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MOVE OVER, BIG KID. BABIES BACK IN TOWN 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 remain. 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!
MACK & CO. Homebase: Oakland, CA DESIGNER: Gerri Mack Sizes: 3 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$62 Mack's fall collection of innovative outerwear includes her trademark fleece pieces as well as quilted designs and wools all with a little twist that makes them special.  Outstanding Pieces: This sweet fleece swing coat and hat with blooming roses is ideal for chilly spring or early autumn days.
This elegant, versatile olive piece and with pink fleece lining looks great, but there's more to this coat than good looks: With its insulation, the garment will keep a little girl warm until the weather dips to 20 degrees. Tel: 510-533-6545 E-mail: gerri@crivellimack.com
SUBMARINE Homebase: Miami, FL DESIGNER: Deborah Soriano Sizes: 4 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $19-$65 There's so much more to Submarine than swimsuits. They've branched out to include sports and dresswear with the same modern, easy and sexy attitude as their coveted bathing suits. Outstanding Pieces: The black ruffled dress on the left is meant for a fancy evening out, but it wouldn't be odd worn with bare feet and a big smile on the beach.  Throw the black lace tank over a swimsuit or a camisole, slip on the pretty skirt and the outfit is all about an easy, sophisticated day (or night) in South Beach. Tel: 305-931-4196 E-mail: Deborah@submarineswim.com
KAPITAL K Homebase: Cedar Grove, NJ DESIGNER: Spencer Sujjaporamest Sizes: 2 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $10-$41 Off the concert stage and onto the raceway, fall is all about music and the roar of a speeding car.  Outstanding Pieces: The narrow shapes, deep colors and flashes of bright stripes exude a whole lot of funky Seventies' fever. Thread Showroom (Terra Fazzio) Tel: 212-801-2387
Homebase: Watertown, MA DESIGNER: Shaun Budka Sizes: 6 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$54 Weathered colored and vintage looking graphics and washed-to-softness fabrications make this an appealing collection to boys who don't like to look styled.
Outstanding Pieces: The distressed leather jacket that's quilted for warmth pulls together a comfortable tee with a boy's favorite racing motif and lean jeans. Tel: 617-395-7455 E-mail: Shaun@littletravelerusa.com
Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNER: Albert Lee Sizes: 6 months to 20; Wholesale prices: contact manufacturer Lee has his eye on the season's hip color combinations, he loves stripes and his humor colors everything.  Outstanding Pieces: No one's the boss of this babe when he wears the take no prisoners bulldog tee and pants. Tel: 213-489-3050 E-mail: Albert@monsterrepublic.com
Homebase: Bensalem, PA DESIGNER: Susan Feinberg Sizes: 3 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Feinberg mixes practicality with whimsy in this collection of happily colored and patterned boyswear.  Outstanding Pieces: Feinberg gives a wink to the future economists of America with the Piggy Banker T-shirt and pinstriped cargo pants. The slot in the "bank" is real. Tel: 215-633-7233 Ext. 19 E-mail: David_Feinberg@mulberribush.com
Homebase: Philadelphia, PA DESIGNER: Christine Johnston Sizes: 6 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$33 Her shirts and tees for boys are clean and lean, richly colored and the graphic prints pop. Pair them with equally unfussy denim, cords or fleece pants, and you're dressing boys with panache.  Outstanding Pieces: Little boys rock the rock 'a billy look with this Western shirt in the season's hot plaid and easy, pull-on denims.  A gorgeous print in a gorgeous color combination: the Aqua-Flora is reminiscent of Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler - all those sexy, Boho chic rockers. Tel: 215-462-1177 E-mail: Info@wonderboyclothing.com
Seen at the March 2011 Children's Club; Originally published March 31, 2011
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