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Change Is Coming: A Fresh Start for 2010 - Part VI
SPORTSWEAR:
KICOKIDS Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Tia Cibani Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $8-$230 Cibani is one of those designers that move beyond a set style. She always challenges herself to refine, rethink, and play with shape and illusion. This season, she's tapped into her quiet side with Whisper, a collection that surprises in subtle ways: The sides of a color-blocked sweater, for instance, don't line up. Her color names Hush and Murmur tell the story.
Outstanding pieces: The palette of soft, washed tones.
The soft tones chosen and that cloud-like bottom layer on the dress subdues a dynamic dot print. Shape and a bold cable neckline turn a simple sweater and skirt into something thought provoking. Tel: 212 675-5426 E-mail: Info@kicokids.com
KIDS INK Homebase: Corona, CA DESIGNER: Anna Chiu with Prince Peter and Mick Rock Sizes: Girls and boys 3 months to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$32 Each season Kids Ink teams up with an artist or two to design cool graphics for their collection. For Holiday, Kids Ink has chosen the artist Prince Peter and the legendary rock and roll photographer Mick Rock. Images of David Bowie, placement graphics of jewelry and scarves and wonderful collaged images abound.
Outstanding pieces: This outfit's got four trends working: The faux fur vest. Faux fur pieces make a strong statement on New York catwalks; the playful faux graphic; print sequins; and the bubble shaped skirt. Tel: 949 233-0352 E-mail: Annac@kidsink.com
LA MADE KIDS Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNER: Jeffeny Hughes and Megan Fox Sizes: NB to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $8-$38 Ease and color are the buzz words for this collection of simple cotton knits.
Outstanding piece: A basic A-line gets a lift from three-tiers edged with grosgrain for texture, and a tone like the sky moments before nightfall. Tel: 213 542-1152 E-mail: Stephenieh@lamade.net
LE FROMAGE ET L'ORANGE Homebase: Stamford, CT DESIGNER: Sachin Batra Sizes: Girls and boys 2T to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $30-$42 for two to three-piece sets. Not one for understatement, Batra works bright prints, layers, textures, beading, embroidery and more into his fall collection - and it all works.
Outstanding pieces: Western meets hippie in this colorful, detail-heavy take on the shirtdress.
Seen throughout the exhibition were loosely woven, reversible textiles like this plaid. Batra gives the material further impact with bright trim then pairs the item with narrow, distressed jeans. It's a great way to update the traditional plaid flannel shirt. Tel: 203 329-0719 E-mail: Info@fromage-lorange.com
MASALA BABY Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Dipali Patwa Sizes: 6 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$25 Patwa's collection reminds me of an Indian miniature: packed with detail and rich in color, yet delicate. Her palette evokes peacocks, spice markets and sunsets.
Outstanding pieces: Besides the glowing, saturated tones of this jumper and tee, I adore the way Patwa interpreted a busy, Indian print reducing it to just two blocks of color and two floral motifs.
The tunic's two-tone weave has subtle shimmer. The denim bottoms, with their diagonally cut, jodhpur shape, touch of metallic threads and zipper detail are the most exciting pants at the show. Tel: 888 306-6269 E-mail: Dipali@masalababynyc.com
ME TOO Homebase: New York NY DESIGNER: Ginnie Rasmussen Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: contact manufacturer You love color and bright pattern? This is your collection. The multi-piece line is rich in print and texture - and you can have it head-to-toe.
Outstanding piece: This little pinwheel of a dress is eye-popping. Add patterned tights for further wow factor. Tel: 212 869-5556 E-mail: sgreszes@metooamerica.com
*MILK & HONEY BABY Homebase: Huntington Beach, CA DESIGNER: Nicole Horiuchi Sizes: Girls and boys 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$29 Horiuchi's collections are always adorable yet they never cross over into that too sweet look. For fall, she's employed some vibrant patterns and great heathered knits.
Outstanding pieces: Horiuchi tones down the stunning colors of the butterfly print with heathered knit details and leggings. That pop of electric blue against the brown is magical. Tel: 714 892-5900 E-mail: nicmilknhoney@hotmail.com
MIM-PI Homebase: Holland, the Netherlands DESIGNER: Leonora Niewenhuizen Sizes: 6 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$56 No understatement in this collection. The garments are brash, exuberant and edgy.
Outstanding pieces: With all the pattern, glitter, contrasting shapes and appliqués, I'm not sure if this is an outfit or an event. Either way, the Betsy Johnson-esque pieces are undeniably fashionable and fun. Duo Inc. Showroom (Robin Wilcher) Tel: 212 354-2371
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