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ENK Newcomers: Diversity in Design - Part I
Did newcomers launching collections make a large showing at ENK Children's Club (October 4-6, 2009)? No, they did not. I'll blame it on the economy. What was obvious about the few indie designers who exhibited was their creativity and diversity. There were lovely, well priced classic layette looks, traditional items with a twist, a new way to merchandise and swap pockets on a single pair of jeans, and, in the case of Tina Givens' hard-to-classify Biscuit & Poppet, a unique mix of couture shapes and vivid, marketable prints.
LAYETTE: CUSHY KINGDOM Homebase: Manhattan Beach, CA Jane and William Wong know that when times are tough you must give retailers affordable clothing that looks expensive. That's what he's done with Cushy Kingdom. Working in a palette of dusty pastel tones, Wong fashions modern pieces for girls, like the silk/cotton dress in a delicate floral with an interesting plaid border, and classic boys' pieces such as this beautifully tailored knit suit worn with a pale blue knit vest. (Fit sizes NB to 24 months; collection $4-$22)
Tel: 310 615-9888 E-mail: Info@cushykingdom.com
SPORTSWEAR: BISCUIT AND POPPET Homebase: Charlotte, NC When two formidable entities - in this case the designer Tina Givens and the textile house Westminster Fibers - join forces, it's an inspired union. Employing Westminster's cotton fabrications in patterns that range from Sixties mod to Victorian florals, and lush, fruity toned color palettes, Givens fashions a collection of uniquely shaped girls' garments with a one-of-a-kind "wow" factor. (Fits 2T to 7 years; $14-$43)
Tel: 704 329-5035 E-mail: Joyce.robertson@westminsterfibers.com
BUSY BEES Homebase: Ross, CA Proponents of the "preppy-chic" look, co-founders Genevieve Chapman's and Maryam Barrett's collection "fuses the old school charm of classic children's clothing with modern details and practicality for a fuss-free lifestyle." To that end, the line, colored in traditional red, pale blue, and taupe with sparks of coral and yellow, features clean, playful shapes with delicate cotton prints, eyelet textiles, cashmere, and a smattering of ruffles (Fits 6 months to 12 years; approximately $16-$188). Their cashmere blankets ($150) are worth the splurge.
Tel: 917 796-9771 E-mail: Maryam@busybees-kids.com
GO GENTLY BABY (Organic) Homebase: Los Angeles, CA Making her debut at ENK, designer Kristin Coia exhibited a line of soft organic cottons in sun-bleached pastel tones. The solid colored, clean shapes featured playful touches such as a deep border of pockets on the dresses (ideal for crayons and such) and the peace symbols on the rear of the cozy sweatshirt pants (NB to 4 years; $13-$34).
Duo Inc. (Robin Wilcher) Tel: 212 354-2371 E-mail: Robin@duokids.com
MASALA BABY Homebase: Brooklyn, NY "A pinch of turmeric, a dash of cloves, a sprig of saffron, and a handful of rose petals," flavor the exotic collection of Dipali Patwa. Masala Baby cotton knits and wovens blend urban simplicity with the exoticism of India. The tunics keep the heat off and the "cool" going strong. (Fits 6 months to 4 years; tunics $22 and $24).
Tel: 917 331-1766 E-mail: Dipali@masalababynyc.com
Editors Note: Prices mentioned are wholesale unless otherwise specified.
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