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Good Things Come in New Packages at Children's Club Spring/Summer 2006 Show Of all the ENK Children's Club shows I have attended, the Spring 2006 exhibition was the most exciting. Not only were there debuting collections in every category of the show, but the quality of the apparel on display was topnotch in its construction and refreshingly original in concept. My only disappointment: not enough buyers attended. It's disheartening to see such great collections - and I have to say, the novices were as impressive as the established manufacturers who showed exciting, beautifully coordinating groups - not getting the attention and orders they deserve. I don't know where everyone was, but please come back. The vendors need you - and, without them, your stores are missing out. For the third season, we are awarding the "Best in Show Newcomer" award for Spring 2006. Because so many new manufacturers exhibited boys' collections, we've added a "Best in Show Newcomer" citation to the designer who debuted a terrific boys' line. Our sincerest congratulations go to Nichole Rairigh of ASHOR'S ROOM who won for her girls' collection, and Caroline Burwell of BURWELL NEW YORK, whose preppy/hip boys' collection charmed us. (Click Here to see story.) Every designer's collection included in this story deserves an honorable mention.
LAYETTE LULEE BABES DESIGNER: Dessira Tish Sizes: 6 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $8.25-$25.25 Tish exhibited a collection of crisp, pattern driven cotton designs for active kids.
Outstanding Piece: With so much color and pattern colliding in the collections, this subtly toned, simply shaped jumper had fresh appeal. Tel: 415-793-4592 E-mail: sales@luleebabes.com
GIRLS' TODDLER TO KIDS' SIZES AMERICAN RETRO DESIGNER: The American Retro design team Sizes: 2-12 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$82 American Retro combines the best of vintage styling - detailed embroidery, interesting lace, unusual appliqués - with modern shapes. There isn't a single piece in this collection that I didn't want to stare at forever.
Outstanding Pieces: The white jersey on this lovely blouse is as soft as silk and the floral embroidery is a touch folkloric. The chocolate brown embroidered skirt adds a couture touch. Playground Showroom contact: Tracey Hamilton Tel: 212-278-0188 E-mail: sales@playgroundshowroom.com
A-WEAR KIDS DESIGNER: Dana Schwartz Sizes: 4-15 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$37 Schwartz sourced unique fabrications and vintage looking trims to lend a one-of-a-kind feeling to a highly saleable collection.
Outstanding Pieces: The deep chocolate brown shapes embossed with velvet-like stripes of electric blue and deep green flowers are right out of a Frieda Kahlo painting: lush, exotic, fantastic. Tel: 408-236-2071 E-mail: danaschwartz@a-wearapparel.com Curly Girls (Wendy Cooper) Tel: 212-967-6457 www.jamesgirone.com/curlygirls
GREGGY GIRL DESIGNER: Charlene May Size: 12 months-10 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$38 Greggy Girl has been manufacturing since 1999, but October was their second time exhibiting at Children's Club. Their experience is evident in the carefully coordinated groups and attention to detail.
Outstanding Piece: I love the way this dress combines a 1930's sensibility and gives it a contemporary twist with the fabric "corsage" and the raw edges of the unfinished bow and ruffles. Tel: 281-404-5688 E-mail: info@greggygirl.com
HEIRLOOM BLOUSES DESIGNER: Dawn Papakyriacou Sizes: 2T to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $18-$32 Papakyriacou has been called the Anne Fontaine of children's wear for her collection of crisp, white, beautifully detailed girls' blouses.
Outstanding Piece: The eyelet "Courtney" is that "must-have" piece that works with everything from jeans to dressy skirts, and always looks perfect. Tel: 646-505-9533 E-mail: heirloomblouses@aol.com
KEA & JOBY DESIGNER: Niccole Siegel-Kroll Sizes: 6 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$21 There isn't an extraneous detail in Siegel-Kroll's collection of modern knit jersey sportswear.
Outstanding Pieces: The soft gray hoodie edged in light blue. It's casual enough for an afternoon at the playground, and chic enough to pair with simple slacks for an informal dinner out. Tel: 917-821-3768 E-mail: niccole@keaandjoby.com
KUNG FU BAMBINI DESIGNER: Violet Mae Craft Sizes: 3 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $7-$29 Kung Fu Bambini is a darling collection of appliquéd T-shirts, matching hats, panties and booties and a small group of sportswear pieces in richly colored Provençal prints.
Outstanding Piece: The circle skirt with the puffy bow is high octane female, but its tones of deep chocolate and teal, bordered with a vivid orange stripe, give the look an edge. Tel: 360-635-5560 E-mail: info@kungfubambini.com Colett Bigler (National Sales Rep) Tel: 888-576-0199
MELI MELI DESIGNER: Renee Kollias Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $18-$50 If you love novelty items, gorgeous silks and cottons, and ruffles galore, you've discovered your collection.
Outstanding Pieces: Know a drama queen? She'll adore this silk topper and multi-flounced skirt. Tel: 650-326-2252 E-mail: renee@melimeli.com
ONE KID DESIGNER: Sabine Beysel Sizes: 12 months-10 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$22 This well-priced collection has enough simple playwear and fashion forward detail to fit comfortably in mainstream stores as well as more exclusive kids' boutiques.
Outstanding Pieces: There's lots of delicate texture in this ensemble's lacy crocheted cardigan, silky ribbons embellishing the T-shirt and the striped, flouncy skirt. The cool tones of melon and cream keep the look serene, not jumpy. Tel: 203-332-6372 E-mail: info@onekid.com
PICAFLOR DESIGNER: Nancy Coronado Sizes: 6 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$19 There are just 10 pieces in Coronado's beautifully colored collection of machine washable rayon knits, and each one is a gem.
Outstanding Pieces: The "Ella" sweater looks gray in this photo, but it's actually a rich tone of light, dusty teal. The little "Julia" dress is simplicity itself, and simply charming. Tel: 503-679-8019 E-mail: nancy@picaflorkids.com
ROOSTER DESIGNER: Rhonda Wolk Sizes: 2-10; Wholesale prices: $22-$36 Here's a collection to crow about! Wolk mixes crinkly casual cottons with sateen, and glams up sophisticated adult tones like chocolate, charcoal, beige, and dusty wine with a shot of bright red or a silver thread running through a bodice.
Outstanding Piece: Wolk's clothes are feather light and meant to be layered. Here a white cotton slip is topped with a rich gray, three-tiered dress in charcoal with a garnet border and dusty magenta trimmed sleeves - Wolk's example of effortless beauty. Tel: 212-925-1214 E-mail: rhonda@roosternyc.com
SALVOR DESIGNER: Ross Menuez Your kid wants a pet? Buy them one of Menuez's organic cotton bibs, T-shirts or dresses silk-screened with the photo of a cat instead, and you'll never have to change a litter box.
Outstanding Piece: The T-shirt with the printed pug. Why? Look for yourself. Are/Aware Tel: 800-783-5683 E-mail: jimmy@areaware.com
SHRNK DESIGNERS: Lena Wu-Fuentes, Gia Sylcott Sizes: 3 months-5 years; Wholesale prices: $8-$29 Soft cotton knit and denims with an understated rock 'n roll vibe make this collection a winner.
Outstanding Pieces: The bird is the "it" motif this season, and the designers have chosen the prettiest, Asian-inspired example to embellish their double-layered tank. The little ruffled skirt is just for fun. Tel: 213-746-4446 E-mail: info@shrnk.com
SOPHIE CATALOU DESIGNER: Jordi Perez Sizes: 3 months-4T; Wholesale prices: $9-$20 Perez renders a playful yet elegant collection for girls and boys in a palette of dusty light blue, red, cream and black.
Outstanding Pieces: The dresses have plenty of flounces yet they're not the least bit fussy. Tel: 917-617-8946 E-mail: sophie@sophiecatalou.com
BOYS' TODDLER TO KID KNUCKLEHEADS DESIGNER: Melissa Nash Sizes: 3 months-5T; Wholesale prices: $12-$29 Nash's first collection for boys channels James Dean, Elvis, and all the bad boys of that era.
Outstanding Pieces: It's "Happy Days" all the way when a little boy dons Knucklehead's brown and blue "Gutterball" shirt and deeply cuffed "Greaser" jeans. Tel: 360-281-7155 Colette Bigler (national sales rep) Tel: 360-576-0199 / 888-576-0199
DRESSES TOMMY & FERN DESIGNER: Panitta Tanakomsirichot Sizes: 2-6X; Wholesale prices: $52-$79 Tanakomsirichot's Thai silk special occasion dresses are meant for the big moments in a little girl's life.
Outstanding Piece: I wish I had at least one dress like the beige silk with pink ribbons. Everything about it is delightful to the eye, and those flowers with the sheer centers may be the most original design detail at the show. Tel: 917-804-7109 E-mail: tommyfern@aol.com
SWIMWEAR B'EAUTIQUE DESIGNER: Rhona Sutton Sizes: 4-14 years; Wholesale prices: $30-$42 Sutton exhibited a large collection of luxurious swimwear with just the right amount of "bling." There's matching sequined sandals, too.
Outstanding Pieces: I'm not sure if it's the silk tunic, the sequins, or the azure tone of the swimwear, but this four-piece group has a Jackie O on Ari's yacht vibe that's undeniably glamorous. Tel: 212-840-2482 E-mail: victoria@b-eautique.com
CABANA LIFE DESIGNER: Alyssa Adams Sizes: 6 months-7 years; Wholesale prices: $9.50-$29 A quick glance at Adams' collection, and you'll assume it's one more line of hip play and beach wear. Not so. Adams is a survivor of skin cancer, the outcome of sunburns as a child. To ensure that kids enjoy their time outdoors without suffering the same repercussions, Adams has each garment treated with a nontoxic solution that affords 50+ protection from harmful UV rays, the major cause of skin disease.
Outstanding Pieces: You'll want to order the orange tunic edged in a tiny floral print paired with white terry cloth pants because the set is so chic. Parents will love dressing their kids in the outfit, because they know their little ones won't fry in the sun. Tel: 646-291-6626 E-mail: alyssa@cabanalife.com
T-SHIRTS ANGELIC GENIUS DESIGNER: Marine Goss Sizes: 3 months-6 years (preteen sizes coming soon); Wholesale prices: $11-$13.50 There are parents who wouldn't dream of purchasing candy colored children's wear. Angelic Genius is for them.
Outstanding Pieces: Mama is a rolling stone, now baby is too, in the rock 'n roll T-shirt printed with a graphic of an infant getting down with his bad self. Soft black "Karate" pants printed with bright red flames contributes to the uber-hip effect. Tel: 310-862-4521 E-mail: info@angelicgenius.com
EGG & AVOCADO DESIGNER: Suki Wong Sizes: 3 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$24.75 Wong exhibited a collection of quirky T-shirts and one unusual ensemble.
Outstanding Pieces: Hmmm. Is it a casual suit masquerading as dresswear, or a uniform pretending to be civilian dress? Regardless of Wong's intention, the outfit is adorable - and a bit unsettling. Tel: 718-636-5093 E-mail: suki@eggandavocado.com
OUTERWEAR PLUIEPLUIE DESIGNER: Sonja Nudel Snavely Sizes: Infant-toddler; Wholesale prices: $2.50-$18.50 On rainy days, kids can use all the cheering up they can get. Nudel Snavely's brightly colored, striped, flowered and polka dotted raincoats, boots and umbrellas will lighten any mood, even in a downpour.
Outstanding Pieces: The patterned rain boots and matching umbrellas make ideal giftware. Tel: 510-489-2681 E-mail: mail@pluiepluie.com
PAJAMAS LUXE BABY BY LIL'RAGS DESIGNER: Patrizia Murillo Sizes: 2T-10 years; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Lil'Rags, the parent company of Luxe Baby, manufacturers lush crib bedding and furniture, buttery soft infant sleepers and top-of-the-line adult bathrobes. Their new pajama sets for children are up-market and hip, too.
Outstanding products: When I saw the child sashaying down the Vogue Bambini catwalk at the exhibition in this three-piece set, I thought, I want that. Each piece is cut close to the body without being snug, and the cocoa brown tie-dye print is just right for boys and girls. Tel: 323-293-4612 E-mail: lilragsco@yahoo.com
BATH PRODUCTS BUTT NAKED BABY ESSENTIALS ORIGINATOR: Diana Renee Wholesale prices: $3.50-$16.50 Did you ever think a baby's bath products would compete with yours on the bathroom shelf? Move over Crabtree & Evelyn, Butt Naked has arrived.
Outstanding Pieces: The bottles, tins and soap wrappers in pale earth tones reflect an elegant sensibility, and the items' aromas of cotton towels drying in the sun, talcum powder and delicate roses are beguiling. Tel: 562-439-2276 E-mail: info@buttnakedbaby.com
GIFTS BUTTON BUNDLES DESIGNER: Deena Burgess Wholesale prices: $37.50-$50 Baby slings have been around for a while, and while they're great for carrying an infant, the item can scream Earth Mother. Burgess' funky cotton printed knits and elegant Asian inspired silk brocades offer a sophisticated alternative.
Outstanding Piece: Take your pick. All the patterns look great. Tel: 917-667-0977 E-mail: orders@buttonbundles.com
POOKI & CO. DESIGNER: Marie Joxe-Collins Wholesale prices: $8.50-$12 You know the expression "so ugly it's cute"? The saying applies to Pooki, Pablo, Totor and Lola the oddly lovable, vividly toned plush toys.
Outstanding Pieces: I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, so I won't pick favorites. To me, each one is special. Tel: 877-751-4024 E-mail: info@pookiandco.com
WHIMSY DESIGNS DESIGNER: Jasmine Redfern Sizes: 3 months to 24 months; Wholesale prices: T-shirts and bibs $9; lamps and blankets 12.50-$26 Vintage inspired room accessories and T-shirts are nothing new, but Redfern's fresh approach to the style gives her collection fresh appeal.
Outstanding pieces: Her T-shirts are printed with motifs from kids' card stock and books of the Forties, Fifties and Sixties. Each cat, rooster or frolicking child is plump and impossibly happy. Hard to resist. No? Tel: 845-255-5465 E-mail: whimsydesigns@aol.com
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