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ON THE INSIDE WITH MARILYN KIRSCHNER

 

Children's Club Spring/Summer 2010: October Fest

Sunday, the first day of the ENK Children's Club (October 4-6, 2009), always has a festive, or festival-like feel. For one thing, it's traditionally 'family' day (since it's not a school day, one can spot kids of all ages, newborns included, accompanying their parents as they cover the show, making their rounds, or manning their booths). Though this time, one lovely surprise was meeting 13-year-old Hunter Gross, the "youngest CEO in America", who was not tagging along with his parents, but manning his own booth, Project Kool (you can read more about him in my 'Newcomers' column). Adding to the good mood and upbeat feeling was the fabulous weather. Is it my imagination, or do all the Children's Club shows, meet with fantastic, almost picture perfect weather? That was certainly the case at the most recent October Children's Club, which was greeted with the kind of weather that makes you wish you were outside, not inside. But if you must be indoors, what better place than the sprawling Jacob Javits Center (the venue of choice for this event) with its all glass façade and towering ceilings, which enable you to look out over the city skyline and catch a glimpse of the sky and the Empire State Building.

Adding to the festive mood: notwithstanding the fact that there seems to be a growing trend toward the seasonless and year round as it applies to clothing and accessories, (and I am referring to all markets: children's and adults), it was hard not to notice that spring (2010 to be exact), was very much in the air at the most recent Children's Club Show.

As I surveyed the vast aisles filled with a varied group of exhibitors, everywhere I looked, there were the traditional portents of spring: bright, happy and optimistic colors and patterns; nature themed selections (flora and fauna, fruits, insects, bird, etc.); beach perfect swimwear, sun hats and protective 'cool' shades; adorable sandals and espadrilles; and all manner of sports themed and playful items perfect for this most delightful time of the year.

Other trends I made note of: Tutus and frothy petticoat skirts are not going away any time soon; there was a continuation of art to wear and the use of bling (especially decorating T-shirts and hoodies); an emphasis on monogramming and personalization, as well as packaged gift sets; a lot of obvious creativity being put into eye catching graphics and displays (hey, with business being what it is, companies have to really make a statement in order to attract the customer); hair accessories (many with detailed hand work) and diaper bags are still going strong (the bigger the better); there are endless takes on the oversized 'status' watch; small charms in every incarnation are being affixed to bracelets and necklaces (especially looking new are the ones on thin braided leather or string cords); a wide variety of graphic sneakers, innovative athletic footwear, and Mary Janes turned up all over (I spotted Mary Jane shoes, Mary Jane rain boots, and even Mary Jane socks). Oh, and speaking of socks…..socks in every length, from solid to striped or printed with whimsical patterns, were seemingly displayed in every corner of the show, as were the ever popular Mary Jane sock. "Sock it to me!"

October is certainly an exciting and festive time of the year in New York: even more so if you are a follower of fashion (as I am). The new fall merchandise is filling the racks and windows of stores and boutiques around town (even if you're not buying, it's still fun to window shop), and those of us involved in the fashion world, have just completed the last leg of the international ready to wear collections for Spring/Summer 2010 (they began in New York in September, then went on to London, Milan, and ended in Paris). So, what, you might ask, is the news for Spring 2010?

The collections were awash in white, black, beige, army green, and spiced up with strong, vibrant color; there were bold patterns (often mixed together), color blocks, art inspired abstract prints, linear stripes, and lots of graphic black and white; military, spectator sports and active sports themes abounded (as evidenced in all the trench coats, pea jackets, parkas, anoraks, hooded jackets and sweatshirt tops); glamorous retro swimwear was ubiquitous; short skirts and short dresses were shown for day and evening (and I mean SHORT), and there were also countless shorts; there was plenty of ultra feminine Grecian draping, a lavish use of jersey, tulle, and chiffon (in addition to crisp cotton); many fabrics were wrinkled and deconstructed (holes and frays were used on many surfaces); and I can't leave out the comeback of an all American staple: denim.

As I always point out, I like to mirror and reference the adult market in my coverage of the children's accessories arena, and one of the things I love most, is seeing how universal themes and trends play out across the board. Boy, do they ever. And because the timing of the October Children's Club and the ready to wear collections overlapped, that made it easier for me to call upon what I have just seen (and also, reflect on the current fall season), connect the dots, and link it all together.

 

TRENDS (SOME OF THE MAJOR THEMES THAT HAVE PLAYED OUT IN BOTH THE CHILDREN'S AND WOMEN'S MARKETS)

 

Boys (and girls) in the hood: The hooded top (sweatshirt, jacket, or sleeveless quilted vest) is a year round wardrobe essential and perfect for layering.

Balenciaga

Light of Mine Designs

Empress Arts

 

Stars and Stripes Forever: Graphic stripes, whether nautical or otherwise, are classic and eye catching. Need I say more?

Alexander Wang

San Diego Hat Company

 

'Pattern' Pending: The offhanded mixing of different prints and patterns, often clashing, adds excitement to the simplest items.

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Trimfit

 

What's black and white (and 'read' all over?): The bold and graphic combination of black and white never loses its appeal, looking especially great in spectator-like footwear.

Junya Watanabe

Trumpette

 

Trompe l'oeil: French for 'fool the eye', this theme is not for the foolish; and it's certainly not just for grown-ups.

Commes des Garcons

Trumpette

Trumpette

 

Animal Magnetism: You didn't think leopard, zebra, or giraffe prints were going away did you?

Christian Dior

Old Soles

 

The Year of the Snake: (It may not literally be the Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar, but it's the Year of the Snake on the fashion calendar….real or faux python and snake patterns were seen on clothing, shoes, bags, and everything in between.

Alexander McQueen

Pazitos

 

'Glamour girl' retro inspired swimwear: Not just for the grown ups.

Derek Lam

Chichanella Bella

 

Hats off….to hats: Whimsical or classic, the choice is yours.

Sonia Rykiel

San Diego Hat Company

 

Fine 'feathered' friends: Feathers are spring/summer's answer to fur.

Chado Ralph Rucci

Andrea's Beau

Creative Clips by Colleen

 

Flower Power: A perennial favorite for girls of all ages.

Chanel

Jamie Rae Hats

 

(Don't) kill the Messenger: The messenger bag, in a variety of fabrics, sizes, and patterns, is beloved by kids and adults alike.

Louis Vuitton

Project Kool

 

Metallica: Gold, silver, and bronze adds welcome shine to any outfit, in the form of shoes, bags, or belts.

Rick Owens

Old Soles

 

'Petticoat' Junction: Frothy tulle or organza petticoats and tutu skirts are whimsical extras for gals of all ages.

Betsey Johnson

Cutie PaTutus

 

Military Maneuvers: All things military are the 'height' of fashion (for those of every age) at the moment.

Alexander Wang

Tic Tac Toe

 

Art to Wear: Abstract art inspired prints, straight out of a museum, add interest to the simplest of shapes.

Calvin Klein

Butter Super Soft Collection

 

A 'Platform' for Change: The platform sole is getting up to new heights.

Burberry Prorsum

 

Pazitos Picaroz

 

 

Originally published November 3, 2009

 

 

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