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March 2010 Children's Club: Newcomers and New Ideas - Part I It's not just the 'Ides' of March, but the 'ideas' of March. March is a month filled with new ideas (hopefully good ideas and smart ideas), especially where the apparel and accessories industries are concerned. It's not only a month of fall ready to wear shows across the globe (and a time when designers present their newest designs and show off their latest ideas), but it's also the time for the ENK Children's Club (March 7-9, 2010) at the Javits Center. And with the challenging economy being what it is, I assumed that many designers and companies would do their best to bring their most inspired ideas to the plate, in order to entice the consumer. As I covered the Children's Club in search of the best and the brightest for the coming season, I found myself asking "What's the big idea?". And by the way, when I say 'big' it doesn't have to be BIG in a large sense. Just big in terms of good, smart, relevant, timely, and well thought out: whether that applies to the philosophy or premise behind the company, the concept behind a new product, or the way an existing and successful product was transformed, expanded, re-invented, or updated.
Angela Frost Accessories, gifts, girls' apparel Designer: Angela Frost Wholesale: $14 - $85 Sizes: Girls 2T- 14 What's the big idea? Angela likes to say that her "wheels are always turning to bring you something new" and this season, that showed up in a number of ways. She expanded her line to go up to 14, adding tween sizes to her leggings; she added a brand new swimwear group in pale silver mixed with pink, black, blue, and chocolate brown; used a clever poly viscose fabric that resembles sequins for a 'Black Tie' grouping, in addition to a ruffle trim velvet lounge group that includes a wrap dress that's perfect for layering leggings or a petticoat beneath
Tel: 805 648 2084 E-mail: angela@frostcool.com
Danzo Diaper bags for mom and dad Designers: Adrianne Whitney; Alyssa Apple Wholesale: $95 - $140 What's the big idea? The stylish bags (hobos, totes, messengers) are not only good looking, but very versatile and practical, keeping mom and dad in mind. They almost completely unzip for practicality and feature a good looking striped lining, and they are designed with a one-of-a-kind patent pending system of interchangeable forget-me-not clear pockets which allow for great organization. The name Danzo is a combination of Danny and Zoe, Ms. Apple's children.
Tel: 917 287 8292 E-mail: info@danzobaby.com
BabyChai by Lucky Jade New contemporary lifestyle collection Designer: Leslie Pitts Wholesale: $12 - $32 Ages: 0 - 36 months What's the big idea?: This eco friendly line of baby apparel and accessories, a new division of Lucky Jade, uses 65% bamboo, 35% cotton for beautifully gift packaged baby essentials (bath wraps, bunting bags, stroller blankets, cloth diapers, diaper liners, hooded towels, etc.). It combines the nature inspired graphics which are signatures of Lucky Jade, with lush eco friendly materials (hence, the use of elephant, owl, and monkey prints). It also introduces a new cloth diapering system. The name Jade is Ms. Pitts' favorite name and her daughter's name as well.
Tel: 310 929 0285 E-mail: sales@luckyjadeproducts.com
Pork Chop Kids Patterned thigh high socks Designer: Meaghan Resenhoeft Wholesale: $7.50 - $22.50 Sizes: 6 months - 8 years What's the big idea? Unlike many other leggings, these are footed which make them perfect for changing diapers; their unique design keeps baby warm, provides padding for crawlers and makes diaper changing a cinch. The company's tagline is 'Baby, we've got you covered from your chops to your toes'. In celebration of the company's one-year anniversary, for every pair sold online between March 15th and April 15th, they will donate one pair to Hannah's Socks, and will match this promise at retail by partnering with select retailers across the country.
Tel: 414-967-5852 E-mail: meaghan@porkchopkids.com
Magnificent Baby Baby clothing with magnetic closures Designer: Lauren Levy Wholesale: $5 - $16.50 Sizes: Infant, Layette What's the big idea?: An inspired magnetic closure system (no snaps, no zippers, no buttons) on all their 100% combed cotton one-pieces, bibs, gown, kimono tops, footed pants, etc. makes it possible to dress baby in seconds, thereby making life easier for parents and enabling them to spend more 'magnificent' time with their precious baby.
Tel: 917 338 7475 E-mail: info@magnificentbaby.com
Pink Pewter Hair Accessories for all ages Designer: Mireya Villareal Wholesale: $4 - $16 Ages: 3 - Adult What's the big idea?: This extensive line of jewel or jewelry like hair accessories, is all about 'bling' (according to Ms. Villareal) and the use of sophisticated, very fashion forward styles (at affordable prices) that will ensure the products stand apart from its competition. In fact, they have received much press and the products have been spotted on recent red carpets, including the Teen Choice Awards and the Golden Globes. Their motto is, "If you don't look fabulous, neither do we."
Tel: 888 214 5678 E-mail: paolo@pinkpewter.com
Buddytop Hats Plush animal children's hat Designer: Luis Kain Retail: $20 Ages: 3 - 12 What's the big idea? A product line of cuddly, plush animal hats for kids with a difference: they are not only adorable but are practical, warm, machine washable, completely compliant with CPSIA standards, and appeal to kids' imaginations. And each, with its own distinct personality, comes with its own short crafted instructive lessons meant to teach kids honesty, perseverance, respect, and other merits.
Tel: 917 648 1735 E-mail: info@buddytops.com
Originally published March 22, 2010
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