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Children's Club Fall 2008: The Establishment in March - Part I Like the new exhibitors who showed at the ENK Children's Club (March 9-11, 2008), the established lines that distinguished themselves and stood out from the pack this time around did so for a number of reasons. A few common denominators that always seem to be present: the combination of form and function (the best combination); a strong dose of creativity and ingenuity; eye catching displays, graphics, and packaging; an eco-minded and 'green' philosophy fueling it all (and NOT with envy but with the desire to save the environment and save the planet); an impassioned and committed inventor (be it a parent, grandparent, or 'innocent bystander') who feels strongly about his/her product and has something to say and to offer the marketplace. Indeed, it's hard to ignore a whole new category which is not only getting much attention as of late (and deservedly so), but has its own label: the 'Eco Mom'.
MOONCAKES Classic yet unique layette, receiving blankets, gift sets Designer: Mary Morrison Wholesale: contact manufacturer Sizes: Layette, Infant Standouts: The 'Mod Dot' and 'Jazzy Garden' ruffle rompers; the 'Pink Kiwi' and 'Red Blossom' kimono dress sets; the 'Pink Kiwi' bow dress set.
FYI: The motto of the company is "New baby = good fortune" and the collection is infused with an admitted "East meets West" aesthetic (Ms. Morrison lived in China and studied Eastern studies at Brown University which could easily explain it) Tel: 800-771-1617, 786-552-1311 E-mail: info@moon-cakes.com
TRUMPETTE High end baby gifts, apparel, footwear, and hosiery Wholesale: $3 - $225 Sizes: Infant, toddler Standouts: The oversized bags emblazoned with slogans ("Boy", "Girl", "Schlep Bag", "Crypton Baby"); the assorted Mary Jane socks (the company created the original version and hosiery is the company's 'strength') and adorable 'Mary Jane' rubber rain boots ; the 'birthday hats' in black, pink, or blue which are sold with the graphic black and white striped boxes.
FYI: The company was founded approximately 17 years ago and quickly became known for their "cool designs and cool packaging" (not to mention the use of graphic and bold black and white); the word Trumpette was selected because it's a cross between Triumph and petite…meaning…"what's best for little ones" Tel: 888-894-7770 E-mail: debgentile@bellsouth.net
SPROUT Playful cotton separates with a message Designer: Maegan Harvey Wholesale: $7 - $26 Sizes: Newborn - 3 Standouts: Colorful cotton and bamboo contrast piped onesies, t's, and faux wrap top dresses emblazoned with politically correct slogans like "reuse", "save the whales", "save the forest", "save the trees, grow bamboo".
FYI: Ms. Harvey admits to having "lived in her own head" since she was a teenager and this creative entrepreneur named her company after a nickname given to her years ago (Alfafa). She is most passionate about saving the planet and ending deforestation and she is on a mission to stop cutting down trees. She has a 'message' but does not want to sound "preachy". Tel: 310-828-5404 E-mail: mharvey@sproutkidsclothing.com
BABY STAR Mix and match, coordinating baby accessories, baby bedding, blankets/quilts, infant wear, layette Designer: Dana Bach Johnson Wholesale: contact manufacturer Sizes: Layette, infant Standouts: The kimono sets and hooded towel and wash cloth sets (which are new this season); the bibs and burps in the graphic 'tag', 'flutter', and 'four square' prints (available in blue or pink); the 'quick change' (the 'perfect' pouch for diapers and wipes).
FYI: Ms. Johnson designs all her own bold and graphic 100% formaldehyde free cotton fabrics (which are both "safe for the environment and for baby"). Her motto is, "Baby products for the design-savvy parent and texture-loving child". Tel: 503-221-0030 E-mail: sales@babystar.com
MORFS BRAND Designer: Julie Barger Wholesale: $15 - $49 Sizes: Infant, toddler, girls 4 - 6X, girls 7 - 10, boys 4 - 7 Standouts: The superheroes t-shirts (Superman, Superwoman, Spiderman, The Hulk, Slash, and Batman are those being offered) with the trademark tie dyed tube sock sleeves; the denim overall appliquéd with cupcakes; the denim skirt, black T-shirt, and leggings appliquéd with colorful flowers.
FYI: The name 'Morphs' is a twist on the word, metamorphosis (Ms. Barger uses recycled vintage fabrics and cuts up 'mistakes' in order to create something 'new') and her denim pieces appliquéd with vintage materials are all one-of-a-kind. Her motto is "waste not, want not". Tel: 434-846-0471 E-mail: info@morfsbrand.com
SAND CASSEL KIDS Stylish hats for the young set Designer: Ben Goorin Wholesale: $8 - $17 Sizes: Infant, toddler, girls 4 - 6X, boys 4 - 7 Standouts: "Binwanka": the yarn dye plaid front baseball cap with flap brim, flocked artwork, all over embroidered panels and covered elastic fit back; "Rocco": the over ear yarn dye plaid wool hunter cap with Berber lined flaps; "Barney": the over ear woven houndstooth wool hunter cap with Berber lined flaps; "Bottle Rocket": the over ear knit beanie with robot screen and fleece lining.
FYI: This kids' division of Goorin Brothers (the famed San Francisco-based hat brand that was established in 1895) is known for "turning fashion around quickly", and making hats that not only look good but keep the young ones warm. Tel: 800-862-0100, 415-431-9196 E-mail: info@goorin.com
Originally published April 12, 2008
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