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New York International Gift Fair: Collections for a Better Planet - Part I The title of the Gift Fair exhibition (August 15-20, 2009) in the lobby of the Jacob Javits Center "Sustainability: Design for a Better World" reflects the continuing importance of eco-friendly, ethically produced products. Curated and installed by Ilene Shaw, Shaw & Co! Productions, the products displayed on cleverly designed tables were the work of "philanthropic, fair-trade abiding, humane and environmentally responsible companies [that] have made a commitment to help benefit the world." Congratulations to our sponsors below, who were included in the showcase. Your efforts make the children's industry - and the world at large - a better place: Bibi & Mimi, Jazzy Toes, Kee-Ka, Lucky Jade, Urban Smalls.
Organic wares from Lucky Jade, left, and Urban Smalls.
Bibi & Mimi's one-piece Little New Yorker.
APPAREL: THE BABY BUNCH Homebase: Pottstown, PA DESIGNER/ORIGINATOR: Bryony Boxer Sizes for the Organic Nests and the Crayon Rompers: NB to 6 months; Wholesale prices for the Organic Nests $10, Crayon Rompers $12.50 You can count on The Baby Bunch for tasteful, unique gift items. For spring, they've added two new, well-priced items for two different customers.
Outstanding pieces: For the eco-conscious parent, there's the new Organic Nest: a small, reusable twig nest that holds three pairs of pink or blue organic socks. The socks, rolled into "eggs" make a base for the print "bird" sachet filled with lavender.
Crayon rompers - three cotton one-pieces in bright red, green, and orange packed in a vivid "crayon" box - are for the parent who just wants a good time. Tel: 877-456-2229 E-mail: martha@thebabybunch.com
JANNUZZI Homebase: Fountain Valley, CA DESIGNER/ORIGINATOR: Rose Jannuzzi Sizes: NB to 6X; Wholesale prices for hair accessories: $5, apparel: $13-$27, new value pricing: $13-$20 for a two-piece set Well-made, value-priced one-pieces and sets make this a great giftware source.
Outstanding piece: What does the dapper gentlemen wear? This ready-for-a-party "tuxedo" tee with the "minky bow tie," of course. Tel: 888-725-4222 E-mail: Info@jannuzziclothing.com
KEE-KA Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNERS/ORIGINATORS: Amy Schrader and Yaron Litwin Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $2.50-$10.50 The designers have added organic snap-front kimonos with coordinating socks, bibs, hats, and leggings for infants. There are no tags inside the pieces to irritate sensitive skin. The compact boxes, made of recycled craft board, make store display a snap.
Outstanding pieces: Brown and turquoise create an arresting combination on this practical, nicely packaged one-piece. Tel: 718 302-9665 E-mail: Sales@kee-ka.com
TOBY & REI Homebase: Marblehead, MA DESIGNER/ORIGINATOR: Kate Browning Sizes: 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$16 Bright yet sophisticated colors and irreverent robot and animal graphics decorate the luxurious organic cotton pieces.
Outstanding pieces: Robots follow their leader on this nicely colored one-piece. They appear friendly.
The four-piece gift set - hat, lap-tee, pants, and pillow - gets baby started in style. Tel: 703-304-7116 E-mail: Kate@tobyandrei.com
DREAMSACKS / BAMBOO DREAMS Homebase: Ashland, OR DESIGNER/ORIGINATOR: The Dreamsacks design team Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $4.75-$42 Bamboo Dreams is as green as they get: Oeko-Tex certified, "compostable" bags instead of polybag packaging; they even use an electric truck to haul their stuff from the office to the warehouse. While they're being green-conscious, the design team is creating beautifully colored solid and striped basics and dreamy blankets with a hand like pure silk.
Outstanding pieces: The colors are lush, the feel is divine and there's five percent Spandex in the weave so each piece holds its shape. Tel: 541-482-0640
DELIAH CROWN Homebase: San Francisco, CA DESIGNER/ORIGINATOR: Delilah Crown Sizes: 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$34 Newcomer Crown's collection of children's designs and wall pieces has an appealing, casual artiness. She favors a palette of rich neutrals shot with eggplant, mustard and olive.
Outstanding pieces: The Pintuck Dress has a classic shape and a border design of happy animals at play. It's charming worn with tights or over leggings.
A "matroishka" (Polish stacking doll) creates a happy mood printed on the rich pink T-shirt worn with heavily ruffled skirt. Tel: 415-765-9060 E-mail: Info@delilahcrown.com
Originally published September 15, 2009
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