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FROM OUR SPONSOR'S COLLECTION


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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

SUPPLIER SHOWCASE

ON THE INSIDE WITH MARILYN KIRSCHNER

 

Children's Club Spring/Summer 2006: Spring Has Sprung!

The month of October has traditionally produced one of the biggest and most anticipated of the all the Children's Club shows, which is held over a 3-day period at the sprawling Jacob Javits Convention Center and the enormous space, jam packed with exhibitors and attendees from around the world, was recently testament to this. The well attended and popular event, boasting a live Vogue Bambini sponsored fashion show, also bore witness to the importance of accessories and the ever increasing part accessories play in the marketplace (and in all our lives). Of course, the word accessory means different things to different people, it can be used to define and encompass many things and in many instances there is a blurring of the lines and overlapping of the categories. (That beautiful, soft blanket that covers the couch, can also offer warmth to a baby in a crib, or to little one in a stroller. And perhaps you can throw it over your shoulders as well.)

According to Webster's Dictionary, accessory means, "Accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; additional, contributing or contributory." And according to WorldNet, the terms can also mean, "Clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing"; or, "a supplementary component that improves capability." Regardless of how you define it, what cannot be argued is that accessories are a huge, ever growing and expanding area, one that is seemingly limitless and knows no bounds - no matter what the age-group.

In addition to the expectedly dizzying amount of home products, furnishings, and clothing (separates, sportswear, outerwear, dresses, special occasion clothes, etc.) presented by both newcomers and established companies, sized for newborns through tweens, the most recent Children's Club boasted countless booths displaying shoes, boots, belts, scarves, bags, hats, gloves, jewelry, head bands and barrettes, socks and tights, sunglasses, watches, umbrellas, blankets, pillows, and more. And while many of the same companies who sell clothing offer accessories as well, it seems that there were as many exhibitors whose specialty was ONLY accessories (of one kind or another).

MP Socks & Tights' florals and stripes.

While there was a decided chill in the air, some rain (what else is new!?) and a cloudy October sky that seemed to permeate the three days, underneath the tall glass ceiling at the Javits Center it was very much about next spring and as I walked around the aisles surveying the endlessly varied selection, certain trends quickly began to crystallize. There was an abundance of the traditional and rather predictable pastel and brightly hued shades; a plethora of retro inspired, happy, whimsical prints and patterns (everything from polka dots, checks, stripes, and paisleys to toile de joey); flowers, flowers and more flowers (floral prints and flower shapes - either appliquéd, beaded, or embroidered) appeared in every form imaginable and on everything from pocketbooks to sandals.

Wee Ones' floral hair bows.

Baby Star's bibs with dots.

In addition, nature and the environment were channeled, as seen in all the oceanic/nautical and wildlife themes where pictures or likenesses of animals, birds, fish, and mammals not only decorated pillows, bibs, and T's, but their images were displayed on stuffed animals and toys.

What else? Glitter, sparkle and shine continue in importance as evidenced in all the beads, stones, sequins and metallics that decorate EVERYTHING; inventor moms continue to produce and design (as they say "Necessity is the mother of invention" and mothers are admittedly being inspired by their little ones and therefore getting into the act). Speaking of moms, the idea of "like mother like daughter" is becoming more and more of a reality as companies and manufacturers come out with their latest must-have items that can easily be enjoyed by mothers and daughters of all ages, and even shared, in some cases. (There were belts and hair accessories that could work for many sizes and ages, handbags and pocketbooks that could easily be imagined on girls of all ages, and the growing popularity of charms and chains spans generations and could easily be enjoyed by young and old.

Coastal Projections' pastel sequined slippers with flowers.

Goody Goody's butterflies.

It was hard NOT to notice how the environment and the weather continue to serve as a major source of reference and inspiration. And that's hardly surprising since the weather (particularly recently) has continued to make front page news. With all the record breaking rain we've been enduring as of late (not to mention hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods reeking havoc all around the world), it's no wonder designers are trying to come up with new and improved ways to add a bit of cheery fun and whimsy to otherwise traditional rainwear. Is it my imagination or were there a disproportionate number of companies selling hard to resist raincoats, capes and ponchos with coordinating umbrellas, boots, and hats, that would have all members of the family chanting "Singing in the rain", rather than, "Rain, rain, go away"?

And then there is the hard to beat merging of form and function - the application of well thought out, intelligent design which results in items that not only 'Do Something' but actually look good in the process (like those gorgeous silver rattles which not only produce soothing sounds to lull baby asleep, but are objets d'art in an of themselves, and would look wonderful on any coffee table or desk).

 

 

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