The process of finding a new collection for our "Best in Show" citation is a little like falling in love. Sometimes it's as simple as walking into a booth and I know, "Oh, that's the one!" Other times, a collection has to grow on me slowly until everything that makes it unique becomes clear.

For Spring 2007, it was love at first sight. I knew from the first glimpse at Therese Bourne's Edenstar collection (based in Australia and making its American debut at the October 15-17, 2006 ENK Children's Club Show) that I was encountering something truly special.

So our "Best in Show Newcomer" for a girls' collection for Spring 2007 is awarded to Bourne of Edenstar. The three groups she exhibited are a shining example of everything we look for in a winner: modern shapes, an approach to color that reflects an awareness of current trends yet is highly personal, and a dedication to flawless workmanship. Most important, the line has to be saleable and merchandise with ease.

Congratulations Therese! Your collection's shimmering tones, original patterns and clean silhouettes are standouts.

BEST IN SHOW NEWCOMER FOR A GIRLS' COLLECTION WINNER: EDENSTAR

DESIGNER: Therese Bourne

Sizes: 2-10; Wholesale prices $19.50-$53

Before founding Edenstar, Bourne was a children's wear designer for retail chains in the UK, then moved to Hong Kong where she continued working for the kids' wear industry. She now lives in Australia with her husband, Neil, and five-year-old twins, Stella and Eden.

Her experience in children's wear design and her stay in the Orient are evident in her well edited sportswear collection with its subtle Asian touches.

Bourne, who has a degree in fashion and textiles, created the understated patterns for her groups.

"We are not slaves to fashion," says Bourne, "and our clothes are never tarty. We strongly believe that children should be allowed to be children and not grow up too quickly."

Bourne approaches design with an artist's sensibility and a businesswoman's eye to sales. Her three groups are based on ceramics of the 1950's, Chinoiserie, the western take on Oriental art, and Japanese textiles and gardens. The prints she works with are exclusive to her collection and make subtle references to the art and eras that inspire her.

For her Springtime story, she bases the prints and graphics around the dusty casts of 1950's ceramics. Working in a palette of white, grayed aqua, a beigy citrus tone and cocoa. Modern shapes like the "suntop" with its interesting banded neckline, and a mock wrap skirt feature a refined stripe that references recognizable retro motifs but looks uniquely 21st Century. Delicate graphics on the T-shirts, a wonderful tunic with mismatched buttons, a playful circle skirt and a showstopper of an embroidered A-line round out the group.

Suntop in retro stripe

Tunic

Embroidered skirt

Watergarden is reminiscent of shimmering silk kimonos. The refined burnt orange, dusty lilac and chocolate hues are lifted straight from Japanese woodcuts. It's a stunning group.

Watergarden dress

Obi Top with gathered skirt. Notice the tucks along the skirt's yoke.

Edenstar

24 East 22nd Street, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10010

Tel: 646-645-9773, 212-228-9514

E-mail: sales@us.edenstar.com

www.us.edenstar.com

Originally published November 1, 2006