Spring
2005 ENK Children's Club Show: The Winner's
Circle
Walking
through the Spring 2005 ENK Show held in the Javits
Center from October 17-19th, James and I were struck by
the number of exciting newcomers exhibiting great new
collections. To acknowledge budding designers, we've
decided to add a feature this season, a "Best in Show"
acknowledgment for the newcomer whose collection shows
the most promise.
We based our selection on three
qualities we feel are necessary for an emerging company
to be successful. The first is originality. We looked for
a line that communicated the designer's sensibility in a
way that seemed personal, not fad driven. The second
element was cohesiveness. The collection we chose, or
groups within that collection, had to be styled so that
the pieces were easy to mix and match. And, the colors
the designer selected were an important consideration. A
designer with a color sense that was a little outside the
norm, yet still saleable, was our ideal. And third, we
wanted fine craftsmanship. The manufacturing of each
piece had to be top notch.
While every designer in this
roundup is a winner, our "Best in Show for a Newcomer"
award goes to Stephanie Scarpulla whose company,
Bluebird, met our criteria for excellence.
Congratulations, Stephanie.
Bluebird trilled a happy song of sass and good taste. We
know we'll see your collection everywhere!
BEST IN SHOW -
NEWCOMER
BLUEBIRD
DESIGNER: Stephanie
Scarpulla
Sizes: 2-6; Wholesale prices:
$12-$42
Stephanie Scarpulla's wonderful
debut collection, Bluebird, wins our "Best Newcomer"
award for Spring 2005.
The styles and fabrics of the
1920's through the 1950's influence San Francisco-based
Scarpulla. Her first collection is diminutive - just 16
pieces that effortlessly coordinate. She has reproduced
the small-scale dots, quiet florals and vibrant paisleys
found on vintage feed sacks of that period. Each print,
exclusive to the Bluebird collection, finds its way onto
modern, cap-sleeved tops, no-collar shirts, and simple,
pullover dresses. She mixes the prints with striped
seersucker and solids for a look that manages to be
elegant, not busy. With a nod to this season's must have
detail - the floppy flower - Scarpulla adds a twist: her
"corsage" is soft, striped seersucker that looks as if it
belongs to the jacket, T-shirts and skirt it adorns,
instead of a fussy add-on.
Outstanding Pieces: The 3/4-length
Puffed Sleeve Jacket. The striped seersucker lends a note
of prairie sweetness, but the narrow fit, three-ribbon
tie closings and "corsage" gives the piece a contemporary
edge. The jacket easily mixes with any skirt, pant or
short in the collection, and is a no-brainer over jeans.
The Ruffled Skirt in dotted cotton voile edged in red, is
fully lined and another great mixer. The skirt is as chic
with the jacket as it is with a T-shirt or sweater.
35 Cumberland Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Tel: 415-206-1107
E-mail: info@bluebirdcollection.com
www.bluebirdcollection.com
INFANT
WEAR
HUGGABEBE
DESIGNER: Marie Eve
Demers
Sizes: 3-24 months; Wholesale
prices: $8-$22
Cotton knit layette sets are a
staple in most children's boutiques. This new collection
gives parents an elegant option to the bread-and-butter
gift ensemble.
Outstanding Pieces: Mothers of any
fashion persuasion will flip for the bright turquoise
serged-edges and the simply drawn rose on this
creamy-soft layette pairing.
865 Loma Verde Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tel: 650-704-1890
E-mail: contact@huggabebe.com
www.huggabebe.com
SPORTSWEAR
BLU
DESIGNER: Suzanne
Foucault
Sizes: 3 months -12; Wholesale
prices: $9-$26
Great detail defines the sportswear
groups from this Canadian newcomer.
Outstanding Piece: I doubt a child
will appreciate the hand stitching, random puckered
detail and uneven hem on this loose, comfortable cotton
A-line, but their mothers will.
754 Chemin de la Montagne, Suite
300
Mont Saint-Hillaire, Quebec J3G 4S6
Canada
Tel: 450-464-7171
E-mail: info@blubyblu.com
www.blubyblu.com
ELOISE &
ETIENNE
DESIGNERS: Patty Potter and Greta
Hallgren
Sizes: 6 months-3; Wholesale
prices: $10-$58
There are two schools of designers
working with real vintage materials - the first respects
the beauty of older textiles by keeping their garments
simple and adding few, if any, embellishment; the second
can't layer on enough patches and trims. Eloise &
Etienne falls into the first category.
Outstanding Pieces: The halter-top
that exposes an expanse of a girl's back and the matching
wide leg pants. The design is all about showcasing
fabulous prints and that's the way it should be.
3833 Tulsa Way
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Tel: 817-377-1433
E-mail: greta@eloiseandetienne.com
www.eloiseandetienne.com
HAVEN GIRL
DESIGNER: BRIANA HERSH
Sizes: 2-14; Wholesale prices:
$13-$21
Outstanding Pieces: A less
imaginative designer would take the playful red cotton
printed with seahorses and use it as is for a garment.
Not Hersh. She outlined the shapes with white beading and
turned her skirt into art. Also loved her novel spin on
the now tired toile - a cream-on-orange palm tree pattern
printed on Jersey (exclusive to her line) used for a 20's
style dress. The brooch made of shells that sits on the
dress' hip is just the right touch. (6 &
7)
6205 El Camino Real
Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Tel: 760-804-8500
E-mail: briana@surya.com
www.surya.com
LA
STUPENDERIA
DESIGNER: GIOVANNA AND ROBERTA DE
RISO
Sizes: 12 months-10; Wholesale
prices: $23-$110
Check out this collection if you're
on the hunt for gorgeous sportswear and charming knitwear
with a strong European feeling.
Outstanding Pieces: I don't know
what I love more - the 1920's style, double-breasted coat
and loose, high-waisted overalls, or the gorgeous silky
tweed fabric and amazing craftsmanship of this set. Not a
bad predicament.
www.lastupenderia.it
LUCY SYKES BABY
DESIGNER: Lucy Sykes
Rellie
Sizes: 3 mos. - 4; Wholesale prices
$19-$55
Does the name sound familiar? Lucy
is Marie-Claire's editor-at-large and society girl,
sister Plum, is the author of the just published
"Bergdorf Blondes." Sykes Rellie used her well-trained
eye to create a tiny collection of kids' wear that is
classic with a touch of whimsy.
Outstanding Pieces: The full skirt
and scalloped hem of this red cotton dress opens like a
flower. Add the red espadrilles that tie around the
ankles with bright pink ribbons and you've got an
adorable look going on.
95 Horatio Street, #314
NY, NY 10014
Tel: 212-242-3136
E-mail: lucy@rellie.net
www.lucysykesbaby.com
MIMI & MAGGIE
DESIGNER: Jo Anne
Yamamoto
Sizes: Infants(12-24mos.) to Girls
7-14; Wholesale prices: $14-$32
Mimi & Maggie is a big, print
driven collection with several well-coordinated groups.
Outstanding Piece: Her "Springtime
Flowers" dress begins with a bodice embroidered with a
spray of soft rose-colored flowers. The full, embroidered
skirt falls from the empire waist into handkerchief
points, some detailed with gorgeous lace. Just lovely.
1425 Grande Vista Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Tel: 323-264-0200
Email:
mimiandmaggie@hawaiipacific.com
www.jamesgirone.com/mimiandmaggie
BOYS'
SPORTSWEAR
JACKIE CHAN
DESIGNER: DDC Designer
Labs
Sizes: 2-20; Wholesale prices:
$12-$25
This new boys' collection has a
hip, vaguely Asian vibe that should appeal to Jackie Chan
fans and any boy into action films.
Outstanding Pieces: The dragon
print on the comfortable knit shirt is cool without
trying too hard, and the soft denim pants have enough
pockets to store all the odds and ends a boy needs for a
week.
1407 Broadway, Suite
1920
NY, NY 10018
Tel: 212-279-8889, Ext.
111
E-mail: paul@amcontinentalfashion.com
MR. TINY
DESIGNER: Lauren Gropp
Lowry
Sizes: 6 months-4; Wholesale
prices: $5-$25
A boutique could create a toddler
boys' department using only Gropp Lowry's collection and
make a fortune. She works in a limited color range of
neutrals sparked with teal and deep red so that every
piece mixes and matches. The garments are classic with a
playful 1950's influence, and items like the "Cuban
Shirt," a scaled down Guyabara, can take a kid from the
playground to dinner. What a great collection!
Outstanding Pieces: The
zippered-front Terry sweatshirt, the Cuban Shirt and the
clam diggers: easy, practical and charming.
8-10 West 19th Street, 10th
Floor
NY, NY 10011
Tel: 917-922-9327
E-mail: lauren@mrtiny.com
www.mrtiny.com
SHILAV
DESIGNER: Shilav design
team
Sizes: 6 months-4; Wholesale
prices: $5-$25
Can boys ever have enough stylish,
casual sportswear?
Outstanding Pieces: You don't need
a safari or even a trip to the Bronx Zoo to find amazing
animals. Shilav's T-shirts are printed with richly
colored beasts. Add coordinating, easy-fit pants and
you've got casual gear for boys with style.
18750 Oxnard Street, Unit
411
Tarzana, CA 91356
Tel: 818-343-9174
E-mail: gil@shilavusa.com
www.shilav.com
DRESSES
DORISSA
DESIGNER: Susan Sharp
Marino
Sizes: 2-16; Wholesale prices:
$25-$75
No, this 40-year-old company isn't
in the wrong roundup. The original company was sold, and
Spring 2005 is the first season Susan Sharp Marino is
designing the company's signature special occasion
dresses.
Outstanding Piece: You know about
the glass slippers, but did you ever wonder what
Cinderella really wore to the ball? She charmed the
prince in this icy pale blue and white dress with its
full skirt and angled tiers.
112 West 34th Street, Suite
802
NY, NY 10120
Tel: 212-629-6588
E-mail: Susan@Dorissa.com
www.dorissa.com
SORBET
DESIGNER: Carrie Lundell
Sizes: 3 months - 6; Wholesale
prices: $24-$45
This new collection of better
special occasion pieces are classic with a fresh
twist.
Outstanding Piece: Little details
like the tiny sage colored flowers on the bodice, the
pick-stitching along the grosgrain ribbon and the frothy
skirt on this sweet classic dress are as refreshing as a
scoop of sorbet.
1107 West Laurel
San Antonio, TX 78201
Tel: 210-733-3961
E-mail: charles@cicastro.com
www.cicastro.com
T-SHIRTS AND
GIFTWEAR
KOEKA
DESIGNERS: Margaret de Haas and
Jeanette van Leersum
Sizes: 12 months-8; Wholesale
prices for robes: $21.60-$27
This collection of Terry bed, bath
and sleepwear features modern, easy shapes and cheerful
colors.
Outstanding Piece: Talk about
multi-tasking. The light weight, brightly colored, hooded
robe works as a warm coverup after a dip in the ocean, as
well as a comfy wrap following a long soak in the tub.
Mooi LLC
3000 N. Sheridan Rd., Suite
15E
Chicago, IL 60657
Tel: 773-665-7748
E-mail: info@mooiforkids.com
www.mooiforkids.com
PEACE MONKEY
DESIGNER: Deneen O'Neill
Sizes: 3 months-6 years; Wholesale
prices: $11-$14
I've seen enough T-shirts,
especially with a rock 'n roll vibe, to last a lifetime.
But something about the glittery circle and clean
lettering on O'Neill's Peace Monkey T-shirts appealed to
me.
Outstanding Piece: The cocoa
colored lap-shouldered T-shirt. The word "snuggly" in the
center of that glittery fuchsia circle adds a touch of
irony.
Tel: 323-663-5985
E-mail: deneen@peace-monkey.com
www.peace-monkey.com
TATTOOI
DESIGNER: Erica Janke
Sizes: 6 months-6 years; Wholesale
prices: $10-$34
Tattoos for the under 18 set are
okay when they're worn on a cool black
T-shirt.
Outstanding Pieces: You don't even
need a bow on these attractive gift boxes. Inside there's
a long sleeved T-shirt for mom or dad, a stocking cap and
a black onesie for girls or boys that sport "tattoois" -
girls get a heart; the anchor is for boys.
9206 Sommerland Way
Austin, TX 78749
Tel: 512-301-1775
E-mail: Erica@tattooi.com
www.tattooi.com
BLANKETS AND
BEDDING
MOONCAKES
DESIGNER: Mary Morrison
Sizes: NB-6 months; Blankets are
available in three sizes. Contact manufacturer for
details.
Sometimes T-shirt sets with slogans
are just too much of a good thing. When you want a gift
that's classic and simple, turn to Morrison's sweet,
Asian-inspired layette sets and lovely, satin trimmed
blankets.
Outstanding Pieces: The T-shirt
with the silk jacquard pocket and coordinating bloomers,
and the footsie one-piece printed with good luck symbols.
Both make delightful shower gifts.
2512 North Greenway
Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: 786-552-1311
E-mail: info@moon-cakes.com
www.moon-cakes.com
ROOM SEVEN
DESIGNER: Brecht
Olshoorn
Sizes: Infant-14; Wholesale prices:
Clothing - $12-$59, Bedding and room accessories -
$6-$179
Does Room Seven remind you of the
wonderful Oilily line? It should. Olshoorn is the
daughter of Oilily's founders, Marike and Wilhelm
Olshoorn, and she's inherited her parents' designing DNA.
Outstanding Pieces: The embroidery
on this bedding collection illustrates the Princess and
the Pea fairy tale. The quilt is gorgeous, and the
embroidered sheer canopy, scattered with sparkling beads,
will make a little girl feel like royalty.
Amy Barrow, USA Agent
550 North Kingsbury,
#501
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: 970-948-1949
E-mail: amy@room7usa.com
www.room7usa.com
FOOTWEAR
LITTLE
MISSMATCHED
DESIGNER: Little Missmatched design
team
Sizes: 6-11; Wholesale prices: $2,
$5 and $10
I don't know if the idea behind
this line is pure lunacy or the work of brilliant minds,
but I'm leaning toward the latter. The concept: stop
boohooing over missing socks and start thinking of
matched sock-sets as a thing of the past. A buyer
purchases a package of one, three or seven printed socks,
then buys more socks that don't match. With 134 playful
patterns to choose from, the mismatching could go on
forever.
740 W. Boston Post Road, Suite
318
Mamoroneck, NY 10543
Tel: 415-465-7625
E-mail: jonah@littlemissmatched.com
www.littlemissmatched.com
DIAPER
BAGS
DIAPER DUDE
DESIGNER: Chris Pegula
Wholesale prices:
$26-$54.50
Great looking diaper bags for women
are easy to find, but until dad of three, Chris Pegula
came along with "Diaper Dude" there weren't many bags
suitable for papas.
Outstanding Pieces: The handsome,
chocolate brown, ultra-suede bag is hand-printed with a
dragon and the words "Good Luck"; The "Peace Camo" in a
deep green camouflage print is edged in bright orange and
sports a peace symbol. Both bags are as practical as
those designed for moms. Pegula's bags are just a little
cooler.
1112 Montana Avenue, Suite
854
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Tel: 877-334-2737
E-mail: orders@diaperdude.com
www.diaperdudebag.com
OUTERWEAR
HONEYBEE & ME
DESIGNER: Buket Erdogan
Sizes: NB-8; Wholesale prices:
$35-$75
No ones going to think Erdogan's
Technicolor fur coats are anything but faux, and that's
why they're such fun. With 21 bright-to-dark hues to
choose from, there has to be at least one "must have" for
your store. Each cotton and acrylic, hand-knitted coat is
machine washable and the shine never fades.
Outstanding Piece: Courtney Love
meets Pooh Bear. That's the rockin' yet cuddly feeling of
Erdogan's coats.
297 Ninth Street, 2nd
Fl.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tel: 718-832-7720
E-mail: info@honeybeeandme.com
www.honeybeeandme.com
