Happy New Year! There's no question that 2008 was a terrible year. It was the worst financial year most of us have ever endured and simply put: it's a year to forget. As we head into 2009, one bright light promises to be the historic inauguration of Barack Obama and the formal start of his presidency. While there is so much worry, concern, and anxiety at the moment, there is also a palpable feeling of renewal, excitement and hope, thanks to our inspiring new president and his wonderful family who will have just taken up residence in the White House by the time you read this.

Politics aside, the Obamas are not only good looking, photogenic, and telegenic, but much attention has been paid to their appearance and certainly, in the case of the gals, what they wear. Countless articles have been written about Michelle Obama's personal style and she's been compared to the late Jacqueline Kennedy. The fashion world is hoping that she will have a positive impact on American Fashion (which is more important than ever before thanks to the economic downturn). And indeed she already has. Her choice of designer and outfit for both the daytime inaugural events (Isabel Toledo) and the evening balls (Jason Wu) was the topic of much anticipation and there were countless photographs, discussions, articles, and commentaries following the historic day.

Similarly, is there any doubt new 'First Daughters' 7-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia will be role models for a whole new generation, and will influence not only the way young girls dress, but the entire children's market? When little Sasha wore her rose colored sunglasses and peace sign emblazoned T-shirt on vacation in Hawaii, the photo was seen all over the world. And is it coincidental, or do peace signs seem to be all over the place? Not that they have ever disappeared of course. They are currently decorating the windows of a Diesel store in Manhattan and they were literally ALL OVER the first trade show of the year, ENK's Children's Club held January 5-7, 2009 (showing up in every conceivable incarnation - the bigger and bolder the better).

So too were decidedly retro, smiley faces; the word, 'Love'; colorful rainbow brights; 70's inspired tie dyes; inspirational sayings, and hippie styles, all of which are symbolic of a joyful, upbeat, youthful innocence, renewed optimism, and the hope of change that have come with the election of our new president. I call it the 'Obama Factor', and it was very evident at the Jacob Javits Center indeed.

Not only is Mr. Obama highly intelligent, articulate, good looking, charismatic and stylish, but he appears to possess supernatural prescient powers. Who could have predicted that the word "Change", which came to define his campaign, his political platform, and symbolizes the man, would eerily take on a whole new meaning for all of us? Suddenly, everything has changed.

Of course, January has always been about change. It's the start of a new year and a time when we all take stock and look forward. But businesses (especially retail, clothing, and luxury brands), really suffered over the holidays and all of us have been forced to make financial changes.

"Change! Yes we have to!" But as they say, "The more things change, the more they stay the same". And so, like death and taxes, there are certain things that never change and can always be counted upon, even in bad economic times. For example: where there's a need, there's a customer; new babies will be born every minute; there will always be occasions to celebrate; there will always be gifts to buy; and there will always be a need for clothing and accessories (for those of all ages). And thankfully, there will always be friends, relatives, parents (and especially) grandparents who are ready willing and able to spoil the young ones.

This leads me to another point. By nature, infant wear, children's wear, and tween wear (which were on display at the January Children's Club) will always be lower priced than similar versions for adults, especially within the accessories market (an ever growing and ever important area because it's a quick, easy, affordable way to add a dash of fashion). And let's face it, a $5, $10 or $20 hair bow is hardly in the same category as a $10,000 Hermes bag if you know what I mean. That's good news in these difficult economic times.

While it was hardly surprising that the most recent January 2009 Children's Club, traditionally the smallest show of the year, was downsized this time around, most exhibitors I spoke with said they were happy they attended and many were pleasantly surprised with business. In addition, I not only saw many of the established lines that have become familiar faces, but stumbled upon brand new companies who were using this show as their 'debut'…talk about being brave and bold!

The good news for those of us who participated and attended was that we did so in a very upbeat, easy, relaxed environment (the perfect way to kick off the New Year). The smaller size of each January show has many positive aspects: overall, it's much less hectic and frenetic than other shows, it's 'user friendly', and one really gets to meet with exhibitors and spend time with them. Also, there's always an empty seat (and empty table) for lunch, and (how shall I say this delicately?), there's never (or almost never) a line at the ladies' room.

More good news…. As I made my way (comfortably) around the aisles, covering the accessories portion of the show (gift items, jewelry, hair accessories, footwear, legwear, hats, scarves, gloves, belts, eyeglasses, home décor, bedding, bags, etc.) I found many trends that not only stood out and caught my eye, but mirrored what has been going on within the adult ready-to-wear market, (which is an ongoing trend and something that is always of interest to me).

Trends (To further illustrate my point I've included images from recent women's ready-to-wear collections, if and where possible)

"Give Peace a Chance": Peace signs never disappear but these days, they have never been more popular…they showed up on T-shirts, on blankets, on bags of all kinds (diaper bags, messenger bags, laundry bags, duffels), on bracelets, hair accessories, necklaces, belts, rings, towels, bedding, and even lap desks. (Can we credit Sasha Obama, who was photographed wearing a peace sign T-shirt recently, as really starting the trend yet again?)

Left, from Confetti & Friends; from Zinnias.

"C'mon, Get Happy": There was no shortage of happy, smiley faces, (again, very retro indeed), which belies the current economic fiasco and speaks of a new youthful innocence and optimism which is in keeping with the Obama presidency.

From Lemon.

'Hippie', 'Hippie' Hurray: Hippie Chic has never looked so good and it was evident in all manner of clothing and accessories (including headbands, T-shirts, jewelry, bags, etc.) at the Children's Club; one woman even named her brand new company, "Hippie & Me".

From Diane Von Furstenberg; and Confetti & Friends.

All We Need Is 'Love': The word 'love' was emblazoned on T-shirts, one-pieces, hats, bags, and everything else…part of the entire mood (see above).

Hippie & Me Love T-shirt.

Tie Dye For: Tie dye, like peace signs, is part of the current retro mood and is feeling right for now. Tie dye was all over the Children's Club, and showed up on everything from clothing, accessories, home furnishings, bedding, etc.

From Zinnias.

Rainbow Coalition: Optimistic, happy, rainbow brights have covered almost everything at this recent show.

'Guitar' Man (and woman): Guitars, symbolic of rock and roll, were emblazoned on T-shirts, tanks, one-pieces, diaper bags, etc.

From Chanel; and Lemon.

Fine 'Feathered' Friends: Feathers are always a girls' (and woman's) favorite, especially when used as a whimsical headpiece.

A Chanel feathered hat; from Mikaylas Creations.

Here Comes the 'Sun': Which is why we all need sun protection, especially the young; accessories (especially hats and sunglasses) that offer full UV protection from the sun continue to be a major and very important category.

Think 'positive': Positive upbeat slogans encourage and foster an optimistic outlook.

The Wise Old Owl: Always a perennial favorite among all age groups, whimsical owls were found in some unusual places, some even covered classic canvas bags.

Monkey Business: Playful monkeys were appliquéd, embroidered, hand painted, and stitched on to hats, scarves, T's, one-pieces, bags, shoes, and of course, they always make for a fun stuffed toy.

From Your Little Stitch.

'Stripe' It Rich: Graphic stripes never go out of style (for those of all ages) and they always look great!

Michael Kors' mixed striped two-piece dress; from BabyLegs.

Call of the Wild: Zebra and leopard patterns are a year round, 'forever' favorite…need I say more?

Michael Kors' leopard coat; China Doll shoes.

Nod to Mod: Mod, abstract, graphic patterns always look good, make a statement, and are often mixed for maximum impact

Dries Van Noten's mixed patterns; from Kit & Lili.

'Gift'ed: The importance of gift items shows no signs of abating…and in fact, thoughtfully packaged gift sets have become more and more important. 

'Framed': Whether glamorous and oversized or retro and Ray Ban inspired, statement making eyeglass and sunglass frames are a major accessory, desired by kids of all ages.

It's Only 'Natural': Natural, unbleached cotton is always classic, fresh, and chic.

'White' Out: Nothing is fresher and more optimistic than white, regardless of what it's used for (dry cleaners, be damned!).

Loco for Coco: Iconic classics (with more than just a hint of the late Coco Chanel) have been spotted everywhere; giant pearls, quilted handbags with gilt or silver chain straps, ballet slippers, black and white hounds tooth checks, and black satin bows, have staying power and will never go out of style for girls of any age.

From Chanel; hair bow from Mikaylas Creations.

'Diaper' Rash: The diaper bag has never looked more chic, and more desirable...some even resemble status symbol handbags like the iconic Chanel quilted bag complete with chain handle. So covetable, they are definitely not for diapers only.

Above, From Liv & Co.; below from Chanel.

'Chain' Gang: Chains of all kinds, whether used as necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, or handles for bags, have never looked better.

Play 'Ball': Baseballs, catcher's mitts, soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs (the latter are especially timely since it's January and things in the AFL and NFL are really heating up) were appliquéd, embroidered, stamped, hand painted, etc. on a myriad of items - and they are not just for the boys.

From Jannuzzi.

From Your Little Stitch.

It's So 'Camp': Since January is traditionally both a spring and fall show, it's not surprising to find so many items (hats, T-shirts, laundry bags, blankets, jewelry, etc.) with summer camp in mind. 

Quilting 'Be': Quilted, 'puff' pieces are a perennial, year round favorite for all ages and were found throughout the show: jackets, vests, booties, mittens, handbags, swaddling blankets, duvet comforters, etc.

From Burberry, left, and 7 A.M. Enfant.

'Band' Together: The hair band is officially the most popular hair accessory, whether wide or thin, plain or embellished with feathers, crystals, flowers, etc.

It All 'Stacks' Up: Stackable, expandable, adjustable, lightweight and affordable bracelets: they are made to pile on!

Originally published January 25, 2009

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