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Newcomers at ENK Children's Club January 2007: A Small Yet Auspicious Showing Like most January (7-9, 2007) Children's Club shows, the number of Indie manufacturers breaking collections was small compared to the larger March Fall/Back-to-School exhibition. Nonetheless, the few brave soles who jumped into the children's wear waters, made an impact.
GRAIL DESIGNER: Peter Ross Sizes: one to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$35 The theme of Grail's opening children's collection is "Black magic," but there's nothing scary about this Goth inspired line. Each tee is given a special denim wash so they're super soft and one-of-a-kind.
Outstanding pieces: A striped onesie with a spray of flowers - what could be sweeter? Look again, and you'll see that two of those blooms are skulls. Bewitching. The Gallery Tel: 212-730-7760 E-mail: Marybeth@thegalleryny.com
MU KIDS BY YVES CASTALDI DESIGNER: Yves Castaldi Sizes: NB to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$46 Light, enzyme washed denim in navy, moody lavender and bright orange form the backbone of this new collection. To pair with the pants, there's a group of T-shirts in hazy candy colors that are printed with the words "I'm so adorable," "Queen" and "Cuddly." They sound precious, but the animal motifs possess an eerie glow and the overlay of sequined crowns and butterflies remind me of the images that float before my eyes after a martini or three.
Outstanding pieces: The cotton used to fashion this blazer is light with a dry, soft hand. The silhouette is body conscience without being snug and details like the contrasting topstitching define the shape of the garment - and the child. Worn atop one of the T-shirts, the look is subversive chic. Tel: 213-745-2300 E-mail: nina@mugallery.com
OOH! LA, LA! COUTURE DESIGNERS: Ann Dugourd and Jennifer Rotunno Sizes: 12 months to 6X; Wholesale prices: $20-$35 Sweet toiles, leopard prints and tie-dyes are sweetened with little raw-edged, heart-shaped appliqués and an insouciant ruffle here and there.
Outstanding pieces: Black works its moody magic turning a precious ballerina dress into a garment with a dark side. Tel: 631-478-5641 E-mail: oohlalacouture@yahoo.com
TIRZA BABY SIGNATURE DESIGNER: Kristen Karpinsky Sizes: NB to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$65 Karpinsky takes classic looks such as menswear plaid dresses, tweed separates and lovely little knits, then gives them a modern touch with a sprinkling of sequins or a fluttery knit collar.
Outstanding pieces: The cocoa plaid dress and matching jacket with the knit ruffle is perfect for dress up without being stuffy. The smattering of sequins on the front of this tiny knit bolero is the kind of detail that will put this newcomer on the map. Tel: 952-814-1112 E-mail: gayle@tirzababy.com
TRELISE COOPER KIDS DESIGNER: Trelise Cooper Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $32-$120 Trelise Cooper's women's collection of the same name has a loyal following of buyers in her native New Zealand. The ENK Children's Club show was her first foray into the American children's market. Her line mixes a romantic, vintage aesthetic with old world glamour.
Outstanding pieces: This silk velvet coat in smoky blue is so evocative. Looking at it, I could smell the aroma of spicy perfume, and feel the flutter of anticipation awaiting an evening at the opera. Tel: 323-461-6904 E-mail: edisonagent@aol.com
Originally published January 18, 2007
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