Back
to the Future: Designers Look to Kid Vicious, Princess Di
and Katherine Hepburn for Fall 2004
Inspiration
Two
style factions reigned at the ENK Children's Club fall
show (March 7-9) held in the Javits Center: The punks
whose plaid, denim and lace gear made a presence in the
new "tween" aisles, and the little sophisticates whose
simple dresses, tweed suits and jumpers reference style
icons like Kate Hepburn and Coco Chanel.
Between the two extremes
collections recalled the sixties, seventies and eighties
with mod graphic prints, mini skirts and crocheted
ponchos.
Speaking of ponchos: They're back.
Big time.
LAYETTE
JOY-FUL-LEE
DESIGNER: Joy
Demchick-Attias
Sizes: Newborn-toddler; Wholesale
prices: Contact manufacturer
Buyers of Joy Demchick-Attias' line
of sweetly classic sweaters have reason to cheer. She's
added wovens to her fall collection and they're just as
well designed as her knits.
Outstanding Piece: Light, warm and
soft are the buzzwords for baby dressing. After seeing
Demchick-Attias' kimono wrap and hat, I'll contribute
practical and adorable.
Natalie and Friends
131 West 33rd Street, Suite
210
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 212-947-2995
E-mail: natnfrnds@aol.com
www.jamesgirone.com/joyfullee
E-mail:
joyfulee@voicenet.com
MARGERY ELLEN
BABY
DESIGNER: Margery E.
Frank
Sizes: Newborn to 24 months;
Wholesale prices: $6-$32
Matt Le Blanc and Julianna
Margulies give Margery Ellen cotton knit blankets with
chenille trim as gifts. Now celebrities can present soft,
cotton knit layette pieces with the popular wraps. The
white bodies of the garments with their pastel chenille
edging make great blanket partners.
Outstanding Piece: The long, cotton
one-piece edged in blue. No snaps to fuss with or strings
to tie. Pull the piece on and baby is ready for a stroll
in the carriage or, hopefully, a few hours of sleep.
15 Hegemans Lane
Old Brookville, NY 11545
Tel: 516-621-8522
E-mail: margeryell@aol.com
www.jamesgirone.com/margeryellenbaby
Los Angeles contact:
Stacy Ellen
Tel: 818-787-8992
PIXIE LILY
DESIGNER: Leda Jackson
Sizes: Newborn to 9 months;
Wholesale prices: $10-$30
Entering Pixie Lily's booth with
its milky walls, and seeing the white and cream baby
wear, is as soothing as a cup of chamomile tea.
Outstanding Pieces: A black t-shirt
on an infant is fine, but Jackson's white cotton batiste
rompers, simple tops and diaper covers recall a time when
babies dressed like babies.
48 Society Street
Charleston, South Carolina
29401
Tel: 843-579-0364
E-mail: info@pixielily.com
www.pixielily.com
SPORTSWEAR
ELIZA GRAN
DESIGNER: Eliza Gran
Sizes: 3 months to 6 years;
Wholesale prices: $22-$59
Eliza Gran's a little funky, a
little sweet sportswear collection, with its floral and
geometric prints and corduroy separates, always has a 70s
vibe.
Outstanding Piece: Every woman
knows that one great piece each season is all you need.
For kids it's Gran's striped shirtdress.
667 East 18th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Tel: 212-226-2106
E-mail: eliza@elizagran.com
www.elizagran.com
EMANUELLA BY SUSANA
MONACO
DESIGNER: SUSANA MONACO
Sizes: 3 months to 4; Wholesale
prices: $20-$115
Susana Monaco brought the wrap
dress to infants. This season she tops her chic
children's wear with glamorous coats.
Outstanding Piece: The light blue
wool tweed coat. Seams shape the coat gently and the
pockets and tie-belt add detail without bulk.
263 West 38th Street, 17th
Floor
New York, NY 10018
www.susanamonaco.com
telephone:
212-398-4243, ext:17
email:
sandrac@susanamonaco.com
ERICA TANOV
DESIGNER: Erica Tanov
Sizes: 6 months to 6; Wholesale
prices: $16-$101 (most are in the $30 range)
Erica Tanov exhibited a well-honed
collection of sportswear pieces utilizing gorgeous,
up-market textiles.
Outstanding Pieces: The red wool
modern jumper is as soft as cream and the color is warm
yet not vibrant. The wool cord that gathers the bodice is
all the piece needs for shape. Adding the rose-strewn
blouse lends a note of sweet nostalgia to the set.
Summer Place Reps LLC
1520 Wedmore Court
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Tel: 770-444-0776
E-mail: Brittanyharrell@charter.net
www.ericatanov.com
GUMBOOTS CLOTHING
DESIGNERS: Mark & Sissy
Caskenette
Sizes: Infant to 14; Wholesale
prices: $16-$19
Buyers look to Gumboots for
sportswear pieces with fashion-forward prints and unusual
detail. This season they flipped for the Caskenette's
sweaters and fabulous skirts.
Outstanding Pieces: The sweater in
a flattering shade of rose is ribbed from waist-to-hips
for a body conscious fit. The crocheted rose is the only
embellishment. Embroidered appliqués and a
crinoline peeking from underneath the A-line mini make it
one of the prettiest pieces in the show.
2401 Bristol
Circle, Suite
D202
Oakville, ON L6H 5S9
Tel:
905-829-1452/877-Gumboots
email: markc@gumboots.com
www.jamesgirone.com/gumboots
JOTTUM
DESIGNER: Anky Groothof
Sizes: 9 months to 12; Wholesale
prices: Contact manufacturer
Jottum is known for ruffles,
multi-tiers and ruching, dressmaker details and fine
textiles. In other words - couture for kids.
Outstanding Piece: Beautifully
rendered roses and contrasting red trim create a
magnificent piece of wearable art.
Children@Play, Inc.
51 Shelley Ave.
Hartsdale, NY 10530
Tel: 914-686-7544
Fax: 914-948-7354
www.childrenatplay.com
Email:
Tina_Rodrigues@childrenatplay.com
KID RASCAL
DESIGNER: Helen Namkoong
Sizes: 3 months to 10; Wholesale
prices: $12-$40
Cutting edge sportswear with a rock
star vibe is Helen Namkoong's forte.
Outstanding Pieces: The real
leather jacket in a soft shade of sky blue over the
t-shirt with a faded scenic print. The brown cord,
knee-length skirt with a pale blue panel ties the look
together.
860 South Los Angeles Street, Suite
930
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tel: 213-614-8994
email: kdrascal@yahoo.com
www.jamesgirone/kidrascal
KIDS WEAR THIS
DESIGNER: Shannon
Svensrud
Sizes: 2-10; Wholesale prices:
$12-$49
Kids may only wear pieces from this
collection after they see Shannon Svensrud's easy,
elegant jumpers and great, multi-print
blouses.
Outstanding Pieces: The lilac wool
jumper falls gracefully to the knee; The two deep violet
flowers are just enough embellishment. Tones of lilac
enhance the blouse's floral print and smart stripe. No
fuss dressing with charisma.
599 Third Street, Suite
307
San Francisco, CA 94107
Tel: 415-543-1714
E-mail: info@kidswearthis.com
www.kidswearthis.com
LAURENCELESTE
DESIGNER: Celeste Bayer
Sizes: Preemie to toddler;
Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer
Natural, earth tones and playful
textures are this collection's signature looks. For fall,
Bayer plays it cool with mixed prints and original
stripes.
Outstanding Pieces: There's a lot
of charm in the pretty floral top with its sweet Peter
Pan collar and gathered bodice over a sleek, striped
skirt. The blend of styles and prints works.
1800 West Larchmont
Chicago, IL 60613
Tel:
773-281-1960/800-890-7857
E-mail: laurenceleste@earthlink.net
www.laurenceleste.com
LE FROMAGE ET
L'ORANGE
DESIGNER: Sachin Batra
Sizes: - 10 Wholesale prices:
$14-$50
Hand painting and embroidery added
detail to unusual, easy-to-wear dresses.
Outstanding Piece: The pumpkin wool
A-line. Big flowers are outlined with hand embroidery and
the dress' shape is underscored with orange silk ribbon.
This knockout dress is as exotic as an Indian spice
market.
6 Baker Place
Stamford, CT 06905
Tel: 203-329-0719
E-mail: info@fromage-lorange.com
www.fromage-lorange.com
O'KEEFE &
DAUGHTERS
DESIGNER: Jaleh
Teymourian
Sizes: Contact manufacturer;
Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer
Sportswear with up-market touches
like metal closings on jackets, silk bows and big, modern
prints in rich colorways, made this collection
intriguing.
Outstanding Pieces: The teal blue
velvet blazer and coordinating striped pants in teal,
cocoa and beige. Can we ever get enough good-looking
boys' wear?
1295 Alabama Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Tel: 415-282-4248
E-mail: info@okandd.com
www.okandd.com
PORKY PIES
DESIGNER:
Tracy Perez
Sizes: 2-16; Wholesale prices:
$20-$75
Hip tweens and teens get down with
Porky Pies rock star separates.
Outstanding Piece: The fluffy pink
coat is something Mandy Moore might borrow from Courtney
Love. It's girly with an edge.
112 W. 9th St., #509
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Tel: 213-612-5062
E-mail: porkypies@msn.com
www.porkypiesclothing.com
RUFIO KIDS
DESIGNER: Andalynn
Richie
Sizes: Infant to 20; Wholesale
prices: Contact manufacturer
What a collection! Crushed velvets.
Over-embroidered silk dresses and tunics. Butter soft
wool plaids. Floral motifs printed atop men's wear
skirts. Boys and girls never had it so good.
Outstanding Pieces: The silky, deep
red jacquard blouse is trimmed with a burgundy velvet
ribbon. A red crinoline edged in pink silk keeps the
skirt buoyant. The skirt's men's wear wool is made
feminine with the addition of red velvet ribbons and
overprinted roses. Everything about this ensemble is
gorgeous.
Petite Couture
701 Eighth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-255-6506
E-mail: andalynn@poutychild.com
SWEETHEART JANE
DESIGNER: Anna Kim
Sizes: 7-16; Wholesale prices:
$23-$89
Anna Kim's funky, body conscious
consumers now have hip coats to cover up with.
Outstanding Piece: The collage
images printed atop this long, faux suede coat lined in
fleece reflect a watery, Japanese wood-cut beauty.
557 East Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Tel: 213-763-0103
E-mail: sales@sweetheartjane.com
www.sweetheartjane.com
ZOE LTD.
DESIGNER: Susan Mandel
Sizes: 2-20; Wholesale prices:
$50-$130
Mandel's collection appeals to the
buyer who looks for classic sportswear with a
twist.
Outstanding Pieces: The light blue
sweater with its drawstring touches and delicate
crocheted border finds the perfect partner in the
chocolate wool skirt embroidered with sprays of pale blue
flowers. So pretty.
112 West 34th Street
NYC, NY 10120
Tel: 212-967-2279
SPECIAL
OCCASION
LITTLE MAIDEN
DESIGNER: Little Maiden design
team
Sizes: 2-16; Wholesale prices:
$38-$99
Satin, tulle, crystal beads and
pearls are the makings of dreamy, special occasion
dresses.
Outstanding Piece: The sparkles
along the neckline, the fluffy pink bow, and a skirt as
frothy as whipped cream. Just add glass slippers.
411 South California
Street
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel: 1-800-648-3687
www.venusbridal.com
E-mail:
mrsalty@optonline.net
LULI & ME
DESIGNER: Maria Casero
Sizes: Newborn to 16; Wholesale
prices: $30-$35
There's nothing wrong with
traditional whites and pastels for special occasions, but
when a designer comes along and pushes the envelope the
outcome can be spectacular.
Outstanding Piece: Chocolate and
dusty pink are the "It" combination for sportswear this
season. When the duo is used in a romantic, classic
silhouette, as Casero did in this rich velvet and silk
dress, the traditional look gets a little edgy.
1545 Capital, Suite 105
Carrolton, TX 75006
Tel: 972-466-2505
E-mail: frank@casero-inc.com
www.casero-inc.com
MALLEY & CO.
DESIGNERS: Malley Gaulding and
Theresa Helms
Sizes: Infant-16; Wholesale prices:
Contact manufacturer
Buyers are never disappointed with
Malley & Co.'s pretty dresses and sportswear
separates in fresh colors and patterns.
Outstanding Piece: Mothers of teens
know, getting daughters out of jeans and into something
special isn't easy. The tie-dyed brown velvet number has
just enough sex appeal to take the sting out of dress up.
2805 National Drive
Garland, TX 75041
Tel: 972-840-6433
E-mail: malley@malleyandco.com
www.jamesgirone.com/malleyandco
NANA'S DARLINGS
DESIGNER: Leslie Ann
Rode
Sizes: 3-12; Wholesale prices:
$55-$105
It's true - kids' tees are moving
north of their navels while jeans are heading south.
Maybe that's why Nana's Darlings' smocked dresses with
their round collars, puffed sleeves and full skirts look
so fresh.
Outstanding Piece: The crisp, blue,
men's wear plaid and cuffed sleeves keep the dress from
being too sweet. The sheep jumping over a fence on the
hand-smocked bodice will make you smile.
108 Albany Street
Deer Park, NY 11729
Tel: 631-243-2722
E-mail: customerservice@nanasdarlings.com
www.nanasdarlings.com
REINA MORA
DESIGNER: Marta Negron
Sizes: 2 to 14; Wholesale prices:
Contact manufacturer
Marta Negron is known for
understated one and two-piece special occasion dresses
with a "Jackie O" influence.
Outstanding Piece: The pink silk
bodice is creamy. The mauvy brown chiffon skirt over a
pale pink slip glitters with sparkling beads. A cocktail
dress for Shirley Temple sippers.
P.O. Box 1827
Moca, Puerto Rico 00676
Tel: 787-997-4572
E-mail: sellreinamora@hotmail.com
www.jamesgirone.com/reinamora
SUSAN FLYNN
BARKSDALE
DESIGNER: Susan Flynn
Barksdale
Sizes: 2-16; Wholesale prices:
Contact manufacturer
The couture details on Susan Flynn
Barksdale's dresses land them in better boutiques
everywhere.
Outstanding Pieces: Barksdale uses
jewel-toned crushed velvet for holiday dresses that cast
light like a diamond. The rayon velvet has an especially
light, soft hand.
180 Grove Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Tel: 508-337-2983
E-mail: mkf@sfbdesigns.com
www.sfbdesigns.com
T-SHIRTS
CITY THREADS
DESIGNERS: Shayna Samuels and Joe
Willis
Sizes: Newborn to 8; Wholesale
prices: $9.50-$24
City Threads' gear answer the
burning question, "Where am I?" with the name of the city
or neighborhood printed on each piece. For fall they've
added laser printed tees.
Outstanding Pieces: What parent
wouldn't want a one-piece that mimics a double-layered
t-shirt - less fuss getting kids dressed and fewer pieces
of laundry. City Threads offers the style in six,
out-of-the-ordinary color combinations with a photo of a
car, taxi, robot, plane or rocket printed in front. Boys
will love it.
1025 North Kings Road, Suite
212
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel: 323-822-0581
E-mail: citythreads@aol.com
www.citythreads.net
KNITWEAR
FINGERPRINTS
DESIGNER: Susan Skeels
Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale
price: $22
With Fingerprints' collection of
taffy colored cotton sweaters, stocking a store with
delicious knitwear is as easy as taking candy from a
baby.
Outstanding Piece: The deep peach
sweater makes a cozy, fall-to-winter cover-up. The color
blends well with this season's reds, wines and corals.
529 West 42nd Street, Suite
3K
NYC, NY 10036
Tel: 212-631-0410
E-mail: fgrpts@aol.com
www.jamesgirone.com/fingerprints
RENATTONI
DESIGNER: Renattoni design
team
Sizes: Preemie to 7; Wholesale
prices: $10-$48
Renattoni pieces are knit from baby
alpaca wool that makes the softest, lightest sweaters
imaginable.
Outstanding Pieces: Some parents
love classic styles, others want something a little
different. Renattoni's coat and dress with its mix of
classic cables and hippyish hand-knit crocheted flowers
will satisfy either faction.
134 West Upsal
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Tel: 215-915-7893
E-mail: maribelb@verizon.net
www.renattoni.com
SKELAGAMINK
DESIGNER: Margaret Crary
Sizes: Layette to 8; Wholesale
prices: Contact manufacturer
You won't find baby pink and blue
in this knitwear collection. Crary loves cocoa and lilac,
green and peach, any color look that wouldn't be labeled
"classic."
Outstanding Piece: The knit jumper
with the hip-length red belt. Crary's colors transform
the schoolgirl outfit into modwear.
1417 North Wicker Park
Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773-645-5052
E-mail: info@skelagamink.com
www.skelagamink.com
PONCHOS
BUDDHA BEAR
DESIGNER: Angela
Britzman
Sizes: 4-16; Wholesale prices:
$20-$65
Butter soft suedes and great knits
with a 70's vibe are Angela Britzman's strong
suit.
Outstanding Piece: Out of the flea
market and onto her back, this retro crocheted piece has
everything a girl wants - shape without bulk, chunky
texture and colors with personality.
40 Great Jones Street #4
NYC, NY 10012
Tel: 212-473-9019
E-mail: abritzman@buddhabearkids.com
www.buddhabearkids.com
BILLIE H.
DESIGNER: Julia Ting
Sizes: Newborn-6, Junior 1-11;
Wholesale prices: $20-$40
Ting's collection of better knits
is known for uncommon color combinations, simple color-
block patterns and lots of stripes.
Outstanding Pieces: There's nothing
demure about the poncho's colors, and the big pompoms
lend a naughty cheerleader air. Ting's added a small
collar to keep a child's neck warm.
275 Fifth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: 415-668-9935
E-mail: info@billiehdesign.com
CLAUDE
DESIGNER: Paula Sikking
Sizes: 6 months-6 t-shirts and
ponchos 7-14; Wholesale prices: $12-$70
One-of-a-kind pieces that
incorporate vintage materials make great gift
wear.
Outstanding Piece: The squares of
the poncho are fashioned from vintage cashmere sweaters.
Hand embroidered blossoms bloom about the piece. Try
finding a cover up with more charm.
Clothing The Boom
110 East Ninth Street, Suite
A603
Los Angeles, CA 90079
Tel: 213-614-0052
E-mail: clothingtheboom@aol.com
BABY BAGS
FLEURVILLE
DESIGNERS: Catherine and Steve
Granville
Wholesale prices:
$12-$30
Children get older whether we like
it or not. One perk of the growing process: less stuff to
schlep.
Outstanding Piece: The "Escape
Pod." Just right for a kid who no longer needs to travel
with bottles and toys, but still demands a diaper change.
Once little Ollie or Olivia are off to school, the bag
becomes a classic accessory.
24A Tiburon Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel: 415-482-8510
E-mail: info@fleurville.com
www.fleurville.com
HAIR
ACCESSORIES
WEE ONES
DESIGNER: Barbara
Agatstein
Pieces fit infants to tweens;
Wholesale prices: $1-$15
You want playful ponytail ties?
Classic headbands with bows? Flower-covered barrettes?
Barbara Agatstein's got them. She dyes her own ribbons so
the colors are special.
Outstanding Piece: The dusty pink
velvet bow adds a vintage touch to any outfit.
33 Cherokee Drive
Saint Peters, Missouri
63376
Tel: 636-441-6301 or
800-258-9996
E-mail: info@weeones.com
www.weeones.com
