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Spring/Summer 2006 ENK Children's Club Exhibition: No Botox Needed What a show! There was sportswear with ruffles and tulle reminiscent of the Twenties and Thirties. Glitter and rock 'n roll looks mixed with clean classics; preppie suiting paired with hip T-shirts; chic Cosmo girl swimsuits teamed with sequined tunics to throw on when the sun bears down. Even animal costumes worn with stiletto-heeled sneakers - well, not yet, but I expect to see some variation of the look come fall. The best part of the show: The time-honored manufacturers with the hippest, most exciting collections.
GIRLS APPAMAN DESIGNER: Harald Hussum Sizes: NB-6 years; Wholesale prices: $10-$26 Hip T-shirts put this company on the map. Their irreverent sportswear will keep them there.
Outstanding Pieces: The "Crown" Tee with its jewel-like motif and matching pink and olive skirt are the kind of laid-back pieces you don't need to bribe a kid to wear. Tel: 718-208-5221 E-mail: info@appaman.com
BLUEBIRD DESIGNER: Stephanie Scarpulla Sizes: 2-10 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$52 Clean-lined, vintage inspired sportswear makes this collection a favorite of buyers who prefer original, fuss-free dressing.
Outstanding Pieces: The ruffled shoulder straps and little heart print on the apron top (shown backwards) are sweet but not too sweet. The pants are a nice break from tight, distressed low-risers. A winning look head-to-toe. Tel: 415-206-1107 E-mail: info@bluebirdcollection.com
BLU INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER: Suzanne Foucault Sizes: 4-14 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$42 I don't know what I appreciate more: The embroidered motifs that seem like an important part of every garment, not just decoration; Foucault's restrained use of color; or the beautiful way the entire line is merchandised.
Outstanding Pieces: This set - for the gorgeous pink and khaki combination; the flattering cut of the skirt; the way the embroidery feminizes the jacket - and for a million other reasons. Tel: 450-464-7171 E-mail: info@blubyblu.com
DANICA & DYLAN DESIGNER: Margaret Flynn Sizes: 2-12 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$25 Flynn has always been a great mix-master, blending patterns and textures with ease. This season, I'll add terrific colorist to her accolades.
Outstanding Pieces: Flynn took a plunge into the drink and emerged with this refreshing ensemble awash in cool tones of blue. Tel: 908-251-4170 E-mail: customerservice@danicaanddylan.com
DEVI DESIGNER: Ramaa Mosley Sizes: 6 months-14 years; Wholesale prices: $6-$36 To her collection of gorgeous, sequined silk tunics, Mosley has added raw silk pants, embroidered dresses, raw-edged T-shirts, bathing suits and even sequined sandals.
Outstanding Pieces: I love the mixed up, Indian-inspired feeling of the embroidered lotus motif on the T-shirt and the way it blends with - not matches - the flouncy paisley skirt. Tel: 310-823-9504 E-mail: devibaby@devibaby.com
ELIZA GRAN DESIGNER: Eliza Gran Sizes: 3 months-toddler; Wholesale prices $10-$38 I don't know if it's the hint of Seventies nostalgia, or the way Gran mixes prints, but I've yet to see a collection of hers that doesn't charm me.
Outstanding Piece: If this little patchwork set doesn't blow out of stores, I'm hanging up my computer. Tel: 212-226-2106 E-mail: eliza@elizagran.com
JEN JEN DESIGNER: Jennifer Marcellus Sizes: 6 months-12 years; Wholesale prices: $8-$30 Marcellus loves pattern, trim and embroidery, but she understands when enough is enough.
Outstanding Piece: This tunic has just enough sparkle to make it special. Tel: 858-824-1700 E-mail: info@jenjenkids.com
KIWI INDUSTRIES DESIGNER: Becky Grebosky Sizes: 3 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $10.50-$28 Even with the addition of little Liberty print dresses and new T-shirt and hat gift sets to her collection, Grebosky stays true to her understated design aesthetic.
Outstanding Piece: In an exhibition rich in flowers, Grebosky's three simple blooms stood out. Tel: 505.710.6455 E-mail: info@kiwiindustries.com
MALLEY & CO. DESIGNERS: Theresa Helms and Malley Gaulding Sizes: Infant-16; Wholesale prices: $12-$49 Fresh, feminine, not fussy sportswear and dresswear make this collection a favorite among better boutique buyers.
Outstanding Pieces: The shirring radiating from the center of this lovely celery green Tee is undeniably feminine. It pairs beautifully with the tiered skirt in a softly colored jungle print. Tel: 972-840-6433 E-mail: malley@malleyandco.com
PEACHES 'N CREAM DESIGNER: Cherie Martin Sizes: 4-14; Wholesale prices:$14.75-$24.75 Buyers love this well priced collection for its innocent styling and the add-ons: at least one bow, headband or handbag.
Outstanding Pieces: In a season where every detail counts, Peaches 'n Cream upped the ante with delicate pink ribbon trim and a matching purse. Janis Millstein Sales Tel: 212-239-4660 E-mail: janisales@aol.com www.jamesgirone.com/janismillsteinsales
SOPHIE & LILI DESIGNER: Jennifer Vallez Sizes: NB-8 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$32 For spring, Vallez designed all the prints in her collection, so you wont see them anywhere else.
Outstanding Piece: The only details on the "Stella" dress are a tiny pocket and a simple cloth belt. Who needs more when the crisp floral print is so delightful? Tel: 860-670-0203 E-mail: info@sophieandlili.com
TIKI DESIGNER: Linda Brady Sizes: 4 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$26 Paisleys, mod Sixties graphics, stripes, flowers - you name it, if it can be printed on cloth - specifically soft jersey - it's in Brady's collection.
Outstanding Pieces: Is there an occasion where these comfortable, pretty colored pieces wouldn't be appropriate? Tel: 718-797-2677 E-mail: tikillc@msn.com
WATI DESIGNER: Wati Grossman Sizes: 4-8 years; Wholesale prices: $18-$34 Grossman painted her booth deep gold and hung Spanish bull fighting posters and Frieda Kahlo prints on the walls as a backdrop for her jewel toned, deep ruffled separates.
Outstanding Pieces: All the puckered shirts, tiered-skirts and floral embroidery are as evocative as Kahlo's paintings. Tel: 650-224-7478 E-mail: watigrossman@yahoo.com
WHITNEY KIDS DESIGNER: Whitney Ross Sizes: NB-8 years; Wholesale prices: $29-$39 With all the frills and tiers out there, it's rare to find a collection with a designer who stays true to her classic aesthetic.
Outstanding Piece: The pale blue and white polka dot coat. Layer it over Ross' matching sheath dress, or any little A-line, and you've got a refreshingly crisp ensemble. Tel: 416-486-1503 E-mail: sales@whitneykids.ca
TODDLER BOYS JUDITH LACROIX DESIGNER: Judith Lacroix Sizes: 3 months-12 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$66 Lacroix is a modernist and color mix-master extraordinaire.
Outstanding Pieces: Take a glance at Lacroix's suit and shirting and you'll be impressed by her subtle use of color. Look closely and you'll see why the set is so special: There are gorgeous textures in the jacket that play against the check woven into the shirt and tie. The clear, neon orange buttons are an inspired touch. Tel: 33-14-28-21-250 E-mail: judithlacroix@aol.com
DRESSES AMELIE COUTURE DESIGNER: Daniella Oh Sizes: 4 years to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $8.50-$39 The designers of the Twenties and Thirties knew how to make women look beautiful. Oh chose similar floaty fabrics in complexion enhancing tones for her dresses this spring so girls can look just as enchanting.
Outstanding Pieces: All the puckers, rosettes and beading that embellish the two-piece set harken back to the glamour of the 1930's. The lavender bias-cut dress with a single ruffle is what understated elegance is all about. Curly Girls (Wendy Cooper) Tel: 212-967-6457 E-mail: curlygirls@aol.com www.jamesgirone.com/curlygirls
NEIGE DESIGNER: Adrienne Catrina Sizes: 2T-12 years; Wholesale prices: $21-$58 Catrina is influenced by early, more innocent eras, yet her collection has simple lines and just enough detail to be modern not fussy.
Outstanding Piece: The red blouson top edged in hot pink would look great over any skirt or jeans, and the bubble skirt is just as versatile. Together the pieces make a show stopping dress. Tel: 888-221-6366 ext. 801 E-mail: sales@neigeclothing.com
SARAH LOUISE INC. DESIGNER: Noel Bryan Sizes: Infant to tween; Wholesale prices: contact manufacturer Sarah Louise manufacturers everything from delicate Christening gowns to special occasion dresses with a classic feeling that never goes out of style.
Outstanding pieces: This smocked dress printed with tiny peach and fuchsia blossoms and embellished with a few insouciant ruffles, is irresistible. The apple green shrug tops the garment with aplomb. Tel: 941-377-9656 E-mail: maindesk@sarah-louise.com
T-SHIRTS I CAN FLY DESIGNER: Doris Oswald-Burrell Sizes: 3 months-6T; Wholesale prices: $9.50-$19 Oswald-Burrell's illustrations of kids at play and pets making mischief implore children to join in the fun.
Outstanding Pieces: Her funky colored camouflage pants may restart the trend for the army print. They're especially hip when paired with her empowering "I Can Fly" T-shirts. Tel: 323-913-2339 E-mail: wholesale@allkidscanfly.com
KNITWEAR SKELAGAMINK DESIGNER: Margaret Crary Sizes: NB-6 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$100. This season Crary employed delicate touches like knit floral "corsages" to subdue her strong graphic bent.
Outstanding Piece: The bright stripes and jagged-hemmed skirt are right out of the Seventies, but the spray of blooms at the shoulder keeps the look from being too disco diva. Tel: 773-645-5052 E-mail: info@skelagamink.com
SUGAR PI DESIGNERS: Catherine Andreozzi and Brenda Swift Sizes: 12 months-12 years; $23-$150 The Sugar Pi booth is the headquarters for girlie girls and the buyers who love them.
Outstanding Pieces: The pale pink sweater detailed with floral embroidery that ties in the front with a big peach bow and the matching ruffled skirt are for girls who embrace their femininity. Tel: 401-884-0702 E-mail: info@sugarpi.com
SWIMWEAR JEAN BOURGET DESIGNER: The Jean Bourget design team Sizes: Layette to 20; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer My first stop at any ENK show is the Jean Bourget booth. The way the designers use color, and style their outfits is always inspiring.
Outstanding Pieces: The leaf printed tunic and coordinating red maillot. The whole Jane of the Jungle vibe is wildly exotic. Groupe Zannier U.S.A. Tel: 212-279-7672 E-mail: sophie@gzannier.com
DUE SORELLE DESIGNERS: Aimee Pesce and Alisa Neely Sizes: toddler-6X; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer This sister act took an invigorating dive into swimwear.
Outstanding Piece: The asymmetrical-topped string bikini. The print doesn't overwhelm the suit's shape and that hit of red in the flowers and trim makes the set pop. Tel: 617-262-8167 E-mail: info@duesorelleonline.com
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