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Children's Club Spring 2008: Established Lines Present Collections As I've pointed out, though it's always satisfying to find new names, it's always fun to revisit 'old' friends and see what they are up to. This is a sampling of some of the best of the well established companies who turned out at Children's Club in July (29-31, 2007).
ANDREA'S BEAU Quality hand made accessories for girls and women Designer: Andrea Chafetz Sizes: Toddler, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 14, Adult Wholesale: $3 - $10 Standouts: The wide ultra suede headbands, the jeweled velvet headbands (both of which are brand new this season), the 'Tyrolean' headbands; the gilded 'Raj' bands decorated with jewels and sequins; the headbands with attached scarves.
FYI: While they sell a complete line of hair accessories, they are known for their wide assortment of headbands which stand out in the marketplace owing to their "unparalleled materials and variety" according to Andrea. She also deemed them both "practical and flattering" and are perfect for "bad hair days". She sells as many narrow as wide. Tel: 202-966-7004 E-Mail: info@andreasbeau.com
CHINA DOLL SHOES "Beautiful, sparkly, and fun" shoes for all ages Designer: Treesa Robinson Sizes: Infant to Adult Wholesale: $14 - $20 Standouts: Their Mary Janes, for which they are known: especially the green and pink "classic sequined" version (which is their best seller), and those printed in sweet retro prints and patterns.
FYI: Ms. Robinson's many trips to the Far East have obviously inspired her designs (especially her use of vibrant colors and exotic embellishments). Based in Los Angeles, she is celebrity oriented and counts Melanie Griffith, Madonna's daughter Lourdes, Susan Sarandon, Kyra Sedgwick, and Barbara Streisand as fans and customers (Barbara recently ordered several pairs of Mary Janes). Tel: 323-655-1345 E-Mail: dollofchina@aol.com
BABY CIE Colorful baby accessories and gift sets with a decidedly French 'accent' Designer: Norman Kosser Wholesale: $2.75- $120 Standouts: The soft lunch boxes (there's a ballerina and a pirate design); the new umbrella and boot sets (jungle and farm prints); the vinyl fruit shaped bags (cherry, apple, strawberry, banana).
FYI: Another of Norman's inspired ideas is 'La Table' his line of high quality melamine plates (for the grown up set) that not only don't look plastic but are almost exact replicas (but far cheaper and less precious since they're practically indestructible) of famous and iconic pottery from Deruta, Italy and Provence. Since I've collected the gorgeous and colorful 'Raffaelesco' for years, I'm personally thrilled to see this practical idea come to fruition. Tel: 323-733-4505 E-Mail: Norman@babycie.com
ALIVIAN High quality hair accessories for little girls Designer: Natalia Berg Nielsen Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 4 - 6X Wholesale: $10 - $15 Standouts: The new mesh beads; The 'Back-to-School' Collection which includes emblems, flowers (newly re-colored for fall in earth tones of green and brown), the graphic black and white grouping.
FYI: Alivian is known for their supreme workmanship and Natalia, who is inspired by nature, only uses the finest materials (the best silk flowers and Swarovski crystals); their flexible stretch net is guaranteed not to slide off. Toll-Free: 877-ALIVIAN Office: 347-570-3502 E-Mail: info@alivian.us
JAY STRONGWATER Elaborate intricately designed jewel encrusted enamel picture frames and boxes which can be described as "bling for the home". Designer: Jay Strongwater Retail: $75 - $550 Standouts: The tiny pea pod-shaped box which has miniscule peas resting inside; the round rocking horse frame; the baby carriage frame which are all from his 'Allegra' Collection for babies and children.
FYI: Mr. Strongwater began as a jewelry designer (he made a necklace for his mother while he was a student at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1979, and the reaction was so great, he took samples of his jewelry to New York department stores. He subsequently collaborated with Oscar de la Renta for his runway show and began getting editorials in Vogue Magazine). He is fascinated by the idea of taking "everyday things and turning them into jewels for the home". His pieces are all little works of art and the backs look as good as the front in each and every one and are carried at high end stores such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom's and Horchow. Tel: 401-467-2200, Ext 218 E-Mail: LisaW@weingeroff.com
LUNA LULLABY The "Ultimate Source for Comfort and Soothing Products" Designer: Elizabeth Margiotta Wholesale: $7 - $29 Sizes: Layette, Infant Standouts: The whimsically printed Soothing Blanket sets; the Bosom Baby u shaped nursing pillows (which create the perfect position for mothers to raise baby up to breast level and can also be used as a comfy, cozy, maternity sleeping pillow; the Bounce a Baby ball which has a plastic base and a hand held pump.
FYI: Luna Lullaby was awarded the iParenting Media Award and the trend setting "Hot" Award for their Soothing Blanket and Bosom Baby Product lines. They pride themselves on creating products which help to equip the parent "to be the most confident parent they can be." Tel: 214-504-1206 E-Mail: jcunningham@lunalullaby.com
ELK SHOES Unique soft sole leather shoes for baby and toddler Designer: Joan Wang Wholesale: $12 - $17 Sizes: Infant, Toddler Standouts: The 'tuxedo' shoe; the silver Mary Jane (metallics are new); the brown and beige two tone t-strap; the guitar appliqué (which is new).
FYI: They add TPR (which is non toxic and healthy) to the bottom of the soles and don't add recycled material (which guarantees that the shoe is extra soft, flexible, and healthy); they recently introduced an 'outdoors' line to the collection and have received a number of editorials in high profile magazines including 'Baby Talk', 'Hudson's', 'Pregnancy & Newborn'. Tel: 734-476-2741 E-Mail: joanw@elkkids.com
SEE KAI RUN Urban footwear for first steps Designer: Cause Haun Wholesale: $17 - $22 Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4 - 6X, Boys 4 - 7 Standouts: 'Bent' (jelly bean green and gray bowler with black tires); 'Lillian Grace' (the cotton candy pink bootie with zipper and elastic side); 'Radik' (shiny leather dress shoe with star cut outs); 'Tristan' (cocoa suede and navy leather shoes); Oliver (chocolate brown leather trainer with green and gold stripes);
FYI: Kai is the name of Cause's first born son and all the styles are named after real children; she has received loads of press and counts celebrity moms like Angelina Jolie and Denise Richards as loyal customers; the company boasts a return rate of "less than 1 percent" and the shoes are carried in over 700 stores Tel: 888 748 4851 E-Mail: info@seekairun.com
LITTLE RAGGIO SHOES Classic European influenced handmade children's shoes Designer: Ana Colagrossi Wholesale: $22 - $45 Sizes: 0 - Adult Standouts: The flexible ballerinas; the monogrammed driving moccasins; brand new 'green' collection (bi-colored moccasins made from recycled leather); the animal prints (which are perennial best sellers).
FYI: Raggio is the designer's maiden name, which means, 'ray of sun' in Italian; Ana just introduced a 'Green' collection made of recycled leather to promote environmental awareness and make the world a better place for our children (Ana's own three children are an admitted constant source of inspiration for her designs) Tel: 203-625-9689 E-Mail: contact@littleraggio.com
TICKLE TOES A charming collection of fine gifts for babies and children Designer: Pamela Molloy Wholesale: $5.50- $24 Sizes: Infant, Toddler Standouts: The blanket, burp cloth, hooded towel, and wash cloth sets in 'Melody Floral', 'All-Star', and madras plaid (a best seller).
FYI: Pamela was a buyer for women's apparel prior to starting her own business; she is proud to say that there is "something for everyone" but the line is still "classic and traditional"; she has recently started to do exclusive designs for Dylan's Candy Stores (Dylan Lauren is Ralph Lauren's daughter). Tel: 732-681-3000 E-Mail: psmolloy@optonline.net
DIAPER DUDE Cool, hip, funky diaper bags for dads (and moms too) Designer: Chris Pegula Wholesale: $28 - $54.50 Standouts: The diaper bags covered in a menswear inspired gray pinstripe or herringbone wool (new this season and perfect for fall); the very fashion forward shiny black patent leather, gold, and silver diaper bags in the 'Diaper Diva' collection for moms.
FYI: The line was started about two and a half years ago out of necessity when Chris became a dad and couldn't find any 'dad' friendly diaper bags. The philosophy behind the collection is Chris's belief that stay-at- home dads don't have to "lose themselves" (hence, the 'dad friendly' colors, patterns, and manly styles). Tel: 877-334-2737 E-Mail: info@diaperdude.com
THE KNOTTERY Special occasion headwear Designer: Linda Hall Sizes: Infant to adult Wholesale: $1 - $24 Standouts: Their halos, including the narrow white one trimmed with Swarovski crystals.
FYI: They are known for their custom sized halos which are softer, more adjustable, and feel better than most; everything is made in Vermont and Linda's customers like "simple with a little bit of glitz". Tel: 802-533-9349 E-Mail: customerservice@theknottery.com
PARTY ELEGANCE KIDZ Unique and designer oriented baby, tween, teen, and camp jewelry Designer: Tina Maltz Wholesale: $7 - $14 Ages: "Layette to prom queen" Standouts: The bracelets bearing inspirational, motivational slogans like "Dreams Come True", "Love, Love, Laugh" ,"Follow Your Dream", "Live with Passion", "Truly, Madly, Deeply"; the gold and jet lariats adorned with clovers (an homage to the very pricey and very elegant Van Cleef and Arpel); charm necklaces and bracelets (which are her best sellers).
FYI: The energetic and creative Ms. Maltz is contagiously upbeat and her enthusiasm is unbridled..she is obviously passionate about what she does and truly loves designing (about 50% of her line are pieces she has made herself). She admitted to having a weakness for antique pieces, particularly roman coins and keys. Prior to this, she was a party planner (hence, the name, Party Elegance Kidz)…her young daughter is a source of inspiration as were her years as a camper (which she remembers fondly). Tel: 516-578-0030 E-Mail: partyelegance123@aol.com
FINDERS KEEPERS BYJUSTIN GREGORY A collection of colorful and whimsical hand knitted accessories designed with the whole family in mind Designer: Renee Levin Wholesale: $7 - $16 Standouts: The brand new glove collection where 'pairs' come in 'threes' (three slightly mismatched gloves in three different patterns that coordinate through color; each one fits on either hand). It's the perfect answer to the question, "has anyone seen my other glove?" It was inspired by the reality that come winter, everyone loses a glove; the hand knitted fringed scarf, hat and mittens.
FYI: Justin Gregory is the name of Renee's two sons; her corresponding adult line which features colorful hand knitted accessories is called, Renee's Accessories. Tel: 212-695-5849 E-Mail: renon5th@gmail.com
Originally published September 4, 2007
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