Michael and Uli Belenky founded Zutano when their first daughter Sophia was born in 1989. Michael, a professional photographer, and Uli, a designer and art director, recognized a gaping hole in the children's fashion market and handcrafted a small batch of unique, colorful baby clothes from their New York City brownstone. The clothes were an immediate favorite in the city's boutiques and before long Zutano blossomed into one of the top baby brands in the US. When their second daughter Ella was born, the Belenky's packed up Zutano and headed north to a hilltop farmhouse in Cabot, Vermont. The Zutano line was expanded to include accessories and they introduced their now-famous baby booties, which provided a perfect solution for parents looking for colorful, cute footwear that stayed on their baby's feet.