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New York International Gift Fair: Sustainability - What It Meant and What it Means - Part I The Winter 2009 New York International Gift Fair's (January 25-29, 2009) theme was "Sustainability." Of course, the show's directors meant it in the literal sense: sustainable materials sourced and manufactured in ethically sound workplaces. A large display in the Javits Center's Crystal Pavilion of works using organic, recycled supplies illustrated the message. Coming at a time of fiscal precariousness though, "Sustainability" held a particular resonance for not only those exhibiting but for the retailers shopping the show as well. As one retailer told me over coffee, "We're optimistic that things will change. In the meantime, we're still buying, we're just doing it carefully."
APPAREL: LAYETTE AMBAJAM Homebase: Denver, CO DESIGNER: Alessandra Mayer Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: Approximately $13.50-$17 for clothing Mayer produces layette and giftware that, she says, "Sparks the curiosity and imagination of children by utilizing engaging textures, colors and shapes while appealing to their parents' sense of style."
Outstanding product: Her signature T-shirt will be as irresistible to a little one as a frosted cupcake.
Careful. The Cuddleup blanket set can lead to compulsive cuddling. Tel: 303-691-2236 E-mail: Info@ambajam.com
B'AMICI Homebase: Chicago, IL DESIGNER: b amici design team Sizes: Infant; Wholesale prices: $10-$22 Adorable imagery, playful details and great packaging make this collection ideal for boutiques.
Outstanding product: The ingenious packaging of this cute, well made cotton gift set can do double duty as a keepsake holder. Lynn Meyer Showroom (Lynn Meyer) Tel: 212-947-5522 E-mail: Lmeyerinc@aol.com
BABY STAR Homebase: Portland, OR DESIGNER: Dana Johnson Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $10-$20 Fans of Johnson's bibs, burp cloths and blankets, are lining up for her new Little Dipper collection of soy/organic cotton knit pieces. For Spring 2009, she continues to offer modern shapes with feminine touches, and an array of 1960's inspired prints.
Outstanding products: In addition to their easy shapes and fun patterns, these pieces protect the head from heat and sun.
Totes that don't say, "baby." Tel: 503-221-7827 E-mail: Sales@babystar.com
BABIDU Homebase: Valencia, Spain DESIGNER: The Babidu design team Sizes: Infant through toddler; Wholesale prices: $3-$10.50 In Spain, this company is known for delicate cotton underwear, basics, and pajamas in classic and jewel colored groups.
Outstanding product: The beautifully manufactured footed pajamas are just right when you want a classic gift.
BLOOMERS BABY Homebase Laguna Niguel, CA DESIGNER: Michelle Caruso Sizes: NB to 6 months; Wholesale prices: $34 Caruso's Birth Day Box offers a great, playful gift that's elegantly packaged.
Outstanding product: The Birth Day Box by Bloomers Baby is the perfect way to celebrate a new arrival. Each ultra-stylish three-piece gift set contains a combed cotton hat and long sleeved lap T-shirt accented with plush trim and matching plush diaper cover. Fabulous touches such as tiny footprints that adorn the back of each tee, soft satin detailing and cozy flannel lining finish each piece. The rich chocolate toned Birth Day Box is intricately laser crafted with a nature-themed design and accented with thoughtful words to inspire any mom-to-be. The set comes in blue, pink or white. Tel: 949-951-2063 E-mail: Info@bloomersbaby.com
PITTY SHANTS (new) Homebase: San Antonio, TX DESIGNER: Katy Mimari Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $4.50-$18 Caden Lane launched this new division that offers layette wear printed with playfully edgy motifs.
Outstanding product: Traditional shapes make a neutral canvas for robots, birds, and crowns. Tel: 210-687-1919 E-mail: Info@pittyshants.com
FARMER KIDS ORGANICS Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: The Farmer Kids Organics design team Sizes: Infant-toddler; Wholesale prices: Approximately $14-$20 "Organic cotton being pesticide free, makes for a healthier earth, healthier farmers, and is best for babies sensitive skin." That's the message Farmerkids embraces in their collection of organic one-pieces, tees, and hats each sporting an embroidered patch with a peace loving message.
Outstanding products: The abc123 children's T-shirt with the embroidered patch has the look of an old-fashioned hand-stitched sampler. Tel: 212-473-3616 E-mail: Info@farmerkids.com
LORALIN Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Lynne Buchman Sizes: NB to 18 months; Wholesale prices for apparel: $4.50-$18 A minimalist at heart, Buchman relies on a great color sense and love of simple forms to fashion her collection of cotton knit apparel, albums, and cards.
Outstanding product: Mondrian would approve of the these appealing sleepers that focus on unusual color pairing and shape, not extraneous detail. Tel: 917-664-0148 E-mail: Lynne@loralindesign.com
Originally published March 3, 2009
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