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A Warm Welcome to Newcomers at the Spring 2009 ENK Children's Club - Part I Couture wear, casual basics, full-scale lifestyle branding, swimwear: One could find a little of everything among the newcomers at the recent Children's Club (October 5-7, 2008). While their products differed, each designer contributed well-conceived lines with thoughtful color choices, and craftsmanship that exceeded just launched standards.
ALEXANDRIA COUTURE Homebase: Lawrenceville, GA DESIGNER: Regina Bell Sizes: NB to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $35-$100 Bell isn't kidding when she calls the line "couture." The fabrics: silk and silk chiffon, linen and lace, lend the garments just the right body where they need it, and, in the case of the silk chiffon and silk charmeuse, a languid drape.
Outstanding pieces: Who could resist this silk confection in the prettiest pastels? Tel: 404-492-8477 E-mail: info@alexandriacouture.net
BEAU BEAUX Homebase: Lawrenceville, GA DESIGNER: Amor Owens Sizes: 6 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $3.40-$32 Owens launched a collection of clay-dyed organic hemp one-pieces and T-shirts with appliqués and hand embroidery; a group of Pima cotton Jersey in funky 70's style prints for infants to toddlers; and a charming line of sundresses in a collage of bright vintage style prints.
Outstanding pieces: Working in autumnal tones with a shot of white, allows this polo to flow easily from summer to fall.
Roses are red and ready for picking in this delightful mixed print perfect-for-party dress. Tel: 678-467-9241 E-mail: Amor_owens@comcast.net
KAPITAL K Homebase: Cedar Grove, NJ DESIGNER: Spencer Sujjaporamest Sizes: Girls and boys 12 months to 4T; Wholesale prices: $13-$38 The designer launched two tightly edited collections for girls and boys. For girls, the casual playwear was shown in a 70's themed palette of pink, raspberry, lime and turquoise. For boys, electric blue and hot orange gave a jolt to charcoal, pale gray and denim.
Outstanding pieces: Pretty plaid touches and floral embroidery feminize the cinched-waisted khaki dress.
An example of Kapital K's interesting layered screen prints, raw edges and novelty trims. Tel: 917-656-0270 E-mail: Spencers@kapital-k.com
THOMAS PARK GIFTS Homebase: South Boston, MA DESIGNER: Andrea Thomas-Lambe Sizes: NB to 4T; Wholesale price: $20 In this economy, getting more for your money has never been as important. That's why Thomas Park's reversible jumper is such a find.
Outstanding piece: The cute A-line that ties with flirty silk ribbons at the shoulders reverses from one modern print to another. Two dresses for the price of one. Perfect. Tel: 617-269-1205 E-mail: thomasparkgifts@verizon.net
TODDLER AND UP BASICS WITH A BUZZ Homebase: Virginia Beach, VA DESIGNERS: Beth Elser and Stephanie Fisher Sizes: 2T-16; Wholesale prices: $20-$29 I caught a little buzz from this well edited line of cotton tees, shorts, leggings and a few fresh-as-a-daisy sundresses in great, modern prints.
Outstanding piece: Every girl, regardless of her age, needs a loosely cut yet flattering sundress in a catch-your-eye pattern. This is it. Tel: 757-425-2337 E-mail: Buzzkidsvb@gmail.com
BOYS' COLLECTIONS CIAO MARCO Homebase: Minneapolis, MN DESIGNER: Tricia D'elba Sizes: 2-14 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$32 I don't care how casual a boy is, he needs a few well fitting button-down shirts in his wardrobe. Ciao Marco offers imported cotton and organic cotton boys' shirts in a variety of traditional plaids, solids and stripes, some with coordinating cuffs. Handsome classic sweaters, and funky tees round out the collection.
Outstanding pieces: A range of shirts that coordinate with anything in a boy's closet.
Funky meets traditional with this detailed T-shirt and comfortable striped shorts. Tel: 612-339-7767 E-mail: Tricia@CiaoMarco.com
DOWNTOWN JOEY Homebase: Staten Island, NY DESIGNER: Lisa Carroccio Sizes: 2T-8 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$32 Bold color and dynamic print combinations starred in Carroccio's newly launched collection of crisp, western shirts, tees and hoodies, and two-tone cargo pants for boys.
Outstanding piece: With the bold graffiti numbers and the western styling, this shirt defines the urban cowboy. Tel: 718-987-0900 E-mail: Sales@downtownjoey.com
Originally published November 16, 2008
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