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MOVE OVER, BIG KID. BABIES BACK IN TOWN A few years ago, the buzz word in the kids' market was "boys". Designers realized that the time had come for fashionable garments for the little brother, and, that an American parent was ready for hip boyswear too. Then we had a few seasons when anything "tween" had a special "this is so new!" cachet. And then the market for luxury infantwear soared. It's hard to believe, but there was a time when one couldn't find a cashmere sweater for a baby! And, of course, the demand for organic, everything "green" products remain. But, back to babies. Regardless of the economic climate, people form unions and create families. Babies are born. With the newest among us in mind, wherever possible, I've included a collection's infant sizes as well as tots and kids from the Fall/Winter 2011 Children's Club (March 6-8, 2011). Hello, infantistas!
Homebase: Peru DESIGNER: Mila Cole Sizes: Wholesale prices: $11-$45 Without sacrificing her trademark sunbaked colors, Cole has expanded her popular collection of Peruvian knit goods to include wovens, cotton knits, special occasion dresses and outerwear.
Outstanding Pieces: The neutral olive Burton coat works with any color in a boy's wardrobe. Interesting details such as the cloth "corsage" and pleated hems at the sleeves add texture to the elegant Ariana Dress.  The ultra soft Heloise Coat adds a pop of intense color to a girl's wardrobe. Tel: 888-316-3883 E-mail: Sales@laughingoutloudkids.com
Homebase: Philadelphia, PA DESIGNER: Amanda Reichert Sizes: Girls: 6 months to 12 years; boys; 6 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $6-$45 Reichert designs with a modernist's eye for simplicity, an Impressionist's love of saturated color and a penny-pincher's desire for multi-functional, long-lasting garments.  Outstanding Pieces: An unusual mustard, tobacco and slate Coffeehouse tee mixes it up with mini-checked Cuffed Narrow Trousers. Tel: 877-774-5586 E-mail: Info@llum.com
Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNER: Jo Anne Yamamoto Sizes: 12 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$46 Yamamoto's heart is in Height-Ashbury. Her Sixties-inspired Soho Flowers collection includes garment-dyed pieces, appliques, embroidery, lush colors and an Eden of floral imagery.  Outstanding Piece: The designer pairs playful appliqued tees with narrow-cut, garment-dyed and overprinted pants for a pattern-over-pattern-over-pattern collage. Tel: 323-264-0200 E-mail: Info@mimiandmaggie.com
Homebase: Pasadena, CA DESIGNER: Karen Salezar Sizes: 3 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$34 The fall collection is torn right out of a child's sketch pad: kittens, dots, lace appliques, pattern-over-pattern, and a T-shirt with a rabbit in a hat printed with the words "Very Magical."  Outstanding Pieces: There's a strong Seventies' vibe to the bib-style front and funky chickadee applique on the Afternoon Dress. Ditto for the Jersey leggings with sparkle. Thread Showroom (Terra Fazzio) Tel: 212 801-2387 E-mail: Info@threadshowroom.com
Homebase: Bensalem, PA DESIGNER: Susan Feinberg Sizes for the Love U Lots collection: 12 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Feinberg has an eye for frills, soft cotton fabrications and trend-conscious colors. A perfect collection for the girly-girl.  Outstanding Pieces: Comfort, rich color and fanciful embellishment - patterned tights too! Curly Girls (Wendi Cooper) Tel: 212 967-6457 E-mail: Curlygirls@aol.com
Seen at the March 2011 Children's Club; Originally published March 21, 2011
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