|
|
FALL/WINTER 2011: MOVE OVER, BIG KID. BABIES BACK IN TOWN - Part 2 A few years ago, the buzz word in the kids' market was "boys". Designers realized that the time had come for fashionable garments for the little brother, and, that an American parent was ready for hip boyswear too. Then we had a few seasons when anything "tween" had a special "this is so new!" cachet. And then the market for luxury infantwear soared. It's hard to believe, but there was a time when one couldn't find a cashmere sweater for a baby! And, of course, the demand for organic, everything "green" products remains. But, back to babies. Regardless of the economic climate, people form unions and create families. Babies are born. With the newest among us in mind, wherever possible, I've included a collection's infant sizes as well as tots and kids from the Fall/Winter 2011 Children's Club (March 6-8, 2011). Hello, infantistas!
Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNER: Cynthia Jamin-Driver Sizes: 2T to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $12.50-$35 With their multiple panels and vibrant tones, Jamin-Driver's dresses look like one-of-a-kind pieces - and they almost are: each piece is handcrafted, so only a few pieces are alike. Even better - they're reversible - and twirly! That skirt is cut full for a satisfying spin.  Outstanding Piece: Sheer net calms down the prints while adding a touch of romance. Leslie Stevens Sales Tel: 516-433-1720 E-mail: Ljschuey@aol.com
ALESSIA Homebase: Quebec, Canada DESIGNERS: Norma and Louis Di Paolo Sizes: 4 to 20; Wholesale prices: $19-$56 Right for the occasion, and right on the money, Alessia dresses are fashion forward without being flashy, flattering without showing too much skin. And the colors this season are lovely!  Outstanding Pieces: The plum Jersey dress has just the right amount of detail and a gorgeous drape. The patterned print is a unique way to wear an animal skin, and the sash and full skirt keep the garment from looking too adult. Tel: 514 276-0311 E-mail: Alessia@alessiaclothing.com
Homebase: Bensalem, PA DESIGNER: Susan Feinberg Sizes: 6 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Feinberg's favoring warm tones - magenta, plum, rose, red - and sumptuous silk, stretch velour, chiffon, and taffeta for her Fall/Holiday 2011 collection. Plum, as you no doubt realize, is an important color this season.  Outstanding Pieces: Dreamy, plum beauties: silk butterflies float beneath the stretch velour Ruffle Jacket and over the ombred, velvet-edged Isabella Dress. The Chloe dress's shape and sleeves say, "little girl," but that tone is pure sophistication. Tel: 215-633-7233 ext. 19 E-mail: info@mulberribush.com
Homebase: Santa Ana, CA DESIGNER: Kathleen Dougherty Sizes: 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$46 If the word "understated" makes you queasy, then this go-for-broke, glitz-friendly collection is made for you.  Outstanding Piece: Liza would approve of this sequined, dotted number with a matching "corsage". Tel: 714-957-1114 E-mail: Info@cachcach.com
ATTITUDE PIE Homebase: North Miami Beach, FL DESIGNERS: Peggy Adams and Irene Klitzner Sizes: 3 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $32.50-$34.50 Buyers looking for tie-dye, ruffles, rich colors and a "more-is-better" aesthetic, look no further. For fall, the designers at Attitude Pie give you all that and more.  Outstanding Piece: From the Tiger Lily collection comes the A La Mode Dress with Leggings. The drama of a big heart applique and animal print ruffles is calmed with cool blue tie-dyed tones. Tel: 305-725-3505 E-mail: Attitudepie@aol.com
Homebase: Port Jefferson, NY DESIGNERS: Ann Dugourd and Jennifer Rotunno Sizes: NB to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$50 The designers have added sophisticated special occasion pieces to their line of tutus and tutu-dresses. Now celebrities, and the rest of us, have another Ooh! La, La! style to love.  Outstanding Piece: The Petal Dress. Less dress up and more dressed up (if you know what I mean). Curly Girls (Wendy Cooper) Tel: 212-967-6457 E-mail: Curlygirls@aol.com
Seen at the March 2011 Children's Club; Originally published March 21, 2011
|
|