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Bubble Fall 2009 Newcomers: Always Room for More - Part I Like crocuses emerging after a long winter, 41 new collections (out of a total of 95 lines) popped up at the 7th Bubble New York Showcase (March 8-10, 2009). Among the mix of personal, idiosyncratic collections was special occasion dresses, sportswear lines both classic and trendy with many utilizing organic fabrications, fine knitwear, jewelry, footwear, and lovely bedding and artwork for the home.
GIRLS TODDLER & UP: ADORE LA VIE Homebase: San Francisco, CA DESIGNER: Amanda Boyd Sizes: 2T to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $64-$85 "I wanted to give moms something I heard them request when shopping for kids' clothing: 'Oh, I wish they made that in my size," says Boyd, a former designer for the Spiegel catalogue and the Gymboree stores. Adore La Vie answers the need for luxurious, coordinating dresses that are age-appropriate: comfortably sexy for mom, sweet for girls.
Outstanding pieces: The peacock dress for mom has the prettiest neckline, a racer style back and an arresting print. The girl's version sports flutter sleeves and a body with enough width to run in. A win-win for mom and daughter. Tel: 630-240-1757 E-mail: amanda@adorelaviedesigns.com
CAMP Homebase: Austin, TX DESIGNER: Suzanna Santostefano Sizes: 3 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $34-$82.50 No flashy designs, no flashy colors, there's nothing campy about Camp. The styles are all about clean lines with a few childlike details, a palette of neutrals, and pure organic fabrications such as Hempcel, a blend of hemp and Tencel that has a dry, cotton like hand and the drape of Tencel.
Outstanding pieces: The box-pleated top (left) has an easy cut that belies its elegant, Jackie O aesthetic. The smock top (right, also available in black, and cream/indigo stripe) is accented with black and cream smocking at the neckline. Black herringbone woven bubble shorts complete the look. Tel: 512-983-4186 E-mail: Thecampcollection@gmail.com
CLOVER NEW YORK Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNERS: Jordana Baldwin and Mariette Groen Sizes: 6 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$27.50 I love a collection that exudes a sense of humor, and Clover New York has high spirits to spare. Their hand-blocked designs are inspired by a trip to Rajasthan, India, but the images, like a skating child about to hit the ice rear first, reflect a strong, personal bent. Outstanding pieces: The hand-blocked storks printed on the Sisi Tunic are dappled with gold metallic.
You won't find a richer teal color or a more versatile piece than the Lily Pinafore. It's perfect worn as a jumper, or as a sundress without the tee. The gold threads that run through the body and along the pocket and hem glimmer in the sunlight.
Tel: 646-338-3763 E-mail: Clovernyc@gmail.com
HALF DOT BROOKLYN Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Judy Lee Sizes: 6 months to 4T; Wholesale prices: $30-$82 For the plaid lover (and who isn't this season?) comes this well-edited collection of organic wool and cotton vests, jackets and capes. The coat, which comes with an ingenious button-in or -out vest, works winter into spring. Outstanding piece: The handsome plaid jacket can be worn with the attached vest for extra warmth, or the vest alone for a chic yet cozy style.
The Starter Coat functions as an attractive cape that can be buttoned closed near the hands for snugly comfort.
Tel: 646-491-2991 E-mail: Judy@halfdotbrooklyn.com
OLA & OLEK Homebase: London, England DESIGNER: Eliza Lopatowska Sizes: NB to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $19-$74 The Ola & Olek collection is "modernized vintage with a chic, minimalist flavor," says Lopatowska. It's an apt description. Her clothes incorporate timeless styling - a round collar, simple lines, a few floral prints - with modern touches like a suit with fabulous pocket details.
Outstanding piece: This suit in nubby teal boucle, gets its oomph from an ingenious pocket "collar." The pocket treatment is echoed on the coordinating mini. Tel: 44 7882197251 E-mail: Eliza@olaandolek.com
PATOUCHE Homebase: Toronto, Canada DESIGNER: Kessa Laxton Sizes: Girls and boys NB to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$74 Patouche is a tiny collection of modern sportswear pieces with a touch of fairy tale magic.
Outstanding piece: The charming Melton wool cape, lined in an amusing Japanese linen print, has a generous hood for extra warmth. Little Red Riding Hood never had it so good. (Also available in burnt orange and plum.) Tel: 416 538-4703 E-mail: Kessarayanne@hotmail.com
SPIKE & ANNIE Homebase: San Francisco, CA DESIGNER: Lisa Alexander Sizes: 12 months to Tween Large; Wholesale prices: $15-$155 Alexander, a socialite, world traveler and philanthropist interprets California style by retaining its sunny looks and adding a touch of preppy refinement.
Outstanding piece: A traditional polo shirt and pants is reborn in thin wale corduroy and the season's hot knicker shape. Tel: 415 272-8520, 415 440-4223 E-mail: Lisa@spikeandannie.com
Originally published April 1, 2009
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