Just because the January Children's Club (7-9, 2007), is the smallest of the four annual shows, doesn't mean it's any less worthy, interesting, or important. In fact, because it is more scaled down, it is also more intimate, more accessible, more manageable, easier to navigate, and less frenetic. Good things come in small packages, indeed!

And the eclectic combination of both immediate/spring delivery items and new fall merchandise (not to mention a great number of offerings that could be considered as seasonless) provided more than just an interesting mix. This was particularly timely and relevant considering the way in which seasons seem to be less and less definitive, something that was amplified by the downright balmy spring like temperatures which greeted us on Sunday, the opening day. It felt far more like April than January. And having a chance to step outside the vast Javits Center and get some fresh air while looking over the Hudson River didn't hurt either. Nor did the floor to ceiling glass walls which allowed attendees to see the big boats and a slice of sky.

Based on an informal pole of sorts, pieced together from what many exhibitors told me, they too were heaping praise on the three-day show citing good attendance, brisk sales, and convivial atmosphere.

I guess you can think of the January Children's Club as "Mini Me"…a miniature, downsized, smaller version of its bigger 'brothers and sisters'. There is a lot to be said about a more subdued, laid back arena, especially since it was held the first weekend of the New Year and many of us have not been in a true work mode, having spent the last two months eating, drinking, celebrating, and partying. So this is a "kinder, gentler" way to ease into the New Year, get down to business, and tackle work and chores at hand.

And by the way...Speaking of 'Mini Me' and miniature versions…this growing phenomenon happens to apply to many of the fashions, accessories, and home furnishings which were being offered for the small set. It seems that each season, there is more and more clothing, jewelry, bags, hats, hosiery, footwear, belts, bedding, sunglasses, hair accessories, etc. that are "like mother like daughter". Or "like father like son" as the case may be. Is it that kids are growing up faster…or that parents are getting progressively younger (or wish they were)? Perhaps it's a combination of the two. But regardless, it's often hard to tell what items are for the babes and teens and which are for the grown ups.

The show was also a great excuse to catch up with familiar faces, see old friends (well, not really 'old' in that sense) and meet new ones. The smaller venue made the trends really stand out and it was hard not to notice recurring themes as I walked the aisles: flowers and floral designs in every imaginable incarnation, coloration, and every conceivable variety; optimistic retro prints and patterns; sports and athletic inspired gear; fanciful footwear; whimsical coordinating rainwear (ponchos, raincoats, boots, umbrellas, hats); ornamental and bejeweled trinkets and charms; shiny metallics; hand made, hand knitted items; Western wear; and the celebration of nature in all its glory.

So, in addition to flowers, there were dogs, cats, frogs, insects, bugs, monkeys, bears, zebras, birds, fish, and creatures of every kind being paid homage to. Though the wise old owl seems to stand out since I am especially taken with them these days and happen to know that young women are snatching up owl pins and vintage pendants wherever they find them (according to a vintage dealer). I even spotted a showgoer wearing a distinctive vintage pendant.

Salvor's owl pillows.

There certainly wasn't a shortage of creativity on view, which was exemplified by the creative ways in which the basic, humble T-shirt (long a favorite for the grown ups) has been reinvented, afforded star status, and offered for little ones of all ages, from newborns to tweens. It seems everywhere I looked, novel T-shirts stole the show. There were slogan and logo tees, vintage inspired tie dye ("to die for") and hip rock concert tees (very 'groovy'!), organic cotton tees, screen printed tees, bejeweled tees that were decorated to the max, and onesie tees. There were even tees that were emblazoned with eerily authentic likenesses of famous, iconic paintings and artwork. It was like taking a stroll down the aisles of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The glorification of the T-shirt personifies the notion that "everything old is new again", something which is always at the heart of fashion (and I'm referring to fashion for grown ups as well). Yes, everything old is new again, as world class designers and manufactures look back in order to go forward. Because they know that certain things cannot be improved upon.

Faige Apparel's art tees.

This factor also contributes to the ongoing love affair with retro and vintage inspired shapes, silhouettes, patterns, and prints, like tie dye (yes, still) which is very much a part of the whole boho hippie look. I saw tie dye in almost every booth (or at least it seemed that way) and it showed up in everything from tees and separates, to dresses, and of course accessories (bags, hats, leggings, tights, socks, head bands). And while I'm on the subject of hippie and boho…peace signs and camouflage prints never get old either and yes, they too showed up on all manner of clothing and accessories for kids of all ages.

Luxe Baby's swaddling blanket.

GoGogear's camouflage and peace sign bag.

Thankfully, where there's war...there's its opposite: love, and what with Valentine's Day on the horizon, it seemed fitting and timely that there were so many heart shaped, heart decorated, and heart printed accessories and clothing items. Not to mention items bearing the word 'LOVE'. "Make love, not war"? No, don't worry, I'm not proposing this for the babes and little ones (though there was even a kid's T-shirt bearing this slogan as well). But of course, let's not forget that it is the adults who are buying clothing and accessories for young ones. And we all know that to a large extent, children's wear is always a reflection of the parent's wishes, dreams, and hopes and attitudes.

Lil Darlings' heart trimmed headband.

Classic Concert Baby's "Make Love Not War" tee. 

Another print that was screaming up at me from bags, tees, hats, and other accessories, was the skull and cross bone, an ancient symbol of unknown origin but one that is tied in with the decidedly retro rock and roll spirit that seems to be imbuing so much of what's out there.

Kao's Recycled Concert Tee featuring skull and crossbone.

But perhaps the best of the ongoing trends are those of the unfrivolous, unsuperficial kind. I'm referring to accessories which not only LOOK good and function well to boot (yes, form and function is still the best combination), but DO good. Many manufacturers and designers are intent on educating young ones through their products (of course, the kids don't realize it at the time and that's the best part). And a growing number of designers and manufacturers are ensuring that a percentage of the sale of their products go to a worthy cause (notably breast cancer and other forms of the disease).

TRENDS

'Tee' Time: It's all about the T-shirt (the ultimate 'accessory'), shown for all ages, from newborn and up, in every imaginable incarnation. They are printed, decorated, studded, jewel encrusted, tie dyed, screen printed, and logoed to a fare thee well. The only thing that I didn't see much of was plain Jane, boring, basic tees.

Be My Valentine: Hearts in every size and shape, as well as the word, 'Love' showed up all over, on all manor of accessories including sunglasses, bags, watches, leggings, socks, tees, and headbands.

Tie 'Dye' For: Tie Dye forever…this colorful, symbolic hippie boho pattern lends itself perfectly to bags, leggings, hair bands, socks, bedding, T-shirts, and almost everything else.

Camouflage: Like tie dye, camouflage patterns in every color were seen throughout.

Museum Mile: Famous artwork and iconic paintings served as outright inspiration for both wearables and accessories of all kinds.

Glitz Blitz: Bejeweled, glittered, stoned and embellished accessories abounded as did metallics like gold and silver. There are even jeweled cell phone holders and pacifiers.

Wallflower by Faige's heart studded headbands.

Top Trenz's glittery cellphone case.

L.A.M.B. street sneakers.

'Charmed', I'm Sure: Charms in every form are a perennial favorite and show no sign of diminishing in popularity.

High IntenCity's "Jewels Girls Love to Wear" display.

"Go West Young Man" (or woman): Western themed accessories and clothing featuring horses, rodeos, and bandanas prove the West is always a popular destination.

Luxe Baby's Rodeo Time silk screened tee.

Flora and Fauna: Flower Power yet again…flowers are abloom in every incarnation.

Pea Soup's Gerber daisies hair clips.

"What comes around goes around": Looking back to go forward. Retro and vintage inspiration shows no signs of abating as designers and manufacturers continue to reference vintage textiles, fabrics, patterns, shapes, silhouettes.

What a 'Hoot': The wise old owl is taking the fashion world by storm; the image is a popular one used for pendants and pins for grownups as well as the kids nowadays, and lifelike owl images even emblazon tees and pillows.

Broad 'Band': Headbands of every material are getting wider and wider.

Skull and Crossbones: The rebellious and iconic symbol is not just being used on items for teens and adults but for babes as well.

'Patent' Pending: Shiny patent leather was a huge statement for Spring 2007 in women's ready to wear and accessories, and children can get into the act as well, as evidenced by sightings of brightly colored patent leather shoes, bags, belts.

Originally published January 29, 2007

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