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The January 2008 Children's Club: New Exhibitors - Part II As always, I like to break up the column into two groups: 'new exhibitors' (two years and under) and the 'establishment'. In the first category, these are some of the ones that stood out this season at Children's Club (January 6-8, 2008).
BRANABEL Colorful, whimsical socks Designer: Jennifer Clark Sizes: Small (1-4), Medium (6-12) Wholesale: $2.50 Standouts: The single chick and multi chick socks; the fish anklets; the multi striped socks
FYI: The name Branabel is the combination of the names of Ms. Clark's two young children: Brannan and Isabel; her motto is, "great little socks for great little feet" and proceeds from each sale will go to benefit less fortunate children around the world; she has been in business for 2 years but this is Jennifer's first Children's Club Tel: 484-213-2100 jennifer@branabel.com
MINNIES 'Cool' footwear fashion for pre-walking babies Designer: Neil Tilson Sizes: 0 - 18M, Preemie, Layette, Infant Wholesale: $14 - $18.50 Standouts: The pink lace up sneaker decorated with multi colored hearts; the Velcro closure sneakers in a camouflage and gray splatter print
FYI: Their ultimate goal is to "build a brand" and their motto is, "No step is too small (as Neil humorously points out "Disney is already TOO big!"). Their products emphasize safety and comfort in addition to style, are made in Israel, beautifully packaged and everything is test-driven "on nieces and nephews" (talk about 'All in the Family'!) Tel: 201-977-1070, Ext 301 E-Mail: btilson@minnies.us
DRAMA ACCESSORIES A creative line of handmade hair accessories Designers: Debbie Horwitz, Charlie Weir Wholesale: $2 - $8 Standouts: The all elastic hair bands decorated with Swarovski crystals, the eco friendly hair clips covered in recycled jeans and camouflage fabric (they all feature 'alligator' teeth).
FYI: Ms. Horwitz is an occupational therapist by trade and admits she was always "good with her hands". Her partner, Charlie is also her sister-in-law. About 40% of the line is made from recycled fabrics. This is their launch season and first Children's Club. Tel: 215-439-1665 E-Mail: creatingdrama@yahoo.com
BERMUDA BAY GRAPE COLLECTION Children's books, beach, and home accessories with a decidedly colorful 'island' vibe Designer: Dana Cooper Wholesale: $10 - $60 Standouts: The eye catching, vibrantly hued mini and full sarongs and blankets, wooden trays, and Kleenex boxes all of which are covered with the ocean grape leaf (which is indigenous to Bermuda)
FYI: Ms. Cooper divides her time between New York (she works out of her Chelsea studio) and her home in Bermuda, where she is constantly inspired by the island's ocean grape leaf. (The ocean grape leaf is actually indigenous to the island). The collection is all about "bringing the outside in". Tel: 212-831-2932 E-Mail: dana@danacooper.net
ROCKINROBIN "Cool belts for cool kids" Designer: Robin Halperin Sizes: Toddler - Tweens Wholesale: $25 - $50 Standouts: The 'Beyonce' belt in pink distressed leather with jeweled buckle, the 'JLo' (which features an enamel and rhinestone floral belt buckle), the pink leather belt with heart shaped belt buckle; peace sign bracelets
FYI: The emphasis of the line is on 'bling' and 'glitz' (the belt buckles are really like wearing jewelry), but done in a sophisticated manner. In keeping with the rock n roll theme (a play on Ms. Halperin's name), everything is named after a singing star. Tel: 201-207-4922 email: robin@rockinrobinbelts.com
KOOL KICKS Fashion forward footwear for the entire family Designer: Jill Green Sizes: Baby - Adult Wholesale: $35 - $45 Standouts: The tie dyed converse sneakers (which are available in lace up and lace-less styles), the 'Sunshine Sandal' (which bears a resemblance to the iconic Birkenstock), the clog, the moccasin. Ms. Green is now working on her next product (the Ugg boot).
FYI: Ms. Green has been in business for only one year, but has already put herself on the map with her uniquely colorful, tie dyed footwear. Among those celebrities who have been wearing her eye catching and whimsical designs are Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus, Courtney Cox and hubby David Arquette, Howie Mandel, Kelly Ripa, Lisa Rinna (and her kids). Tel: 516-578-5761 E-Mail: jillg888@aol.com
Originally published January 22, 2008
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