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PLAYTIME NEW YORK FOR FALL/WINTER 2011: THE MEETING OF ART AND COMMERCE - part 2 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.
VENT CONTRAIRE Homebase: Marseille, France DESIGNERS: Apparel: Catherine Caussarieu Sizes: 3 months to 8 years; average wholesale price: $20. Organic. Taking cues from the adult runway, Caussarieu's collection of organic knitwear drapes luxuriously, sports ruffles and an asymmetrical neckline. Her palette is dark and rich with bright notes of magenta and celadon. 
Outstanding Pieces: Sophisticated pieces with endless mixing and matching possibilities - and one very ruffle-top. Tel: 33 4 91 33 76 66 E-mail: Catherine.caussarieu@hotmail.fr
MOR'BABY Homebase: Malibu, CA DESIGNER: Morgan Musina Sizes: 3 to 24 months; wholesale prices: $24-$145 Musina's debut collection included a small group of modal, French terry and baby fleece basics as well as a group of pure cashmere sweaters, a one-piece and a dress. Colors are neutral, and, aside from a spray of ruffles on a fleece bloomer, the only details are judiciously placed pleats and buttons. It's an elegant collection, meant for high-end boutiques.  Outstanding Pieces: The beauty of the Balloon dress is in the details: the classic pink and gray color combination; the pairing of cashmere and fleece; silk lining; and, just for a fun, ruffles across the back of the bloomers. Tel: 310-359-5899 E-mail: Morbaby@morganmusina.com
Homebase: New Zealand DESIGNER: Amanda Searancke Sizes for NUI Body: Girls and boys NB to 24 months; Sizes for RUNJUMPPLAY: Girls and boys 2 to 10 years. Approximate wholesale prices: $6-$25. Organic. Organic New Zealand Merino wool isn't scratchy: it's cool, comfortable and feels like silk against the skin. Searancke employs the knit in several new collections including Nui BODY, a line of super soft basics in eight machine washable colors. RUNJUMPPLAY, for kids two to 10 years, is boldly colored and includes shapes like hoodies that kids enjoy wearing.  Outstanding Pieces: One easy, fashion forward basic to wear over a tee, with leggings, under a jacket.  He's elegant and comfortable in the color blocked zip-front top and narrow pants. Tel: 888-823-6480 E-mail: Amanda@nuiorganics.com
LITTLE LARK Homebase: Portland, OR DESIGNER: Christy Nyboer Sizes: 3 months to 4 years; wholesale prices: $7-$23. Organic. Nyboer uses the letterpress for her fine etched images of animals, nature and the occasional robot and gnome. Her one-pieces and tees are printed in small batches with hand mixed inks, so subtle variations are to be expected. Outstanding Pieces: Organic materials and graphics inspired by nature: what could be more natural? Tel: 503-358-1131 E-mail: Info@alittlelark.com
Homebase: Bombay, India DESIGNER: Aashumi Shah Sizes: NB to 12 months; wholesale prices for one-piece: $9. Organic. Mirasa, ("heritage" in Hindu), debuted with a collection of bright, playful, organic one-pieces with hand-screened animals. For the fully coordinated child, Shah offers coordinating pillows and toys.  Outstanding Pieces: "My Elephant" is one of many in the menagerie.  More beautifully colored and stitched animals to enliven a room. Tel: 917-494-4275 E-mail: Aashumi@mirasadesign.com
TUTU COUTURE Homebase: Springdale, AR DESIGNER: Amanda Whitney Sizes: NB to 10 years; Approximate wholesale prices: $35-$55 There are tutus, and there is Tutu Couture. Whitney takes the idea of fairytale dressing to the top with ephemeral creations that include white-feathered wings, all sold in an elegant keepsake box.  Outstanding pieces: The ultra-soft, flouncy Pettiskirt and the Angel Box set - dream gifts for the wannabe ballerina.  Tel: 479-409-6968 E-mail: Lance@tutucouture.com
DIAPEES & WIPEES Homebase: Flower Mound, TX DESIGNER: Christie Rein Wholesale prices: $7.50-$10 Diapees & Wipees bags are perfect for when you just need to carry a couple of diapers and wipes. Throw the bag into a purse, or carry it solo, and you're set to go.  Outstanding Pieces: The new collection of waterproof bags in playful prints are cute enough to carry on their own and wipe clean in seconds. Tel: 817-506-5136 E-mail: Info@diapeesandwipees.com
Seen at the March 2011 Playtime New York; Originally published March 27, 2011
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