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The ABC Kids Expo: Still Green - Part IV (Baby Carriers, Slings, Car Seat Covers and Home Furnishings) Relatively new to the U.S., the baby sling - favored in other nations for its ability to keep baby secure while they sit or lay tied close to the parent - is one of the fastest growing product categories at the ABC Kids Expo (September 7-10, 2007). The look of bedding, blankets and art among the home furnishings collections was modern done two ways: Bold and graphic or rich and textural. One trend among the pattern-driven collections was a simplified Asian style that looks fresh in a punchy, two-tone feeling.
BABY CARRIERS AND SLINGS CATBIRD BABY Homebase: Chicago, IL DESIGNER: Beth Leistensnider Wholesale prices: $46-$49.50 Theme: A mei tai to wear The Catbird Baby is based on the Asian "Mei Tai," a traditional Chinese-style baby carrier. The wrap functions as a front or backpack, or hip carrier and is comfortable from birth through toddlerhood or up to 40 pounds. The carrier holds baby tight and close to the parent.
Favorites: The new "Pikkolo" uses the Mei Tai as a model, but instead of tie closures, there's a simple buckle. The item comes in plenty of cute prints too, so you can swap that New Agey hemp thing for something more fashionable. Tel: 773-539-7581 E-mail: beth@catbirdbaby.com
PEANUT SHELL Homebase: Newark, CA DESIGNER: Alicia Shaffer Wholesale prices: $14.50-$34 Theme: "Fashionably functional parenting gear." Parents love the ease of the hands-free baby sling. Peanut Shell offers several styles in prints and glamorous cotton knit wrap with a sequined motif.
Favorites: This mom is thrilled with her Peanut Shell wrap. Tel: 925.931.0947 E-mail: wholesale@thepeanutshell.com
CAR SEAT COVERS BABBLE CHIC Homebase: Ventura, CA DESIGNER: Megan Paulson Size: Infant and toddler; Wholesale prices: $69 & $72 This newcomer's car seat covers have plenty going for them: They're available in six cute cotton prints embellished with an embroidered logo. For comfort, Paulson has added a quilted underside that provides a cushioning layer for the baby. Because she's a mother, Paulson understands the hassle of strapping a car seat into the back of a car. With that in mind, she designed the item to open and close with Velcro so it's easy on, easy off - and that car seat can stay just where it is until Junior outgrows it. One more thing, each cover comes in a matching cloth bag so it's great for gift giving.
Favorites: "Groovy Guitars" and "Lulu's Garden" are two cute options. Tel: 805-223-0464 E-mail: mpaulson@babblechic.com
TOWELS BABY DRY GOODS Homebase: North Augusta, SC DESIGNER: Natalie Hayes Wholesale prices: $5.25-$22 Theme: Bibs, burp clothes and towel sets for the print-driven parent Hayes sources cotton prints in a range of styles to fashion a diminutive line of playful bed and bath accessories.
Favorites: When a baby comes out of the bath and that little face peeks from beneath the hood of towel, well, that's one of those precious moments when all the hassles of parenthood are worth it. Baby Dry Goods towels' are large enough to keep bathers covered for up to five years and they come with two coordinating washcloths. Here in "Leaf" and "Cedar Bluff" with 15 others to choose from. Tel: 803-279-6510 E-mail: babydrygoods@bellsouth.net
BEDDING PIXIE DUST Homebase: Orange County, CA DESIGNER: Stacy McCallum Size: Crib size; Wholesale prices: Four-piece set: $192 Theme: "Inspired children's décor." Pixie Dust crib bedding, pillows and fabrics reflect a feminine, vintage sensibility.
Favorites: Cross a modern two-tone print with a toile and an Oriental design and you have Pixie Dust's fresh as a cherry blossom "Pagoda" print. The design is available in four colorways. Seen above is watermelon and orchid. Tel: 949-400-2298 E-mail: info@pixiedustdecor.com
SKIP HOP Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Ellen Diamant Wholesale prices: Five-piece bedding set: $105 Theme: Cutting edge modern bags, kitchen gear and now, bedding After the success of Skip Hop's museum worthy plastic kitchen items, it's no surprise that the company's first line of all-cotton bedding has the same likeable, minimalist aesthetic.
Favorites: The "Mod Dot" and the "Vine Floral." If you want to raise a child with a refined design sensibility, begin with the basics. Tel: 212-868-9850 / 877-4-SKIPHOP E-mail: sales@skiphop.com
KUKUNEST Homebase: Oakland, CA DESIGNER: Laura Mameesh and Teri Dimalanta Sizes: Twin; Wholesale prices: $29-$59.50 Theme: "….fine children's bedding for boys and girls that is modern, playful and environmentally friendly." This new company offers playful designs with elegantly rendered motifs and rich color. The bedding is Oko-Tex certified, a European standard that was created to ensure no negative effects from the manufacture of certified products on the environment.
Favorites: Kids will love the underwater theme of this bedding; parents will admire the elegantly rendered sea creatures and sophisticated color combination. The polka dot sheets work with the aquatic theme as well as any other Kukunest pattern, and, I'm sure, every sheet mom already owns. Tel: 510-530-5959 E-mail: info@kukunest.com
MANHATTAN KIDS Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Susan Fiore Sizes: Crib and twin; Wholesale prices: $125 for a six-piece set Theme: Something different in children's bedding Manhattan Kids offers high-end bedding at affordable prices
Favorites: This sherpa-dyed, cotton and silk crib bedding manages to be both ultra elegant and earthy. Fiore's colors are truly unique as you can see in this lime, dusty watermelon and lilac color combination. Tel: 212-845-9488 E-mail: susanfiore@manhattankidshome.com
PITTER PATTER COLLECTIONS Homebase: Arroyo Seco, NM DESIGNERS: Annette Stoner and Donna Longo Sizes: crib Wholesale prices: Four-piece set: $386 Theme: Environmentally friendly bedding Pitter Patter designs have a hand-drawn appeal and a tactile one as well. Their collection of hemp and recycled bamboo sheeting possesses a soft, velvety finish.
Favorites: This handsome bedding works in any style nursery and you simply won't find softer goods. Tel: 505-751-9067 E-mail: info@pitterpattercollections.com www.pitterpattercollections.com
WHISTLE & WINK Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Bridget Kelly Sizes: Crib to twin; Wholesale prices: $20-$175 Theme: Playful luxury with couture touches Kelly, who started the Pottery Barn Kids label, transfers that experience into a line of fresh, crisp baby and children's bedding. Touches like vintage style embroidery, whimsical trims and unique patterns make Whistle & Wink a newcomer to watch.
Favorites: Kelly gives the familiar - and slightly tired toile - a fresh look with "China Doll Toile." On this pattern, the usual multi-lined, cross-hatched drawing is simplified, giving the print a stronger graphic appeal. Girls will love the little vignettes that tell a story of the doll's adventures. Rich pink frog closings on the quilt and pillow shams as well as pillows with hand-stitched embroidery add to the luxury. Vitamins Company Tel: 212 279-1616 email: fimpson@celebrityintl.com
BLANKETS BABYCAKES OF SCOTTSDALE Homebase: Scottsdale, AZ DESIGNER: Hilary Rubin Wholesale prices: $9-$49 Theme: "Lavish baby gifts and glamour." Babycakes hit the kids' market with an over-the-top, three-layer confection of tees, leggings, hats and blankets, all hidden beneath a frosting of flowers and jewels. The new blankets and bibs are just the icing on the, well, you know the rest.
Favorites: After the diet-busting "cakes," it's a surprise to see these modern, unadorned blankets and bibs. All the luxury here is in the color and "mink" surfaces. Tel: 888-302-2229 E-mail: info@babycakesscottsdale.com
CARMMA Homebase: San Clemente, CA DESIGNER: Christy Fann Wholesale prices: $6-$42 Theme: "Plush decadence meets the soothing aroma of lavender." In addition to their good looks, these plush and silk blankets provide aromatherapy as well. A pouch on the underside of the quilt holds a sachet of fresh scented lavender known for its calming effect.
Favorites: I like the "Sorbet" quilt for its ice cream colors, but any of the 14 combinations for boys and girls provide good karma. Tel: 949-481-4523 E-mail: Christy@carmma.com
ELEGANT BABY Homebase: Burlington, NC DESIGNERS: The Elegant Baby design team Wholesale price: $19 Theme: Elegant baby gifts that only look expensive
Favorites: The knit of the cocoa and rich toned blanket is soft to the hand and the dot pattern looks especially fresh this season. Tel: 800-672-5313 E-mail: randygottlieb@babyneedsinc.com
MAX DANIEL BABY Homebase: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA DESIGNER: Eden Amir Wholesale prices: contact manufacturer Theme: "Posh and perfect" blankets for everyone's little celebrity. Take it from Jennifer Garner, Heidi Klum and Tori Spelling: Max Daniel baby blankets are the most luxurious, chicest throw on the market. All three celebs - and many more - have been photographed craddeling their babies in a buttery soft Max Daniel blanket.
Favorites: Mom's a fashionista who dreams of wrapping her baby in a blanket in the season's newest prints and shades? She'll want the "Giraffe." One side is off-white plush in kitten-soft rosette swirl. Flip it over and the plush is chic black on white animal print. Front and back are trimmed with a pale silver satin ruffle. Perfect. Tel: 310-984-9905 E-mail: Info@maxdaniel.com
PINEAPPLE COVE BABY Homebase: Irving, TX Designer: Deborah Stepler Wholesale prices: $12.50-$14 Theme: "Simply sophisticated diapering accessories." Working in a sophisticated palette of chocolate, dusty aqua and pink, Stepler has fashioned a two-item line with an elegant, Martha Stewart like aesthetic. The quilted cotton or silk diaper pads and diaper wallets, resemble attractive purses; in fact, Stepler says her customers with and without children order them as accessories. The changing pad opens to a wipeable surface with a clear plastic pocket to hold diapering needs.
Favorite: All the items have that French antique, understated appeal. Tel: 214-679-3716 E-mail: Deborah@pineapplecove.com
WOOBEE Homebase: Seattle, WA DESIGNER: Heather Correa Single stroller size $35, double stroller: $55 Theme: "Welcome to the world's most versatile luxury blanket." This is the blanket for a customer who wants practicality without the glitz. The Woobee, available in single and double stroller sizes, flips from plush material to a wind and water resistant backing. The blanket comes with loops and attractive grosgrain ties so it can be secured to any stroller. Correa had a sample of a blanket she'd washed 20 times, and not only was the color unchanged after laundering, but both sides became softer. The water repellant siding makes this item great for a picnic or afternoon at the beach.
Favorites: Here's Correa holding the Woobee. No bells and whistles, but when the weather dips, this will be mom's "go-to" blanket. Tel: 206-200-3620 E-mail: info@woobeekids.com
ART AND ROOM DÉCOR WEE GALLERY Homebase: St Petersburg, FL DESIGNERS: Surya Sajnani and David Pinto Wholesale prices: Approximately $12.95-$30 Babies can only see short distances and prefer simple, graphic images. The designers' black and white motifs on stationery, wall decals and small canvases fit the bill.
Favorites: The Wee Gallery's canvas selection offers five sets of three canvases like the "Farmyard" animals, "Garden" and "Sea" creatures. The friendly beasts on the strongly colored grounds should have the littlest critics raving. Tel: 727-504-8395 E-mail: dave@weegallery.com
Originally published October 13, 2007
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