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Spring/Summer 2010 Newcomers: Bubbling Up - Part I There was an energy at the Spring/Summer 2010 ENK Children's Club and Bubble New York trade shows (August 2-4, 2009) that I haven't experienced for a few seasons. I could feel it the second I walked into the shows. Bubble's new venue, Cedar Lake on 26th Street in Chelsea, was brighter and warmer than the previous space, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Location is important, of course, but it was something else: warm bodies. Yes, retailers were at the shows, not in droves but in healthy enough numbers. They were smiling, and, manufacturers told me, they were writing orders. Another reason to be thankful: so many new designers jumping into the fray! Some manufacturers' collections were funky, some timeless; all had a strong personal vision to expand on as the seasons pass. Below, the newcomers seen at Bubble. (O) denotes lines that are all or mostly organic.
INFANT AND UP: ADOOKA ORGANICS (O) Homebase: Columbus, OH DESIGNER: Anne MacGilvray Sizes: NB to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$30 MacGilvray bases her collection of clean, simple organic cotton knits on the colors and motifs of nature. Branches beginning to bud, a showy peacock, jellyfish and a pair of big eyes peering from the dark lend a playful note to the garments.
Outstanding piece: There's nothing easier than this dress for summer. Throw it on and a girl looks fresh and ready to go. Tel: 614 657-7248 E-mail: Anne@adooka.com
BARLEY & BIRCH (O) Homebase: Oceanside, CA DESIGNER: Jodie Milmore and Kyle Smitley Sizes: 3 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$20 This is the collection for organic purists. The designs are produced in the U.S. using 100 percent certified organic cotton and water-based inks and at least 10 percent of the company's profits are donated to earth friendly causes. If that doesn't sell you on the line, look at the dresses.
Outstanding pieces: The clean lines and simple two-tone palettes of these cotton poplin dresses are Mid-Century modern at its best. Tel: 619-339-5167 E-mail: Kylesmitley@gmail.com
BENNY & MOON Homebase: Chicago, IL DESIGNER: Kellie Mooney Sizes: 2 to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$33 Mooney is inspired by the classic styles of the 1950s and 1960s. Her girls' designs feature clean shapes and solid or simple prints. The boy's simple tunic and drawstring pants are appropriate for all casual occasions.
Outstanding pieces: The Amelia Dress: A great print and easy shape make it a winner.
The indispensable Joseph Shirt is chic with jeans, over a swimsuit or paired with the Unisex Pant. Tel: 312-752-6205 E-mail: Kellie@bennyandmoon.com
4FUNKYFLAVOURS Homebase: Budel, the Netherlands DESIGNER: Greetje Smits Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$39 The name is apt. With lots of bright colors, edgy, mixed prints and references to the Seventies, 4FunkyFlavours is funky indeed.
Outstanding piece: This jumpsuit is for the confident kid who wants to stand out in a crowd. Tel: +0031 495 498 330 E-mail: info@4funkyflavours.nl
GREEN BABY LONDON (O) Homebase: London, UK DESIGNER: Jill Barker Sizes: NB to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $5-$22 This collection of organic cotton basics and sportswear is all about bold patterns and fresh, saturated colors. It made me happy to look at it.
Outstanding pieces: The color palette - the blues are gorgeous and that red really makes the garments pop.
This tunic with its wide stripes and vivid tones looks effortlessly chic and playful too. Tel: +0207 226 9244 E-mail: Jill@greenybaby.net
HAPPY GREEN BEE (O) Homebase: Gouldsboro, ME DESIGNER: Roxanne Quimby Sizes: 12 months to 5 years: Wholesale prices: $2.50-$19 Things were buzzing in the Happy Green Bee booth. As you'd expect from the founder of Burt's Bees, owner Quimby's collection of cotton and bamboo separates are organic.
Outstanding piece: Can't decide if you want dots or stripes? Fine. Have it your way with this reversible sundress. It's cute with leggings. Tel: 206-963-7194 E-mail: Yemaya@happygreenbee.com
LITTLE ESOP (O) Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Sarah Leff Sizes: NB to 2T; Wholesale prices: $9-$34 Leff presented a large, cohesive collection of organic infant and toddler separates. The color palette - beige, slate blue, navy, coco and white with pops of yellow and red - looks classic while side-snap closings and mixed small-scale patterns lend a modern edge. Lots of mix-and-match options here.
Outstanding pieces: A glimpse of collection.
This dress with the Peter Pan collar and puffed sleeves has all the earmarks of a traditional piece. The generous A-line shape, ticking stripes and button details keep it casual. Tel: 404-966-4844 E-mail: Sleff@stylestrategic.com
Originally published August 15, 2009
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