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ENK Children's Club Fall 2009: New Kids on the Block - Part I As I previously mentioned, while this Children's Club (March 8-10, 2009) may have been a bit smaller than in the past, it was still well attended and sprawling. And not only were many of the same, established brands and labels represented (many of whom used this show as an opportunity to launch a new division or collection), but there were also quite a few new or first time exhibitors, using this as their coming out party.
Peace of Cake Hip fun, affordable fashion for the 'coolest' girls in town. Designer: Hollie Watman Wholesale: $10 - $48 Sizes: Girls 4 - 6X, girls 7 - 14 Standouts: The funky faux fur 'Mongolian lamb' chubbys in white and hot pink; the faux mink shrugs and matching hats; the novelty knitwear whimsical and colorful knitted hats and faux fur earflap hats in neon pink and green; the gold nylon quilted flap hat lined in pink faux fur; the tartan plaid puffer coat with matching earflap hat funky faux furs, novelty knitwear
FYI: Peace of Cake is a new division of Cejon Accessories, a large brand name known as a leading creative 'powerhouse' for women's accessories in North America. Tel: 212-967-4663 E-mail: esmall@cejon.com
Nirvanna Designs A collection of hats, gloves, and scarves for the entire family hand loomed in Nepal. Designer: Nir Gurel Wholesale: $12.50 - $15 Sizes: Toddler - Adult Standouts: The hand loomed 'Animal World' line of hats and matching mittens; the Mohawk and skull hats, which are new this season.
FYI: The name of the company, Nirvanna Designs, is a combination of the names of both founders: Nir Gurel and Anna Fischer, who were inspired to create their collection after a trip to Asia in the late 1990's. They have three different lines: Air, which is lightweight non sized cover-ups; Sand, a collection of embellished sandals; and Ice, outerwear accessories. All hats and mittens are available in both adult and children sizes. Tel: 212-695-2300 E-mail: info@shopnirvanna.com
United Colors of Benetton Colorful, modern, accessible footwear for kids of all ages with the unmistakable stamp of Benetton. Wholesale: $19 - $38.75 Ages: Infant to woman's size 10 Standouts: The molded sole quilted patent boots trimmed with contrasting flame stitch fabric; the lace up ankle booties in silver metallic and red or black patent; the side zipped boots in gray patent; the plaid ballet flats, which happen to be their best sellers!
FYI: United Colors of Benetton is a famed, iconic fashion brand (founded in Italy in 1965), known the world over for their global aesthetic and emphasis on colorful, exuberant, and casual fashions for men, women, and children. This is their first season selling kids shoes in the U.S. The line is "all about freshness, simplicity, lightheartedness." Tel: 305-477-4011 E-mail: info@venettini.com
Zooni Unique hand knit hats and mittens guaranteed to make you smile! Designer: Michelle Jeong Wholesale: $9.75 - $15 Sizes: Infant to adult Standouts: The 'mop top' Muppets hat; the dinosaur hat; the smiling puppy dog, bear, monkey (which all have matching mittens); the 3D animal socks (the gift sets are packaged in a box that becomes a plaything and game…talk about two for one!)
FYI: Ms. Jeong started designing hats because as a new mom, she felt there was so much sameness in the market and wanted to create something unique, that would make people smile ("there's so much doom and gloom" she told me). She adheres to Fair Trade laws and wants to give back as much as possible. Tel: 800-401-1274 E-mail: michelle@zooniwear.com
DabbaWalla Bag Company Colorful and eye catching backpacks and lunch bags for the toddler, preschool set. Designer: Carol Mack Wholesale: $16 - $21 Size: Toddler, girls 4 - 6x, Boys 4 - 7 Standouts: The penguin and traffic light backpacks; the ladybug, apple, and watermelon lunch bags.
FYI: The bags are all made from machine washable, water resistant, naturally insulated neoprene. The company is just one year old. Ms. Mack was the former Director of Travel for the Museum of Natural History and as such, has had extensive travel experience. The word Dabbawalla is Hindu and it means "The lunch box collector", referring to the person who delivers home cooked meals to businessmen. Tel: 206-999-4969 E-mail: sgivens@dabbawallabags.com
Funzees All cotton Funny Onezees, etc. Designer: Sara Kety-Elias Wholesale: $5.50 - $11 Sizes: Newborn, infant, toddler Standouts: The new funny bib collection, which is lower priced to address the current economic situation, and included the cheeky boys' "Black Bib Optional" and the little girls' "My Little Black Bib with pearls", a take off on the Little Black Dress); the brand new Peek-a-Boo Bib and Onesie Sets; the brand new Thinking Caps which are printed with slogans, mimicking what the baby is most likely thinking to him or herself.
FYI: The company is in its 6th month and Sara also owns a baby gift store on 63rd and Lexington called Sabon; her website homepage invites you to "click here to laugh" and she is currently running a "Funzee's Funniest Onezee Contest", which gives you $1800 reasons to enter. Tel: 917-703-8888 E-mail: marc@funzees.com
Originally published April 4, 2009
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