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Spring/Summer 2011: Newcomers Launch Collections in New York - Part 1 Another season, another crop of Indie designers at the ENK Children's Club (October 3-5, 2010) ready to conquer the kids' apparel industry. With this group, you'll see new manufacturers doing more than filling a gap in the market. Each designer has a vision - whether it's refined classics; hot, pattern-driven knits; or cool European elegance - they launched cohesive lines that expressed their themes and exploited their talent. Good luck to all.
BABY BESPOKE BY KATHRYN BEACH Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Kathryn Beach Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer "Joyful, Timeless Elegance" Quiet elegance - think of tea services, children saying "please" and "thank you," nannies in starched uniforms - and you've got Baby Bespoke. Since its Fall 2010 launch of cashmere items, Beach has added cashmere/cotton blends with a luxurious hand as well as finely smocked cotton pieces. 
Outstanding Pieces: No matter how edgy the children's apparel industry becomes, there will always be a customer for something as innocent and beautifully hand-smocked as this dress and coordinating bonnet. Tel: 800 783-1020 E-mail: Kathryn@babybespoke.com
DESIGUAL Homebase: Barcelona, Spain DESIGNER: The Desigual design team Sizes: 4 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$37 "More for Less" Bright color and wild, mixed patterns printed on wovens and cotton Jersey knits is the thing here. If you want quieter looks, shop elsewhere.  Outstanding Piece: Very Seventies. Very Pucci. Very over-the-top, and yet the colors are delectable. Duo Inc. (Robin Wicher) Tel: 212 354-2371 E-mail: Info@duokids.com
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Tiffany Talbot Girls' sizes: NB to 6 years; Girls' wholesale prices: $15.25-$18.75 "Hippototamus: The brand that grows with you!!" New for Janis Millstein is the Hippototamus collection of well-priced girls' and boys' sports and rainwear. The palette for both lines includes happy midtone brights, the shapes are modern, and details such as intricate tucks on girls' blouses and elegant cowl necks on boys' hoodies give the collection a couture look.  Outstanding Pieces: A lovely palette of candy tones, charming prints and easy shapes make the girls' pieces "must-haves" for spring.  A clear raincoat edged in gingham: chic and sweet. Janis Millstein Sales Tel: 212 239-4660 E-mail: Janisales@aol.com jamesgirone.com/janismillsteinsales
Homebase: Philadelphia, PA DESIGNER: Amanda Reichert Sizes: 6 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $10-$45 "Llum clothing moves effortlessly from the sandbox, to the ice cream truck, to the main event with plenty of style and no fuss. Reversible, adjustable, and interchangeable pieces extend wear and enjoyment." The designer and I share an appreciation for great artists, but it's her bold use of color, knack for selecting timely yet unique patterns, feminine shapes and reversible designs that sold me on this collection for girls and boys.  Outstanding Pieces: The fit of the cotton knit top is figure flattering without being tight and who doesn't look great in that color? Add a reversible dirndl and you've got three go-anywhere outfits. Tel: 877 774-5586 E-mail: Info@llum.com
Homebase: Norristown, PA DESIGNER: Maryellen Kane Sizes: NB to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $12.95-$34.95 "Olive Juice continues to innovate and create apparel that is inspired by childhood imagination and the marvelous nature of youth" An online presence since 2003, Olive Juice made its wholesale debut at Children's Club. A subdued palette of washed gray, pale blue, apricot, and beige with shots of tomato, slate and navy imbues the sportswear. The feeling is casual country.  Outstanding Pieces: Right for the classroom, ideal for play. And of course, gingham mixes with everything. Tel: 800 595-8870 E-mail: Kathy@olivejuicekids.com
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