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Children's Club Spring 2006: Variety is the Spice of Life

I'd be the first to admit that I've had far more experience in the world of women's high fashion than in children's wear. As a longtime fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar, and more currently, the editor in chief of www.lookonline.com, I've routinely attended the international round of fashion shows which unveil the new looks for decidedly grown up men and women for the coming season and I feel this has given me a very interesting perspective with which to observe and take note of trends for those who are younger and smaller.

Perhaps more importantly, based on what I saw in the exhibits and booths of both the newcomers and established companies which lined the halls at the Jacob Javits Center, the setting (as usual) for the Children's Club for Spring 2006 (held Aug. 7-9), it seems as though my particular experiences can really come in handy. The gap between what is being offered for grownups and infants, toddlers, young children, and tweens is narrowing. There is far more overlapping, and in many cases, it's hard to delineate or tell which is which - other than through the sizes, of course. And even that's not always the case as exemplified by the barely there mini micros skirts, short shorts, shrunken and abbreviated tops being suggested for the over-21 set. And let's face it, like it or not, kids are growing up more quickly while at the same time, many adults are trying to stop the clock, recapture their youth, and slow down the aging process, which contributes to the similarities.

Trends that have recently been spotted on runways, on the street (on fashionable trend setters and partygoers), in store windows and within store displays, are now playing out in pint size versions. This was exemplified by the fact that the most popular item of summer, the ethnic inspired, rich hippie, sequined and/or printed Mexican circle skirt, which was worn by more than just a few show attendees, was also on display in quite a few booths, and many other gypsy, bohemian looks abounded. Another example is how the footwear of choice for this past season, the lace up espadrille, and the little ballet flat - were also seen frequently throughout the three-day show, available in everything from sweet gingham checks to very grown up and sophisticated gold or silver lame and sequins, as well as pale boucle tweeds (very 'Chanel', no?)

Pif by Aymerich

Ragg Footwear

Another thing I noticed as I made my rounds was the unmistakable influence of vintage and retro inspired fashions and textiles - something which has now been widely accepted by the customer, tapped into by designers everywhere, and a trend that has truly reached its peak. What else? The plethora of prints and patterns ranging from classic stripes and checks to mod inspired geometrics, fruit prints, florals, polka dots, paisleys, and sea worthy anchors, lobsters, and boats.

Meli Meli

And because this show was for spring/summer, it was hardly surprising that one would find stellar swimwear, and I certainly did…bikinis, tankinis, and maillots sized from infants and up. In addition, crisply tailored outwear - trench coats, pea jackets, and balmacaans, another proven favorite for designers and grown up customers, and a proven success story at retail - is a category hardly being ignored for infants, toddlers, children, and tweens. And why should it be? There is no reason why the top layer which acts as protection against the elements, regardless of season, should not look good or be fun to wear for those of all ages.

M.N. Bird

Tickittyboo

And then there is the idea of volume…full skirts and full skirted dresses often petti coated, were one of the BIG stories for women this coming Fall 2005, and there were many fine examples to be found at the Children's Club, and not just in booths of companies known for their frothy special occasion dresses.

Us Angels

Of course, I can't forget, 'bling' - as in shimmer and shine. Gold, silver, bronze, sequins, Swarovski crystals, and elaborate hand beading have become commonplace for us gals (and guys) and yes, these touches were there in abundance for the little ones as well.

Funky Kids

Another hard to miss force and influence? The way in which globalization, a major trend within the grown up worlds of ready to wear and couture, has played out for the kids. In fact, the Javits Center basically resembled a tiny League of Nations not only with its international group of vendors and buyers from around the world, but through collections of clothing, gifts, and accessories that reflected varied cultures. Tom Brokaw recently observed, "We live in a global world. Culturally, politically, economically, and socially. We no longer live in fortress America." Well you can also add the word, 'fashionably' to that list.

Lucky Wang

And let us not forget the wholesome, clean, classic, preppy look, which NEVER goes out of style, never loses its appeal or charm, always looks great, and perfectly counterbalances all the ethnicity.

Le Guignol

In fact, it is precisely this schizophrenic dichotomy and the sheer variety of choices and options that hit me the most about what I observed at the Children's Club. Just like in grown up ready to wear, there is truly something for everyone, it is never about just one look, one mood, and one choice. All looks are valid and each has its place - it all depends on one's taste, lifestyle, pocketbook, and needs. In fact, the only big trend from recent ready to wear runways that did NOT find its way into the children's wear market, is the color black. As you probably know by now, black is back in a big way for this coming Fall 2005, and while there are examples of delectable little black dresses and separates for the small set, in general, most parents want their little ones to be clad in more traditional and happy colors, especially for the spring/summer season.

So, to summarize: for every print, there was a solid, for everything retro there was something modern or even futuristic, for everything that was dressed up there was something dressed down. For everything funky, and trendy, there was something sweetly classic, traditional, and timeless. For everything that was ethnic, there was something unapologetically All-American. For everything that was beaded and embellished, there was something natural and homespun.

 

 

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