|
|
Fall 2009: In the New York Showrooms - Part I Following three days strolling the ENK Children's Club exhibition, I checked out NYC Market Week held January 5-9, 2008 in several children's wear showrooms at 131 West 33rd Street in New York. Proprietors Caroline Nagle of the Yoka Showroom and Allison Moroze of Ali's Market allowed us to peruse some of their new fall collections.
YOKA SHOWROOM Two collections at Caroline Nagle's Yoka Showroom worked dark, rich tones of plum, olive, magenta and bright orange into sportswear, creating a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. Claesen's design team is making the most of autumnal colors, blending the hues into easy-going-sportswear solids, and all-out, over-the-top prints.
The delicious magenta is reason alone to stock the separates, yet retailers will appreciate velvet-edged pockets, mother of pearl buttons, and drawstring waist details too. The bold magenta and olive striped tee looks especially fresh this season.
Wow. Who said there aren't enough prints in the market? Here's a dress that packs a season's worth of pattern into one, simply cut shape. (All styles fit 3 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices for the collection: $8-$25)
Women know, when times are tough we need legwear that gives our wardrobe a little panache. The folks at Le Big know it too. This season they're offering boldly patterned leggings in "look-at-me" shades, and some with a whole lot of action at the ankle. Retailers will be happy to know the items are made of organic cotton with a touch of Lycra to keep the stretch.
Little girls are dealt a good hand with these argyle and heart bedecked leggings with jazzy striped ankles.
She loves lace? Give her two pairs of these frill-friendly leggings in go-with-everything neutrals, and a rainbow of bright tones. (All styles fit NB to 16 years; Wholesale prices for the collection: $3-$14) Yoka Showroom Tel: 212 594-7714 E-mail: Caroline@yokashowroom.com
ALI'S MARKET Ali's Market owner Allison Moroze is excited about the gorgeous colors and exuberant patterns filling her showroom. One collection she's enamored with is the classic Coccoli line. Designer Marian Vachon colored simply shaped, buttery soft velour layette pieces in traditional pink and gray; edgy black, charcoal and white; and fresh blue-lilac with touches of plum and olive. Vintage union suit styling and decorative silver snaps add a couture touch.
(NB to 24 months; pajamas: 2 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$21)
Designer Sara Oh of the Los Angeles-based Esme Loungewear Collection designs the kind of cute but not too cute, easy-to-move-in loungewear sets that mothers will covet. Oh employs modal, a fabric that is uncommonly soft and comfortable and drapes beautifully.
Two collectibles: The ever-popular monkey print and the timeless dot design (fits 2T to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$38)
BonBon Cupcakes and Melontree are two legwear lines with fresh delicacies for fall.
Hot out of the oven are designer Erin Cascone's Bon Bon Cupcakes leggings (fits 12 months to 18 years; wholesale prices $10.50) with a ruffle-edge that resembles the paper frill of a cupcake. To bring home the idea, each fancy, rhinestone-trimmed item comes in a clear bakery shop box. Charming.
Developed by Texas-based Denise Browder, Melontree's arm and leg warmers (Wholesale price: $6) afford another layer of warmth for older toddler to teens. The 85 percent cotton and Spandex items are easy to pull on and off and are available in a range of patterns. Ali's Market Tel: 212-695-2300 E-mail: Info@alismarket.com
Originally published February 15, 2009
|
|
