every sale goes toward supporting children with cancer — because when you've got a platform, and people who care, you use it for something that matters more than clothes.
Why It Matters to Us
What made this collaboration feel right was that James and Maria showed up as parents first — checking fabric, asking questions about quality, genuinely caring whether the pieces would look and feel good.
So next time you see James Tedesco steal a game-winning origin try with the New South Wales Blues, know that off the field, he's just as invested in getting the little details right.
Shop the Little Paralia collection at ardito.com.au or find us @arditoandco.