|
|
Oh, Grow Up! Lines Mature and the Market's Better for It - Part I It's not my imagination. Some collections are getting smaller, better edited, and, I've noticed, a few are less expensive. Over and over, designers pulled me aside at Children's Club (March 9-11, 2008) to brag that they've discovered more efficient ways of manufacturing. One designer, whose prices have dropped by 25 percent, said, "We've trimmed the fat and the collection is healthier for it."
INFANT AND UP BEETLEJUICE LONDON Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: The Beetlejuice design team Sizes: Infant to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $7-$30 If you eschew embellishment and pattern, give Beetlejuice a pass. If you can't get enough of appliqués and layered designs than you've found your collection. This season, the colors are especially romantic.
Outstanding piece: It's Valentine's Day all year when a girl wears one of Beetlejuice's feminine offerings for the season. Tel: 212-944-0555 E-mail: info@beetlejuice.co.uk
LUCKY JADE Homebase: Hermosa Beach, CA DESIGNER: Leslie Pitts Sizes: 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $6-$39 The knit goods in Pitts's collection are the output of a true modernist: stripped of any extraneous detail, the items showcase the quality of the cloth and the elegant flora and fauna graphics that imbue each garment.
Outstanding piece: Anyone who presents this little gown in buttery soft cotton/cashmere blend will be dubbed the gift giver extraordinaire at the next baby shower. Tel: 310-798-8265 E-mail: sales@luckyjadeproducts.com
LE TOP Homebase: Richmond, CA DESIGNER: The Le Top design team Sizes: Girls NB to 6X, boys NB to 7; Wholesale prices: $4.25-$36 Peruse this large collection of well-priced girls and boys wear and you'll find high-style pieces in lovely fabrications that cry better boutique.
Outstanding piece: This lovely dusty peach crushed velvet dress is paired with crushed silk bloomers. If Grandma doesn't flip for this outfit, check for a pulse.
This velour one-piece with coordinating hoodie is so soft, so beautifully colored and with such amusing detail, it's sure to be a hit at the next birthday party. Tel: 800-333-2257 E-mail: letop@letop-usa.com
LOTUS SPRINGS Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNERS: Irina Wong and Echo Liu Sizes: NB TO 5T; Wholesale prices: $10-$40 Retailers demanded toddler sizes and the designers complied. Now there are the softest organic fabrics for bigger kids in the same elegant shapes and neutral palette that made the infant line so popular.
Outstanding piece: That's the ruffled skirt of a reversible jumper peeking out of the milk fiber tee and silky vest. There's an innocence to this collection that's especially appealing. Tel: 323-871-2233 E-mail: infousa@lotussprings.com
JUDITH LACROIX Homebase: Paris, France DESIGNER: Judith Lacroix Sizes: 3 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$70 Whenever I see Lacroix's collections, I think of great cooks. The best chefs source the finest ingredients then do as little as possible to the components so the flavors stay true. Lacroix finds a palette of tones that harmonize beautifully, sources one or two simple patterns and keeps the shapes clean.
Outstanding piece: It's simple - one small ruffle and the ribbon tie - and so lovely. Tel: 33 14 28 21 250 E-mail: judithlacroix@aol.com
AGATHA RUIZ DE LA PRADA BABY Homebase: Madrid, Spain Sizes: 3 months to 3 years; Wholesale prices: $17.50-$35 Viewing De La Prada's clothing is like opening the curtains in January and finding a spring day.
Outstanding pieces: Wrap a little one in this airy, gold down coat and tie her up with a bow.
Love is in the air with these heart embellished sky blue velour jumpers and bright orange tights. (The hose are sold with the apparel for effortless dressing.) Tel: 514.381.9039 E-mail: coraimports@qc.aibn.com
Originally published April 17, 2008
|
|
