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A HEALTHY SHOWING OF BUYERS AT CHILDREN'S CLUB - NEWCOMERS: GIRLS' COLLECTIONS
My heart beat a little harder as I picked my way through a knot of buyers clustered around several booths at the Spring/Summer 2012 Children's Club (July 31-August 2, 2011). "They're writing," one designer said. Another told me it was her best show in several years. With attendance up and several terrific collections from newcomers, I'm optimistic that we're in for a successful season. One especially happy occurrence for boyswear buyers: several innovative lines for the little guys.
Homebase: Milan, Italy DESIGNER: The Amelia design team Sizes: 3 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $26-$45 Understated elegance for girls and boys.
Imported from Milan, this collection features simply shaped, classic pieces in solids and fresh, happy prints.
Outstanding Pieces: For the bambina, the dress is loose and easy and the print, charming. Little bambinos look pulled together yet casual with a neutral vest, striped shirt and drawstring pants.
Drew NY Showroom (Faigy Drew) Tel: 718-232-0012 E-mail: Faigydrew@gmail.com
Homebase: Seattle, WA DESIGNER: Ann Marie Louie Sizes: 7 to 14 years; Approximate wholesale prices: $34-$106 "Impeccable construction techniques and mature silhouettes make Ana Louie apparel the answer to the ageless question 'What should I wear?"
There's glamour to this well-edited collection of nostalgic dresses and separates.
Outstanding Pieces: Can't you see Lana Turner reclining on a love seat wearing one of these silky numbers?
Tel: 206 229-3892 E-mail: annmarie@analouieapparel.com
Homebase: Hadden Heights, NJ DESIGNER: Nicola O'Connell Sizes: 2 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$42 "Children's clothing that captivates the imagination!"
Pieced-together, softly colored, with touches of vintage-like lace and ribbon: O'Connell's collection looks like it was produced in the atelier of artisans with exceptionally refined taste.
Outstanding Piece: Nicola O'Connell screenprints "embroidery" on the bodice of this soft, cotton knit dress for graphic impact.
Tel: 215-764-0685 E-mail: Nicola@girlandmouse.com
Homebase: Corona, CA DESIGNER: Diane Mcallister Sizes: 12 months to 6X; Wholesale prices: $17-$26 "Lets girls be girlie and enjoy their childhood."
A collection of brightly colored, flirty, cotton frocks with lots of back interest. Outstanding Piece: Prints do all the talking in front, while ruffles and corset detailing add plenty of whimsy to the dress's back.
Tel: 310-663-3002 E-mail: adnankmehmood@yahoo.com
Homebase: Lincoln, MA DESIGNER: Cindy Estes Sizes: 2 to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$49
Cindy Estes debuted with two cohesive groups: one in a palette of pale lilac, lime and sky, and a warmer selection with rose, soft orange and raspberry. Both groups of loose, modern pieces are based on multiple, retro-inspired patterns that are meant to be mixed and matched.
Outstanding Pieces: The Tilly dress in the hot maxi length offers tiers of fun Sixties-like prints.
Tel: 617-803-3490 E-mail: Info@seamcollection.com
Originally published September 2, 2011
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