|
|
Keeping It Real: Newcomers at March 2010 Children's Club - Part I Just when I thought small, personal collection were a thing of the past, I strolled through ENK (March 7-9, 2010) and what do I find? Small, personal collections. The newcomers below designed with a clear vision and worked their themes throughout the pieces. There's a little of everything in the collections below: traditional looks; clean, modern designs; earthy and organic; feminine and frilly; and nostalgic. With such strong initial showings, it's a given that the new designers will find a long-lasting niche in the kids' market.
LAYETTE:
BABY BESPOKE BY KATHRYN BEACH Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Kathryn Beach "Baby Bespoke by Kathryn Beach is 100 percent pure cashmere infant layette coupling timeless detail with the practicality of modern construction." Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $25 for a bonnet to $187.50 for a cashmere blanket Newcomer Beach offers a collection of traditional cashmere layette pieces and blankets, as well as Moses baskets, silver combs, spoons and other fine accessories. The palette of peachy pink, cream, soft blue and light cocoa is appropriate for any high-end boutique, and the craftsmanship is impeccable. The garments are available in variety of weights that provide year-round comfort.
Outstanding piece: The cloud like Gossamer Gown is light enough to be worn over an undershirt and diaper when the weather warms up and makes a cozy layering piece during a deep chill. At $87.50, it's an investment item, but its weight and simplicity make it a "go-to" piece that a parent will reach for constantly. Tel: 917 806-8975 E-mail: Kathryn@babybespoke.com
*TANE ORGANICS Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Sheree Lee Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $9-$64 "Tane Organics' attention on quality and craftsmanship provide timeless keepsakes that can endure the test of time and play." Tane Organics is for the boutique retailer who wants quality, organic goods with a modern aesthetic.
Outstanding piece: Think of the pieces as great looking separates or a snazzy knit "leisure" suit. The Explorer's Cardigan with rib detail and Interlock Pants with adjustable button cuffs offer comfort and good looks. The Handmade Sock Booties with Alpaca sole and fleece lining keep feet and chubby calves warm. Tel: 646 573-8764 E-mail: Slee@taneorganics.com
SPORTSWEAR:
A.BIRD Homebase: St. Augustine, FL DESIGNERS: Patricia Cammareri and Molly Payne Sizes: 12 months to 6T; Wholesale prices: $35-$55 "Childhood and memories solely a moment….yet forever to be beautiful and timeless like the flight of A.BIRD." Cammareri and Payne's launch collection features romantic, ruffle-bedecked separates that look contemporary thanks to a cool palette of neutrals enlivened with a touch of slate blue.
Outstanding pieces: A.Bird's pieces offer plenty of puffs, ruffles and bows yet they're undeniably modern. Tel: 904 860-6690 E-mail: Molly@abirdbaby.com
*BEQUITA Homebase: Cold Spring, NY DESIGNER: Rebecca Bardes Sizes: Girls NB to 6X, boys NB to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $4.50-$27 Bardes debut collection for girls and boys works a strong Asian aesthetic with organic materials and playful patterns that are exclusive to her line. The simple, mix-and-match items offer a bold color palette with signature details such as unique patterns, hand crafted Chinese knot closures, and trims inspired by the Yuan and Qing Dynasty.
Outstanding pieces: Many of Bequita's pieces are reversible like this jacket which switches from black to this great Year of the Tiger pattern. The pants are shown backwards. Tel: 845-282-3276 E-mail: wholesale@bequita.com
*BLU PONY VINTAGE Homebase: South Pasadena, CA DESIGNER: Bonnie Matthews Sizes: Girls and boys 2 to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $15.50-$97 "We bring timeless quality design to children's apparel. Reproducing children's garments from the 1920's and 30's." Matthews' diminutive collection evokes a humble, old-world aesthetic. Based on shapes and color palettes of the 1920s and 30s, Matthews' pre-washed, organic textiles feature girls' and boys' pieces colored in soft, washed tones of dusty blue, cream, cocoa and gray. Girls' garments are loosely shaped with the earlier eras' high bodices or dropped waists. Boys' pieces have a lived in, casual feeling. Sewing techniques are identical to the originals.
Outstanding pieces: Matthews' Zora Neale Hurston and the Bessie Smith dresses have the details of that era down pat, but the unfussy shapes feel right today. They're not costumes. Tel: 323 594-6268 E-mail: Bonnie@bluponyvintage.com
HOOSIER MAGNOLIA Homebase: Roxbury, MA DESIGNER: Michelle Jones Sizes: Girls 6 months to 6T; Wholesale prices: $13-$40 "I find each creature from within a patterned fabric, hand-cut the animal, then individually sew it onto the garment." Boutique retailers looking for one-of-a-kind looks will adore Hoosier Magnolia. Jones' simple A-line corduroy jumpers have a hand-appliqued animal on the front and are further embellished with large, brightly colored print buttons and trimmed with jumbo rickrack. If a little girl could sew, she'd make one of these.
Outstanding piece: Two great pieces from a line of adorable, unique items. Tel: 617 442-6245 E-mail: Info@hoosiermagnolia.com
|
|
