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Spring/Summer 2011 Footwear: 'Foot' loose and Fancy Free - Part 1 I've decided to reprise 'What's the BIG idea' in my columns of exhibitors at the ENK Children's Club (October, 3-5, 2010) because I think it's very timely and relevant. Especially nowadays, when companies have to really think out of the box in order to separate themselves from the pack, and are really being put to the test in order to come up with well thought out 'smart' ideas that deliver. It is truly all about ideas.; whether it's the idea which is behind the line itself; the idea behind a good well thought out design; the idea for or a new (or revised) product; the idea for using new technology to make a product better and more practical; the idea behind the launch of a new division; or simply, a smart idea where pricing is concerned. In the best cases, the 'BIG' idea applies to all the aforementioned. With this in mind, here are some of the outstanding footwear lines that stood out this time around.
High quality, hand crafted, natural rubber boots Wholesale: From $19.95 Sizes: Infant - Adult What's the BIG idea? Aigle, founded in France in 1853 by an American, Hiram Hutchinson, is a well established, iconic brand specializing in natural rubber boots for hunting, fishing, sailing, garden, and leisure. Known for their uncompromising quality, superb design, and craftsmanship, each boot is made from the finest rubber available, assembled by hand on an aluminum form; each size has its own form and thus, each boot is unique. Aigle is also known for what have to be the chicest rubber riding boots on the planet: in addition to looking great they are completely waterproof, and deemed to be 'indestructible'. The fact that they have extended the line to accommodate children's sizes, is an inspired idea to say the least (now the whole family can look chic together). There are many classic styles (unisex at that) that go from 6 months to adult, but there are also some colorful, whimsical styles that are happily, just for the young set.
Lolly Loop prints
Lolly Pop assorted colors
Riding boot for kids and adults Enekony Showroom Tel: 646 662 5074 E-mail: Pascale05@gmail.com
Fabulous footwear for boys and girls Designer: Letty de Paz Wholesale: $16.50 - $29 Sizes: 3 months - tweens What's the BIG idea? For spring, Ms. De Paz has been able to keep the stylish and fashionable look intact yet effectively lower prices on almost all collections in the line (expect for newborn and toddler styles), by simply substituting PU for leather on the outside (they still use real leather on the insides). In addition, she has added more vibrant colors and many more special, highly embellished and decorated sandals for infants and toddlers, and she introduced a chic slightly lower platform wedge sandal which is available in gold, silver, and black.
Flower trimmed sandals
PU bow trimmed ballerinas
Flower trimmed suede sandals
Bright patent thongs Tel: 818 710 6582 E-mail: sales@pazitosinc.com
Urban footwear for first steps Designer: Cause Haun Wholesale: $17 - $21 Sizes: Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? For spring, Ms. Haun admits she was inspired by the circus and is completely infatuated with happy, upbeat, optimistic saturated colors (citronella is her favorite) in addition to whimsical abstract designs, which she sometimes used asymmetrically. As always, it's all about a "unique take on urban footwear for little feet" and all the shoes are made of buttersoft leather; they have breathable leather linings, padded collars, and non slip soles. The rubber bottoms of the shoes are even as attractive as the tops with their graphic large circular patterns which actually go through the shoe for added traction and comfort. Another 'smart' idea which is as good looking as it is practical: the interesting cutouts in sandals for little boys and girls which not only make a statement, but aids in ventilation and breathability ("soles with soul" boasts Ms. Haun).
Cut out and strappy shoes
Girls' bright athletic shoes
Mary Janes with mismatched graphic floral designs
Smaller Shoes' nonslip soles Tel: 888 524 7463 E-mail: info@seekairun.com
A little love for little feet Wholesale: 4 20 - $30 Sizes: 0 - 8 years What's the BIG idea? Just in time for Spring/Summer's 2011 outdoor life, the company, whose philosophy is all about "style, comfort, and quality at a price", introduced an extensive assortment of colorful, abstract patterned rubber soled canvas athletic shoes and sneakers for boys and girls (some lace up, some don't; some have Velcro closures, and there are high tops, ballerinas, Mary Janes, etc.) all of it is played out in dots, circles, color blocks, argyles, paisleys, re-colored corduroy, and unexpected colors and color combinations.
Bright patterned sneakers
Graphic rubber soles Tel: 888 UMI 7170; 414 908 1600 E-mail: customerservice@umishoes.com
Baby's, children's, and dance footwear specialist Wholesale: $8 - $16 Sizes: Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? For spring/summer, some irresistible offerings include: 'Fancy hat' sets for sizes 0- 3 (railroad stripe bucket hats and matching fisherman sandals, white terrycloth bucket hats with flower overlay and matching sandals, yellow rain hat and screened duck rain boot, etc.); sweet dress shoes for newborns (ankle strap ballerinas, open toe sandals, patent thongs); adorable 'crawling' styles (espadrilles, skimmers, and positively darling sandals, many decorated with flowers and life like silk flower overlays). And as always, Baby Deer baby shoes (a division of Trimfoot Co.) are fit tested for safety, comfort, and durability.
'Fancy Hat' sets
Rainhat and rubber boots
Flower trimmed 'crawlers' Tel: 800 325 6116 E-mail: sales@trimfootco.com
Kids shoes naturally Designer: Amanda Dimova Wholesale: $9 - $50 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Boys 8 - 14, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 16, Infant What's the BIG idea? All the styles on the line are made without any thermoforming plastic, which allows the leather to take the shape of the foot, enhancing foot development naturally. For spring, it's all about great designs at lower prices. Ms. Dimova was able to reduce prices (in half) by simply introducing the Tie Shoes (a boot, a sandal, a flower power boot, and flower power sandal) which cut down on labor and workmanship but not on fabulous style. Ditto the Eco Crawler in sand or leaf suede, and one amazingly fabulous baby shoe that is comprised of a single piece of leather (which also cuts the price down).
Eco Crawlers
Tie-up shoes
Infant shoe Tel: 800 473 0641 E-mail: Amanda@bearfeet.com
A luxury line of clothes and shoes for babies and children Designer: Maria Frallicciardi Wholesale: $19 - $34 Sizes: Newborn - 12 What's the BIG idea? Ms. Fallicciardi launched her line (which means 'little elephant') with clothing in 2004 and added footwear the next year (everything is printed and produced in Argentina and Peru). According to the designer and founder, it's all about a modern approach to classics (everything is "classic and modern; not flashy at all"), and dressing "kids as kids". It's that perfect combination of European classic style and American comfort (as exemplified by the sneaker). The shoes (ballet flats, driving moccasins, classic loafers, oxfords, open toed sandals, Mary Janes), are all made from the highest quality leather inside and out, and offer the utmost support.
Boys' driving moccasins
Floral thongs
Girls' driving moccasins
Metallic ankle straps
Boys classic shoes Tel: 888 776 9541 E-mail: Alexandra@elephantito.com
Fun, casual footwear for all ages Wholesale: $14 - $25 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Boys 8 - 20, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 14, Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? The collection is all about 'more is more': they always look for anything that's glitzy and sparkly. This is exemplified by their spring line which managed to transform sporty athletic styles (sneakers and high tops, for example), through the abundant use of printed canvas, floral embroidery, sequins, beads, stones, etc., often used at the same time. Even their traditional low heeled dancing shoes glitter.
Glittery ankle strap dance pumps
Colorful flower decorated high tops
Floral embellished Mary Janes Tel: 800 466 7244 E-mail: customerservice@raggshoes.com
The next best thing to bare feet Wholesale: $15.25 - $22.24 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Girls 4 - 6X, Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? Pediped is known for their '3-tier' system: (First Steps, Next Steps for toddler with its Grip 'n' Go technology, and Big Steps - the ultimate flexible walker), played out in an extensive line with many styles, for little girls and boys. Speaking of technology, they are also known for their smart use of technology: The Flex Fit System ensures the perfect fit; the MFT System (Memory Foam Technology) enables a cushioned sole to perfectly shape to the foot; DRYZ Technology means shoes will be waterproof; and the new 'Adventure Line' comprised of colorful and graphic lightweight, machine washable styles for boys and girls, means the end of dirty shoes for mom.
Colorful adventure sandals
Colorful sandals with velcro closures
Mary Janes with MFT Technology Tel: 800 880 1245 E-mail: customerservice@pediped.com
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