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Apparel and Accessories at ABC Kids Expo: Biker Chic to Classic and Everything in Between - Part I With almost 900 exhibitors and over 200 first-time vendors at ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas (September 13-16, 2009) there was a lot of ground to cover (two floors to be exact with just under one million square feet) and many new and established collections to visit. Unlike 2008, when apparel collections made a strong showing (for a products exhibition), this time the number of clothing manufacturers - indie and otherwise - was limited. Those exhibiting though, offered thoughtful collections with pricepoints appropriate to the economy, were eco-conscious in both their sourcing and labor practices, and, whether the collections were fashion-forward or classic, they reflected a sense of nostalgia for simpler, purer times. Asterisk notes a new company; All prices quoted are approximate wholesale.
HAIR ACCESSORIES: NO SLIPPY HAIR CLIPPY Homebase: Vacaville, CA Annie Salyer was the first to perfect the "no-slip" hair accessory with an elegant solution: a velvet ribbon insert. Her new headbands incorporate the same stay-in-place technology, while working two trends: Spring's always popular oversized flower and the in demand monogram. (Approximately $4-$11)
Tel: 800-466-7304 E-mail: Sales@hairclippy.com
RIBBIES CLIPPIES* Homebase: Edmonk, OK New to the show but keeping little girls' hair in place since 2006, are sisters Kristin Creamer and Kim Marable. The two launched their business after trying and failing to find hair accessories for their daughters that weren't oversized and fluffy. They also wanted something comfortable, lightweight and stable - no snagging or slipping. Ribbies Clippies have clean lines, stay put with a color-coordinated inner foam grip and are available in 140 ribbon styles. ($2.50 for a set, headbands $2.50-$3)
Tel: 888-RIBBIES E-mail: Orders@ribbiesclippies.com
BUGALUG Homebase: High River, Canada When wispy baby hair needs help, designer Sundi Hoffman's slip-proof barrettes, ponytail holders and headbands are the answer. The accessories hold fine hair from the face with a unique silicon gel "grip strip" inside of each item. The special adhesive keeps the accessory in place without sticking to the hair, so there's no ouch involved. Items like the sparkly pink barrettes ($4) and the new Pony Loops with "ouchless" elastics ($1.75 each, $5 for a 3-pack) come in a multitude of colors and prints and sport clean, unfussy lines that don't detract from a child's outfit - or the child.
Tel: 403 289-6344 E-mail: Contact@bugalugbaby.com
APPAREL: LAYETTE PETIT LEM Homebase: Montreal, Quebec Canada For spring, the Petit Lem design team offers two main color groups: rosy tones mixed with neutrals, and soft dusty aqua with touches of elegant chocolate brown. The patterns are gentle, and there are enough add-ons - hats, blankets, bibs, socks, etc. - for infinite mixing and matching. (NB to 24 months; $5-$24.50)
Tel: 514.748.6234 / 877-748-6698 E-mail: Info@lemurgroup.com
INFANT THROUGH TODDLER APPAREL: AGOO APPAREL* Homebase: Vancouver, BC Canada High tech fabrics and high style merge in Agoo Apparel (fits NB to 8 years; $9-$64.50). The Agoo design team fashioned a collection that's sophisticated and meant to withstand the elements. Each fabric - whether it's 100 percent bamboo, waterproof fleece or seamless nylon - provides an eco-friendly way to fight the harmful rays of the sun, is inherently hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and offers cooling and warming properties.
The Derby Suit not only looks crisp it's designed for easy on and off dressing. The back pulls down so there are no snaps to fiddle with.
The Paradise Hoodie, shown with coordinating hat and wrap skirt, reverses from cotton terry cloth to a vibrant cotton print. Tel: 604-836-6031 E-mail: vp@agooapparel.com
BABY BELLA MAYA Homebase: Thousand Oaks, CA The Baby Bella Maya collection is for parents who like their infant's shoes on the glitzy side, their blankets leopard printed, and their one-pieces festooned with ruffles. Designer Marta Sala now offers frilled Fanny Covers (one size fits infant up to 35 pounds; $5) and her new "walkers," (12 to 18 months; $7.50-$8) shown in metallic, close easily with Velcro and have non-skid soles for traction. Both the Fanny Covers and Walkers will be available at the end of the year.
Tel: 805 498-1914 E-mail: Lynn@babybellamaya.com
BABBLE BABYWEAR* Homebase: Decatur, IL What would babies tell us if we could understand their babble? Children's wear newcomer Kara Demirgia-Huss offers some ideas with a collection of vibrantly colored one-pieces that sport sayings such as "Your crib or mine?" and "Oh crap." (Fits NB to 12 months; $9)
Tel: 217-421-7580 E-mail: Cherbert@dccmarketing.com
BEARY BASICS Homebase: Upland, CA With the charming prints, generous ruffles, and criss-cross back, this little bubble from designer Stephanie Pytlinski should bring grandma to her knees. (Fits 3 to 24 months; $17)
Tel: 909-920-6620 E-mail: info@bearybasics.us
Originally published September 30, 2009
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