The unapologetically laid back and scaled down ENK Children's Club (January 6-8, 2008) could not have been more in harmony with its timing, falling as it did one week after the big holiday rush. In fact, everything about it seemed tailor made for those sluggish attendees still suffering from a drawn out holiday season and a New Year's Eve hangover that refuses to go away; and who are not quite ready to fully tackle the duties that lie before them.

While the January Children's Club maybe technically geared for Fall 2008, one could just as easily label it 'The Four Seasons' since there are plenty of exhibitors showing spring and summer. And while it might sound as though I'm overstating the obvious, but what could possibly be more welcome, at the start of a wintry New Year, than being treated to the optimistic explosion of energizing, upbeat, saturated color, ombré rainbow stripes, zany polka dots, eye-catching prints and patterns, lush flora and fauna, butterflies, hearts, inspirational slogans, expressive artwork, and the promise of summer (camp, anyone?)

All of these, and more, were in abundance at the Children's Club, not only exhibited in clothing, but in all manner of accessories (hair ornaments, jewelry, belts, socks, footwear, scarves, bibs, burp cloths, diaper bags, hand bags, key chains, sunglasses, keepsake boxes, picture frames, journals, onesies, robes, etc.) and even home décor. And, most of the above not only graced the Spring 2008 runways about 6 months ago, but are currently being advertised, editorialized, and displayed in windows and within departments of stores, shops, and boutiques the world over. There is no denying that saturated color is one of THE biggest stories for women, in terms of clothing and fashion. It's just one more indication of the way in which there is a bridging of the gap between all the markets (regardless of age group. (I especially delighted in pointing out to Terra Traditions' Helena Honovich, that her favorite new artistic renderings, the fairies, also happens to be the favored print used by Miuccia Prada (one of the world's most influential designers) and is literally symbolic of her acclaimed Spring 2008 collection.)

Terra Traditions' Flower Fairies Gilded Book.

I never tire of pointing out that the notion of seasons has become all but obsolete (in every sector of the market, from accessories to clothing, and for every age group), thanks in large part to globalization, technical advances in fabrics, and of course, Global Warming. Speaking of which, Global Warming has really become a reality, which was perfectly exemplified by the glorious, very UN-winter like weather which accompanied the show. Almost record breaking temperatures (in the 50's and 60's) on the first few days of the New Year provided a perfect backdrop and it afforded show attendees a good excuse to take their buffet lunch al fresco, while enjoying the sweeping Hudson River views from the Jacob Javits Center, (the traditional venue of choice).

When the topic of conversation was not centered around the gorgeous weather (or the wonderful merchandise, of course), it was about, you guessed it…politics. Since the three-day Children's Club was literally sandwiched in between the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, world affairs and especially politics seemed to be on many of our minds. And in fact, it was hard to escape this 'reality check', even as I made my way through the aisles in search of the best accessories for newborns through tweens. Everywhere I looked, there were slogans, mantras, peace signs, AND in one booth, baby T-shirts emblazoned with the words, "Democrat" and "Republican".

From Baby Rock Apparel.

It has also been virtually impossible to escape hearing the word 'change' these days. And while at the moment, the term is being bantered about in a political context, (it's even the campaign mantra for one Presidential candidate), it is only natural to think about 'change' as it relates to other areas of our lives, including fashion, accessories, and home furnishings (whether for grown ups or for the young set).

While the idea of 'new' and 'change' can be for the better, and is necessary for progress, that does not mean that keeping the status quo or respecting the past is not a good thing. And since kids seem to be growing up all too fast these days (much to the chagrin of their parents), there's nothing wrong with a little bit of old fashioned charm. Just think about it. Is new always improved? And what about the wise adage, "The more things change, the more they stay the same". How true!

As you probably know, I am a longtime fashion editor who has observed and reported on the fashion scene for decades (yikes!). I can truly admit to having seen it all. Well, okay, so maybe not 'all', but a lot. And I've certainly seen my share of trends coming and going…and going and coming…and then some.

I am used to being asked, "What's new"? Therefore, I was not surprised when, on the final day of the Children's Club, one of the exhibitors asked what my overall impression of the three-day show was and if I had in fact, seen "anything new"? My immediate thought was, no, actually, I really hadn't.

But what popped into my mind, and what always pops into my mind when I am asked this question (regardless of whether it relates to women's fashion or the fashion scene as it relates to the little ones), is something the late, great Geoffrey Beene told me years ago when I interviewed him. (Mr. Beene admittedly hated the notion of trends and he hated the word). His stock response when asked "What's new?" by a member of the press or a retailer: "Don't ask me what's new…ask me what's GOOD".

So, keeping this thought in mind as I reflect back on Children's Club and my observations of the accessory market (a large, growing, and often overlapping category), I would have to say that there is far more continuity and consistency with regard to trends, and trends that have been unfolding for several seasons continued to play out, as manufactures and designers seek ways to improve upon and embellish those that are most valid and have the most staying power. And while I did not find a whole lot that was necessarily 'new', I certainly did find many things that I would label as "good", and plenty that were "great".

TRENDS

COLOR MY WORLD (in living color: THE story)

"RAINBOW COALITION" (rainbow stripes and ombre striations enliven everything these days)

TIE DYE (hippie, hippie, hooray!)

From Kool Kicks.

FLOWER POWER (now and forever)

BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE (if not 'free', then they are certainly ubiquitous)

Butterfly clips from Andrea's Beau.

CAMOUFLAGE (make love, not war)

SIGNS OF THE TIMES (peace signs are forever)

Jannuzzi's burp cloths.

BE MY VALENTINE (heart shaped 'everything' and don't forget Valentine's Day on February 14th)

From Tic Tac Toe.

GOING DOTTY (polka dots never go away)

MINI ME (like mother like daughter…like father like son….need I say more?)

INSPIRATIONAL/MOTIVATIONAL SLOGANS ON T'S

From Firehouse.

MUSEUM MILE (artwork - much of it from iconic painters - is being translated onto a variety of products and items)

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (active sportswear, from après ski to baseball, is a source of inspiration for everything, from footwear to bags)

SNEAKER CHIC (just when you thought there was nothing more that could be done with the 'lowly' sneaker…)

True Religion's glitter sneakers.

BALLET CLASS (the ballerina slipper is showing no signs of abating in popularity and is being offered in countless incarnations)

DO LOOK 'BACK' (the versatile, functional backpack is 'back'!)

DIAPER BAG 'DELUXE' (not just your average diaper bag..designers are combining high style with technological advances for the ultimate in practicality and function)

7 AM. Enfant's Voyage diaper bag.

OUT TO SEA (classical, nautical themes, from ropes to navy and white stripes on a variety of products)

GET 'STONED' (from small crystals to bold stones, a touch of 'bling' goes a long way, whether on a headband, belt buckle, photo journal, or a shoe)

THE 'EYES' HAVE IT (stylish sunglasses, from small embellished and decorated frames to decidedly glam oversized frames provide the perfect mix of form and function)

Originally published January 22, 2008

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