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Auspicious Indies: Starting Off Right I walked into the ENK Children's Club Show (March 12-14) and thought, something is different here. White walls with backlit Children's Club letters in the exhibition's entrance had a SoHo gallery ambiance. Lounge areas looked like chic boutiques, and even the lunch was bumped up: rare roast beef has never been served at this event before. I don't recall seeing so many newcomers debuting collections either. Indie vendors' lines varied from colorful and pattern-driven to modern and neutral, but they shared one thing: a commitment to craftsmanship. Congratulations to Rhonda Wolk of Rooster, our "Best in Show Newcomer," for her collection of uniquely colored girls' sportswear; and Lauren Hines of Okkies Fresh Bottoms, our "Best in Show Newcomer" for a boys' collection. Hines designs her own prints and they're hip as well as gorgeously colored. (Click Here to read the story.)
LAYETTE BABY HERO DESIGNER: Soo Najarian Sizes: 3-18 months; Wholesale prices: $12-$22 Simple graphics printed on easy-to-slip-into-kimono shapes are designed for the "hip baby and modern mom."
Outstanding Piece: There's just enough detail on the kimono to lend a touch of sweetness to the garment. Tel: 917-517-0218 E-mail: info@baby-hero.com
HAUTE BABY DESIGNERS: Linda Jeffcott and Boo Woo-Eaker Sizes: NB-4T; Wholesale prices: $8-$40 Linda Jeffcott, of the Haute Baby boutique chain, has introduced her first wholesale collection. Having worked closely with buyers on the retail side, she knows what they're looking for and offers it to them with this charming line of layette to toddler dressing.
Outstanding Piece: There will always be a buyer for toile printed outfits, especially one with clean, modern lines. Tel: 713-334-9006 E-mail: hbabyusa@yahoo.com
SPORTSWEAR BOREN COUTURE DESIGNER: Boren Lon Sizes: 6 months-8 years; Wholesale prices: $60-$210 Boren Lon interned in Paris with Emmanuel Ungaro and Christian Dior, so it's no surprise that her girls' special occasion dresses and clothing for boys reflects couture quality workmanship and fabrication.
Outstanding Piece: Lon wisely keeps the dress's silhouette simple so nothing detracts from the colors and hand of the cloth. Tel: 781-422-0152 E-mail: cmazuy@boren-couture.com
CHARLOTTE DESIGNER: Melina Solnicki Sizes: 6 months-16; Wholesale prices: $27-$60 This is the second season for Solnicki's collection. She blends athletic shapes and fabrications such as French terry cloth and cotton Jersey, then adds puckers and flounces for a uniquely feminine take on casual sporstswear.
Outstanding Piece: Bands of puckers on this deep aqua dress give the sporty Jersey lady like appeal. Tel: 212-568-3170 E-mail: info@charlottesb.com
CHATTI PATTI DESIGNER: Liz Carlson Sizes: 12 months-8 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$37.50 There's a lot of charm in this diminutive, pattern-driven collection of embellished T-shirts and feminine separates.
Outstanding Pieces: With so many T-shirts out there meant for little rock 'n rollers, this one embellished with the word "flower" seems endearingly childlike. The length of the shirt paired with the highwaisted, full skirt in a great 60's style floral, has a fresh look, too. Tel: 704-210-8887 E-mail: info@chattipatti.com
COCO BONBONS DESIGNER: Coco Kyriopoulos Sizes: 6 months-5T; Wholesale prices: $8-$45 If kids could design their own outerwear, their creations would look something like Kyriopoulos' brightly colored jackets appliquéd with flowers and animal motifs.
Outstanding Piece: The quilted corduroy jacket with the elephant spraying water over the garment's front and back has that "ah" factor. Tel: 615-400-9743 E-mail: cocoky@bellsouth.net
KATYBIRD DESIGNER: Katherine Brown Sizes: 12 months-6; Wholesale prices: $11-$22 Who's afraid of a little pattern? Not Brown who's as fond of big splashy prints as she is of small novelty designs. Think lots of color, easy shapes, and fun!
Outstanding Pieces: The layered T-shirt worn with the gypsy ruffle skirt. There's a border of tiny orange pompoms above the ruffle for an extra shot of playfulness. Tel: 978-376-6147 E-mail: info@katybird.com
K.KAUFF-MEN DESIGNERS: Keith and Holly Kauffman Sizes: 4 to tween sizes; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Season-after-season the Kauffman's turn out great boys' sportswear. For fall they're introducing a girls' line with textiles and craftsmanship every bit as sophisticated as its predecessor.
Outstanding Piece: The lightweight, deep blue corduroy shirtdress. Spirals of mohair lend texture to the garment and a few, well-placed sequins make it sparkle. Tel: 310-323-5888 E-mail: kk@kkauffmen.com
LULU 4 KIDS DESIGNERS: Vicki Israel and Shlomit Golan Sizes: 1-6; Wholesale prices: $8-$24 This is the first show for this collection out of Israel. There's one great print with a 60's-inspired graphic in the girls' line; the rest of the tiny collection for girls and boys is about simple, easy-to-move in shapes. What raises the garments from playwear into an elegant realm, are the timeless, fuss-free shapes.
Outstanding Pieces: The boxy orange fleece top and the denim circle skirt are the kind of pieces that always look just right. Cameron Marks Tel: 650-740-3612 E-mail: kisimusa@yahoo.com
MAVERICK BY DANI TUTU DESIGNERS: Taylor Kahn and Danielle Pearlman Sizes: 3 months-6 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$23 This isn't the collection for moms who dress their girls in Disneywear. Maverick is geared to "independent, self directed; unorthodox" children (that's the Webster's definition and company's slogan). The small line features screen printed T-shirts with hip motifs, thermal tees, dresses and pants.
Outstanding Piece: The flower and hummingbird graphic are a grace note on the bodice of this cocoa thermal dress. Tel: 212-695-2300 E-mail: allison@alismarket.com
METALICUS DESIGNERS: Melma Hamersfeld, Rani Clarke and Vanessa Heinmann Sizes: 2-12; Wholesale prices: $20-$95 I like the 70's feeling of this body conscience knit collection. Every piece can be worn with others in the line and layering is encouraged.
Outstanding Pieces: The gray dress over cream leggings and the yellow shortie with the subtle stripe. The yellow gives the ensemble a shot of color. Tel: 61-38-41-59-804 E-mail: rachele@metalicus.com
PEARS & BEARS DESIGNER: Kayce Reagan Hughes Sizes: Layette to 7; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer There's something very Martha Stewart about Hughes' traditional collection of dresses and sportswear, and that's a good thing.
Outstanding Piece: In a "special occasion" fabric like taffeta or silk, Hughes' "Olivia" dress would be nothing new. Instead, she employs soft pinwale corduroy in dusty turquoise. Her choice of material makes the difference between classic and classic with a twist. Tel: 615-298-1130 E-mail: melodie@pearsandbears.com
RED SOUND DESIGNER: Miranda Mandrioli Sizes: 3 months-16 years; Wholesale prices: $14.50-$49.50 Vibrant color, appliqués, stitching - you name it - this new sportswear for girls and boys has it going on.
Outstanding Pieces: The 70's meet big man on campus in the T-shirt with appliquéd sport's letter, and funky striped hoodie with more team logos. Fashion District Imports Tel: 514-904-0056 E-mail: info@fashiondistrict.ca
ROSE SPICE KIDS DESIGNER: Rose Spice Sizes: 2-6 years; Wholesale prices: $10-$40 An impressive first collection of tailored yet playful, neutrally toned sportswear for both sexes.
Outstanding Pieces: With so much embroidery out there, it's refreshing to see a peasant blouse without a stitch of embellishment. The horizontally striped skirt keeps the look casually elegant. Tel: 281-351-8396 E-mail: customerservice@rosespicekids.com
SHEEN KIDZ DESIGNER: Suzanne Ciulla Sizes: infant to 6X; Wholesale prices: $10-$39 Guess who has joined the ranks of celebrity designers? Charlie Sheen. The star of "Two and a Half Men" has teamed up with apparel veteran Michael Berens for the venture. "I've known Charlie since we were in the eighth grade," says Berens. "We've always wanted to do something together. Now that Charlie's a father who buys clothes for his daughters [Sam, 2, and Lola, 8 months], he was into the idea of a line of well-priced, domestically made girls' apparel." The collection, which is designed by Suzanne Ciulla with Sheen giving the final approval for production, features casual cotton playwear detailed with hand-embroidery, hand-screening and plenty of denim - touches that should make the line appealing to boutiques.
Outstanding Pieces: Soft colors, serged edges, silk ribbon trim and a pretty spray of hand-embroidered flowers give the comfortable ensemble an up-market twist. The jacket sports the word "Love." "Hope Love Dream" is the company's motto. Tel: 818-706-2432 E-mail: ds@sheenkidz.com
SUCCO DESIGNER: Koko Amano Sizes: NB-6; Wholesale prices: $10.50-$29 Everything's coming up roses in the Succo collection. Each tee, blouse, skirt or pant is colored in dark pink, deep reds, pinks and cocoas, so the mixing and matching can go on forever.
Outstanding Pieces: A blend of richly colored prints and simple shapes make this ensemble ideal for school then an evening out with mom and dad. Tel: 503-887-7403 E-mail: info@succobaby.com
ZAZA COUTURE DESIGNER: Tereze Gruntmane Sizes: 6 months-14; Wholesale prices: $9-$35 Gruntmane has a well-honed eye for color and pattern mixing.
Outstanding Pieces: The tunic top and pants would be overkill if the patterns didn't blend so effortlessly and the colors weren't so delectably rich. Tel: 214-750-9918 E-mail: zazacouture@hotmail.com
KNITS ANNAPURNA DESIGNER: Aida Barni Sizes: NB-14; Average wholesale price: $150 Two-ply cashmere spells pure luxury in Barni's collection of sweaters and the softest baby blankets on the market.
Outstanding Piece: The silhouettes of animals are woven into this sumptuous sweater. The neutral colorway makes the item suitable for girls or boys. Tel: 973-748-4467 E-mail: abgfashions@verizon.net
BABEE J DESIGNER: Heidi Seidner Sizes: NB-5T; Wholesale prices: $50-$75 You gotta' have a gimmick and designer Heidi Seidner has a good one. Seidner teams her Once Upon a Time… collection of luxurious virgin cashmere sportswear with a beautifully illustrated book of fairy tales. The clothing can be ordered without embellishment, or appliquéd with motifs lifted from the pages of the story. A concept like Seidner's could veer into Disney territory, but the images she chooses for the garments look more like a natural part of the clothing than a product tie-in.
Outstanding Pieces: The cashmere jacket is as light as a puff of whipped cream. Its deep red and soft gray coloration makes it suitable for both sexes. Tel: 310-574-1938 E-mail: heidi@babeej.com
IISLI DESIGNER: Sisi Li Sizes: 6 months-24 months; Wholesale prices: $27-$117 Li does a real balancing act with her modern separates for boys. She keeps the shapes clean, uses detail sparingly, then spins the pieces with preppie notes, African and Asian references and folkloric motifs. Somehow, the collection looks subtle, not like one big trend fest.
Outstanding Pieces: This cashmere sweater may resemble something off an Alpine ski slope, but its lean silhouette and sophisticated colors keep it modern. The ribbed wool leggings are as soft as cashmere. How did kids get so lucky? Tel: 212-763-2033 E-mail: annes@iisli.com
IMOGA DESIGNER: Heajung Chung Sizes: NB-6 years; Wholesale prices: $8.50-$45 Chung exhibits a knack for incorporating trends into knits without their looking trendy.
Outstanding Piece: The "it" motif for fall is the cross-stitch. Use it too heavily though and your garment can look like something out of a parade. Coloring the pattern in mostly neutrals, and employing the stitch as a border for the sleeves only, keeps the piece from appearing costumy. Tel: 201-686-4767 E-mail: info@imoga.net
MISIKU DESIGNER: Missy Posner Sizes: NB-6X; Wholesale prices: $11-$18 Fleece and knitwear with an Asian feeling defines this new collection.
Outstanding Pieces: The item has a lot going on: toggles, hoodie detailing and mismatched stripes on the sleeves, yet it still looks understated. Ali's Market Tel: 212-695-2300 E-mail: allison@alismarket.com
T-SHIRTS SPECIALTEE DESIGNS DESIGNER: Mary McCart Sizes: infant to juniors; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer McCart blends athletic styling with just enough bling to give her shirts attitude.
Outstanding Pieces: The black and white "girls' rock" T-shirt. I agree. Tel: 201-712-5444 E-mail: specialteedesigns@yahoo.com
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