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New York International Gift Fair: More Vintage and "Green" Everything - Part I At the Gift Fair (February 1-6, 2008), and all of the trade exhibitions I've attended recently, "green," "organic," "sustainable" items are sought after. I hesitate to call the desire for earth friendly items a trend; with more people rethinking their SUVs and finding ways to leave a smaller footprint on the earth, I prefer to think of this urge for organics as a reflection of positive lifestyle changes. An earth friendly mood is evident in pattern and color as well. At this show, I noticed fewer modern prints - the big bright polka dots and 60's style wallpaper designs - that were popular recently. Quieter, more muted colors in green market tones were prevalent as well as subtle, floral and vegetal motifs. New companies or established companies launching new divisions are marked with an asterisk.
APPAREL *AMERICAN TERRY CO. Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNERS: Nancy Schmidt and Wing Kwok Sizes: 2 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $3-$24 This 100-year-old company specializing in cotton terry cloth, launched a robe and hooded-towel division a year ago. At the gift show, the designers debuted a collection of organic cotton loungewear in a variety of soft and bright tones.
Tel: 212-226-8040 E-mail: info@americanterry.com
EIGHT3ONE Homebase: Seattle, WA DESIGNER: Aimee Sher Sizes: 6 months to 6T; Wholesale prices: $12-$14 You can say Sher showed moral fiber when she added a new group of organic onesies and pants for infants.
In a few strokes, Sher imbues the lion and bird on the all-natural tees with endearing personalities. Tel: 949-697-0542 E-mail: eight3one@oz.net
HATLEY Homebase: Plattsburgh, NY DESIGNER: Nick Oldland Sizes: 3 months to 7; Wholesale prices: $4.75-$21 Rubber raincoats do a good job of keeping kids dry, but inside they can feel a little clammy. That's why Hatley's rain gear is such a find: In addition to the array of sweet prints and the roomy cut, each piece is lined with terry cloth so children stay cool and dry inside too.
Tel: 800-667-2583 E-mail: angelaa@hatleynature.com
LUXE BABY BY LIL' RAGS Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNER: Patriza Murillo Sizes: Preemie to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $11-$35 Murillo's versatile organic cotton apparel works as basics as well as cute layering pieces. Here, one ideal example of sister/brother dressing.
Tel: 323-293-4612 E-mail: info@shopluxebaby.com
MEYAMO Homebase: Portland, OR DESIGNER: Sofia Herrera Sizes: 3 to 18 months; Wholesale prices: $13-$15 Moms who like to personalize their own tees will love Herrera's product. Each kit, enclosed in a pretty net bag, includes a one-piece with iron-on letters and cute animal motifs. Just peel the fuzzy decals off the card, iron on and go.
Tel: 503-488-0231 E-mail: info@meyamo.com
MY BOY SAM, LTD. / SAM'S FRIEND Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Shelley Hunt Sizes: 12 months to 7; Wholesale prices: $32-$35 This little knit tunic's fresh apple green, cocoa and sky blue color combination, the simple A-line shape and that happening Swiss-inspired pattern capture all the season's trends.
Tel: 212-967-2918 E-mail: mbsskivvy@aol.com www.jamesgirone.com/samsfriend
*JUNE PLUM Homebase: South Orange, NJ DESIGNER: Kate Jarrett Sizes: 3 months to 6; Wholesale prices: $12.50-$15 Jarrett's debut collection of organic and non-organic cotton tees feature a motif "associated with positive symbolism." A hangtag attached to each piece describes the meaning of the design.
A "burnout" technique is used on the tees shown here. The process leaves the hand exceptionally light and soft and the color takes on a weathered patina. Tel: 888-758-6543 E-mail: kate@june-plum.com
Originally published March 2, 2008
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