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PLAYTIME NEW YORK FOR FALL/WINTER 2011: THE MEETING OF ART AND COMMERCE - part 1 Manufacturers as close as downtown New York and as far as Hong Kong exhibited collections that were as carefully conceived as the art installations that surrounded them at Playtime New York (March 6-8, 2011). Although there were flashes of bright tones, the collections' palettes were predominately composed of subdued grays, creams and dusty pinks; knits were abundant and luxurious; and home décor collections focused on childlike illustrations and an organic, not glitzy, aesthetic. Louise Connor and Clare Posnack of Global Beginnings, a new consulting partnership based in New York, were on hand to aid overseas designers interested in selling to the domestic market. You're probably familiar with the founders: Connor is the president of The Showroom, which represents childrenswear companies world wide. Posnack has been VP of marketing for high-end companies such as Hartstrings, Canoli Kids and My Boy Sam, Ltd. Both women have years of experience in the kids' clothing industry and can help "translate the U.S. market for the international vendor."  Clare Posnack and Louise Connor of Global Beginnings. (email: globalbeginnings@gmail.com)
KICOKIDS Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Tia Cibani Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$120 Cibani enjoys a soft, muted palette but she isn't one to shy away from rich color. For fall, she works both ends of the spectrum with gossamer sheer fabrications in misty tones and deep, rich shades alive with pattern.  Outstanding Pieces: Dirndls without tiers or lots of embellishment look fresh this season. Cibani pairs one skirt in a great, multi-hued print by artist Ritsuko Hirai, with a deep brown cardigan. The full skirt looks especially modern when it's teamed with a figure-conscious cashmere turtleneck and a knit jacket that turns any outfit into wearable art.  Tel: 212-675-5426 E-mail: Info@kicokids.com
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Judy Posey Sizes: Girls and boys 3 months to 2T; wholesale prices: $12-$45. Organic. Posey is wild for mixed stripes, ginghams and small scale prints, vintage shapes and careful manufacturing that "ensures each piece of Little Esop clothing will remain in your family for generations to come…."  Outstanding Pieces: Inspired by a pattern from 1944, the velvet-trimmed wool Helicopter Jumper looks like something Jane wore in the Dick, Jane and Sally readers. For a modern edge, pair the versatile jumper with the Capgun Sweatshirt, or,...(like Jane wore!). Tel: 404-966-4844 E-mail: judy@littleesop.com
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Ilana Anger Sizes: 3 months to 4 years; Wholesale prices: $28-$75 Anger's tiny collection offers natural fabrications in a palette of neutrals punctuated by deep blue, wine and olive. The shapes are uncluttered; the mix and match possibilities, endless.  Outstanding Pieces: A wine knit vest adds depth to a comfortable smock in a delicate Liberty print.  For a shot of instant charm, chose the always-in-style alpaca wool capelet. Tel: 917-593-6224 E-mail: Info@littlelief.com
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Emily Wang Sizes: Girls and boys 1 month to 6 years; wholesale prices: $16-$28 Wang added a few exotic patterns to her collection of kimono and kimono-inspired giftware and sportswear.  Outstanding Pieces: The Wawa Playsuit in the Sakura print keeps baby looking sharp, and its fleece lining ensures cozy wearing. Tel: 212-229-2900 E-mail: Wholesale@luckywang.com
Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Jenny Kim Sizes: NB to 4 years; wholesale prices: $18.50-$27 Who doesn't love overalls? They're so versatile, the adjustable straps offer long wear, and children look so round and cute in them. But plain denim overalls are a bore. Kim, a long-time lover of the overall, shakes up the look by sewing the pants in a variety of cute, vintage-like prints, and lines the pieces with cotton for a cool, comfortable experience.  Outstanding Pieces: The classic overall looks fresh again in the corduroy Blue Birds pattern. Tel: 646-331-1303 E-mail: Overallbaby@gmail.com
Homebase: Orkelljunga, Sweden DESIGNER: Marion Reynolds Sizes: 3 months to 10 years; wholesale prices: $29-$109 The name says it all: pure, understated colors and the finest, softest fabrics. Reynolds' palette of light gray, pale dusty pink, denim, and cream lends itself to simple, classic shapes enlivened by subtle touches such as a flutter sleeve or a spray of sequins.  Tel: 467 639 445 60 E-mail: Ian@pale-cloud.com
Seen at the March 2011 Playtime New York; Originally published March 27, 2011
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Outstanding
Pieces: The misty beige
alpaca and wool Celine Coat can dress up or down any
outfit. It's lovely over the dusty pink cashmere blend
Talie Dress, sparkling with a bodice of copper sequins.