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Children's Club: Newcomers for Spring/Summer 2008 - Part I Indie designers were thinking alike at this spring show. Many new manufacturers with terrifically innovative, fully conceived collections made their debut at the ENK Children's Club (October 14-16, 2007). The designers below are an intriguing group. Some focus on color and fiber over pattern; others dive into prints with abandon. What they all have in common is professionalism. From hangtags to production, these designers are set for business.
INFANT AND UP COTTON AND SILK KNIT GROUPS A B SEA Homebase: Atlantic Beach, NY DESIGNER: Alexis Koss Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $4.50-$16. Theme: Modern silk knit basics This newcomer takes her inspiration from the seaside town where she grew up. The colors in her layette collection of 70 percent silk, 30 percent cotton-blend pieces are imbued with names such as "wave," "foam," and "buoy" to evoke a watery landscape.
Favorites: The knit baby sack has an opening for a car-seat belt making it both luxurious and practical. Tel: 516-316-0458 E-mail: abseababy@gmail.com
JAXXWEAR Homebase: Greenwich, CT DESIGNER: Heather Jaffe Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $4.50-$16 Theme: "Style for the next generation." Jaffe's small-scale prints have an appealing 70's feeling and the creamy colors are right out of an ice cream case. It's the ultra-soft hand of these Pima cotton separates though, that make them so gift worthy.
Favorites: The cute print, crisp apple green color and great boot-cut shaped pant make this outfit a winner. Tel: 203-252-0238 E-mail: heather.jaffe@jaxxwear.com
LOTUS SPRINGS USA Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNERS: Irina Wong and Ecko Liu Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $15-$115 Theme: "Conservation is at our heart, partnered with the knowledge that we will give the best forever. Luxury is our philosophy; green is our commitment." Wong and Liu offer a collection of modern basics with signature touches like a scalloped hem and a few reversible pieces. The items are offered in a variety of high-end fibers such as silk, cashmere and terry, as well as newer, eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and milk fibers derived from milk protein. Both fabrics possess lush, ultra-silky hands.
Favorites: The silk plush jacket over the reversible silk and cotton wavy-edged top and the bamboo Jersey pants add up to a sumptuous play of textures and a modern color palette. Tel: 323-871-2233 E-mail: Irina@lotussprings.com
T-SHIRT AND COORDINATE COLLECTIONS UGLY FISH ORGANICS Homebase: Rockville, MD DESIGNER: Seema Reza Sizes: 2T to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$34 Theme: "All great people start small." Reza's line of organic cotton and hemp tees, skirts and pants shows a commitment to the earth as well as enduring style. With clef notes, guitar motifs and words such as "listen" printed on the garments, the season's theme "music" thrums softly throughout the collection. One playful touch: The hangtags are musical notes crafted from seeds and recycled paper. When the tags are soaked in water and planted, they bloom into flowers and the paper pulp composts into the earth. Now that's recycling!
Favorites: The colors in the tee and mid-calf short have multi-season appeal. Tel: 877-335-7770 E-mail: Sales@uglyfishclothing.com
Originally published October 30, 2007
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