Traditionally, the August ENK Children's Club has not only provided buyers and retailers with the opportunity to purchase fall items (for 'immediate' delivery), but it has also been a perfect arena in which to scout out holiday, resort, and the upcoming spring season (hence, the 'schizophrenic' look of the booths: there's fall, winter, summer, and seemingly everything in between). Nothing has changed with respect to those elements, but for the first time, the show was moved up to the last week in July (29-31, 2007).

And while last year, the summertime show was held at the West Side Piers, this time it was in its usual place: the cavernous and bustling Javits Convention Center. This made for a most satisfying mix, as far as I was concerned. The show was crowded with booths (not only those bearing names of well known, established brands, but with plenty of new ones as well). There was just enough traffic to make it energetic, busy and hectic for sure, but at the same time, there was a nice, easy, and rather calm summer 'vibe' which was very much in keeping with the lazy, hazy, days of…well…July! (With the heat and humidity, it sure felt like August anyway).

And more good news…the vast and ever burgeoning accessories market (which has come to mean everything and anything that is a non clothing item: jewelry, hair ornaments, headbands, bags, umbrellas, lunch boxes, shoes, hosiery, hats, gloves, scarves, toys, home furnishings, bibs, strollers, baby blankets, rattles, music boxes, gift sets, picture frames), continues to grow in size and importance.

When you factor in the growing 'trend' toward those things that are seasonless, or that seemingly ignore the seasons (thanks to Global Warming; or because when it's summer in one part of the world, it's winter in another; or simply because the merchandise does not 'have' a season), and consider, as I have previously mentioned, that the items on display represent all seasons, it all adds up to a dizzying variety of choices. There was truly something for everyone.

There were summery accessories both light in fabric and light in color and there were items that were hand knitted, textural, and wintry. There were products specifically geared toward summer camp while others were more appropriate for 'back-to-school'. Soft and muted colors and prints happily coexisted with the bright, bold and graphic. Special occasion and holiday perfect gold, silver, sequins, and beads were displayed alongside the more everyday, 'humble', and basic cottons and wools. There was much that was delicate, dainty and feminine but on the other side of the coin, there was also plenty for boys. And naturally, there were items that were stuck in the middle…completely unisex and suitable for either.

And as I always mention, the children's market continues to echo the grown up market; hence, all the 'mini me' products which allow mother and daughter or dad and son to wear or enjoy the same things. (A show attendee carrying a 'Scoop Kids' shopping bag emblazoned with the words "Starting Young" said it all). In addition, within the world of fashion, it's never just about one thing (there are always plenty of choices and options available) and though there may be certain trends that stand out from one season to the next, there are always those perennial favorites that transcend trends and happily stand the test of time.

In fact, as I write this, the adult fashion world is currently enjoying a renewed love affair with time honored classics: pearls, chains, loafers, ballet slippers, charms, quilting, AND the very preppy, crested navy schoolboy blazer, which is THE must-have item for fall (for men and women). As I made my way around the aisles of the Javits Center, not only did I notice many scaled down versions of that handsome gold buttoned navy blazer, but I also noticed many variations on pearls, chains, lockets, charms, ballet slippers, Mary Janes, moccasins, loafers, and boots.

Speaking of which, the footwear market continues to grow and, in fact, it seemed that almost every other booth was devoted to footwear of one sort or another. It is a category marked by unusual variety and is one that truly benefits from scientific and technological advances.

Other classifications that really stood out at the recent Children's Club in terms of sheer number and variety were hair accessories (headbands, from very narrow to very wide and often with an attached scarf for practicality, continue in popularity along with decorative flowers, barrettes, and clips); Diaper Bags (this is one area where the dads have really gotten involved and have proven successful in transforming this traditionally feminine, 'girly' product into something cool, hip, and completely 'dad' friendly); Gift Sets (everybody needs gifts now and then!)…and all the better when they can be customized and personalized (monogrammed with initials or names) which adds an individual touch.

Wide ultra suede headbands from Andrea's Beau.

Among the recurring themes which caught my eye were peace signs, which in the same way as leopard prints, never seem to never lose their appeal, never go out of style, and unfortunately, couldn't be timelier when you consider current world events. And of course, where there are peace signs there are bound to be camouflage patterns and tie dye. And talking about peace…I couldn't help but notice that the word 'Love' popped up all over the place and on almost everything. In fact, I was struck by use of words…all the inspirational slogans, phrases, popular mantras, and favorite sayings which seemed to be printed, stamped, written, embroidered, beaded, painted, or affixed to everything from bracelets and headbands to hats, scarves, socks.

Confetti & Friends' peace and love headbands.

But when you get right down to it, the most heartwarming and satisfying 'trend' of all (and I hesitate to even use the word 'trend' as it implies something that is a flash in the pan, "here today gone tomorrow", rather than something that is here to stay) is the dedication to doing the "right thing".

The way I see it, there are a growing number of designers, companies, and manufacturers who are obviously factoring in societal and environmental concerns, health issues, and world affairs and are intent on being eco-friendly, environmentally responsible, socially conscientious and compassionate. To this end, they are focusing their talents and energies on creating items that not only look good, feel good, or smell good, but actually DO GOOD. Do good for the child, do good for the parent, do good for society, do good for the environment, do good for the planet.

I was taken by the number of products which are designed to promote health and exercise, foster good eating habits, encourage learning and creativity, and generally enhance life. How was this exhibited? Many exhibitors are making a point of adhering to 'fair trade' guidelines which promote equitable standards for international labor, environmentalism and social policy. There's an entire category of eco-chic products which only use biodegradable and recycled materials to create something new and beautiful. And more than a few exhibitors pointed out that a percentage of its sales are donated to a charity they find meaningful.

TRENDS

"Do the Right Thing": Designers and manufacturers that are socially compassionate and socially responsible and strive to help society by adhering to Fair Trade rules; or by donating a portion of their sales to any number of meaningful charities.

Eco Chic: "Waste not, want not"…nothing should go to waste in an ideal society so the idea of using organic, biodegradable and recycled materials to create something new is especially appealing nowadays.

Fleurville's Re-Run Collection.

Two-fers (two for the price of one): Products that do more than just one thing and have at least two (if not three or four) other functions (talk about practical and versatile).

Kiddie Couture: Everyone is positively label conscious these days and happily, luxurious designer creations are not only for grownups. Mini versions which echo the chic elegance of high end labels can now be enjoyed by those of every age.

Go to the 'head' of the class: Hats, hoods, and headgear continue to provide whimsy, fashion, and more importantly, protection or warmth as the case may be.

Gigis' nylon mesh helmet duvets.

A 'sign' of the times: Peace signs never lose their appeal and were seen everywhere: on hats, gloves, scarves, jewelry, bags.

Groove Camp's peace sign hats, scarves and gloves.

My 'word': Popular sayings, slogans, phrases, and inspirational messages were printed, engraved, beaded, stamped, and embroidered on every manner of accessory.

Party Elegance Kidz's slogan cuffs.

The 'name' game: Personalizing through monograms (names and initials).

The gift 'sets' that keep giving: Gift sets continue to be a major and popular category (we all need gifts after all)….All the better when they can be customized and personalized which allows the store and the customer to express themselves.

Teacher's 'Pet': Animal prints (leopard, zebra, giraffe) and animals of every incarnation continue to be popular with kids of all ages (including grown ups) and they are being translated into and onto every imaginable item.

'Pearls' of wisdom: Pearls never go out of style and are perennial favorites…whether it's in the form of a bracelet, necklace, earring, ring, or hair ornament.

Briati's pearls with heart clasp.

What a 'charm'ing idea: Charms are another all time favorite and were seen on necklaces, bracelets, key chains, hair ornaments.

The Shining: Metallics (gold, silver, bronze), sequins, beads, and crystals quickly transform something basic into something special.

From Diaper Diva silver and gold bags.

Elk's new holiday shoes.

Always and Forever: Classic footwear styles (ballerina slippers, moccasins, loafers, Mary Janes) never lose their appeal and are carried down from one generation to the next.

Little Raggio's animal pattern ballerinas and moccasins.

'Knit' Wits: Textural and chunky hand knitted hats, scarves, gloves, mittens (often sold as sets) continue in importance and popularity and have never looked better.

Finders Keepers' hand knit hats, scarves and gloves.

Express Yourself: Toys, books, games, and other products which encourage children to personally express themselves and tap into their creative side.

BeePosh's Elvis the Lion plush toys.

'Bows' Arts: Bows (tiny and pronounced - in fact, the bigger the better are newest) decorate everything from headbands and hats, to shoes.

Pediped's velvet Mary Janes.

Originally published August 26, 2007

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