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SPRING/SUMMER 2012 PLAYTIME NEW YORK REPORT: FROM FAR AND NEAR
Designers, who hailed from as far as Hong Kong and as close as midtown New York, gathered at Playtime's art-filled SoHo loft to exhibit high-end collections with a strong, modern aesthetic. Whether the look was nostalgic or futuristic, designers kept shapes streamlined, and patterns, when they were offered, tended to be bold.
Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Tia Cibani and Kitty Pu Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$85
Kicokids is having a "Slamapopsizzlesect" kind of season. They're "juxtaposing a dash of street culture, a sprinkling of high-tech, and a pinch of humor" into a skateboards and insect-inspired collection. They're waxing but not waning with linen and denim treated with a wax surface, blending high-tech with artisan techniques in hand knit jute and tulle pieces, and glow-in-the-dark reflective bonding is laser cut and hot fixed to vests and tees. Outstanding Pieces: Color-blocking looks fresh in a waxed denim and cotton poplin wear-with-everything jacket. Ladybugs inspire the camp shirt's bright pattern.
No tutus here. Instead the designers weave strips of vivid tulle to fashion a couture dress.
In daylight, the jacket is all about subtle color and an unusual cocoon-like shape. In the dark (or shot with a flash), the piping glows like a firefly.
Tel: 212-675-5426 E-mail: Info@kicokids.com
Homebase: Clark, NJ DESIGNER: Rupa Motwani Sizes: 2 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$41
Motwani employs age-old Indian printing and weaving techniques while keeping the shapes of her dresses, tops and rompers modern and the color palette timely.
Outstanding Pieces: Saturated hues and modern shapes blend old and new.
Tel: 646-450-1695 E-mail: Info@odekids.com
Homebase: Gouldsboro, ME DESIGNERS: Roxanne Quimby Sizes: 2 to 6X; Wholesale prices: $65-$125
"Our all natural fibers and re-purposed vintage embellishments create a couture look with a playful attitude."
Creamy tones of white, eggshell, taupe, beige and charcoal natural linen and cotton make a fresh, modern base for vintage lace doilies and appliqués.
Outstanding Piece: A modern shape and subdued coloration equal a newer, cleaner vintage.
Tel: 415-509-1681 E-mail: oxanna.nancyp@gmail.com
Homebase: Lincoln, MA DESIGNER: Cindy Estes Sizes: 2 to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$49
Cindy Estes debuted with two cohesive groups: one in a palette of pale lilac, lime and sky, and a warmer selection with rose, soft orange and raspberry. Both groups of loose, modern pieces are based on multiple, retro-inspired patterns that are meant to be mixed and matched. Outstanding Pieces: The Tilly dress in the hot maxi length offers tiers of fun Sixties-like prints.
Tel: 617-803-3490 E-mail: Info@seamcollection.com
Homebase: San Francisco, CA DESIGNER: Tala Banatao Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$37
Banatao offered two groups: one in denim and seersucker with a classic feel; the other in pastel colors and sweeter, more feminine shapes.
Outstanding Pieces: A return to the Seventies with the soft denim romper.
Doubling up on the ruffles.
Tel: 415-931-1868 E-mail: Tala@talabeekids.com
Homebase: Arequipa, Peru DESIGNER: Carole Stavart Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$45
Stavart's collection of organic cotton hand knit pieces is dyed in small batches in Peru using only natural colorants and spices. The tones have the vibrancy of turmeric and the slightly browned shades of crushed rose petals. A perfect gift collection.
Outstanding Piece: Variations in the dying process make each piece one-of-a-kind.
Tel: +51 959142588 E-mail: Info@tiksy.org
Homebase: Hong Kong DESIGNER: Nicole Andrianjaka de Surville Sizes: 3 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$46 "A pleasure for the senses"
Indeed it is, with a color palette like a spring garden after the rain.
Outstanding Pieces: Unfussy, feminine shapes and colors to swoon over.
The lotus blossom, a symbol of good luck, is the company's signature flower.
The Showroom New York Tel: 212-947-3443 E-mail: Nykidsrep@aol.com
Originally published September 1, 2011
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