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Between the Shows: May 14, 2009
Homebase: Vleuten, The Netherlands DESIGNER: Jose Kok Sizes: One size fits most, ranging from NB to 3 years; Wholesale prices: $22-$57 Many people create a product when they need something and can't find it in the market. It takes someone with marketing savvy though, to say, "This is something that's needed and I know how to get it to the public." That's the scenario behind Wallaboo! a Netherlands-based line of baby wraps, hooded blankets, footmuffs and diaper bags. In 2006, the experienced marketer and food brand consultant, Jose Kok, was looking for fashionable stroller accessories. Her search turned up functional products, but they lacked the good looks Kok was after. In a fit of inspiration, she cut up an old suede jacket and sewed her own baby footmuff. Knowing a great product when she saw it, Kok founded Wallaboo! "The Wallaby, a small Australian kangaroo, is the source for the name Wallaboo. A baby Wallaby sitting warm, protected and comfortable in his mother's pouch. That's the image I had in mind when developing the Wallaboo product line. My wish is that the items we create will give the child a warm, soft, and nurturing surrounding in which it feels loved and taken care of," says Kok. Like all Wallaboo! items, her latest designs are fashioned from machine washable microfiber suede that looks like the real thing, but is light, windproof, hard-wearing and incredibly soft. New for 2009, is The Wrapper. "The Wrapper is a fabulous petal shape with a specially designed pocket to tuck your baby in and wrap her snugly," says Kok. "It can be used at home in a rocking chair or playpen or on the road in a carry cot or baby carseat." The functional Wrapper is available in two designs: The Leaf is made from microsuede (available in five rich colors) and is lined with a charming cotton print created by the Canadian graphic designer Leonardo Cortes. The Wrapper Nore comes in seven suede tones and has the classic shearling lining.
Kok's Footmuff is the staple product in her popular collection. Available in several smart shades, the item is suitable for a carseat, jogger, carry cot or front bike seat; the cozy, fur-lined piece (fits 12 months to 21 pounds) wraps baby snugly yet comfortably alleviating the need to layer the infant in extra sweaters and a coat. When the weather warms up, unzip the item and convert it into a seat liner.
Another classic in Kok's collection is The Baby Blanket Nore (shown in Sweet Pink). The attractive wrap is lined in cool, comfortable cotton terry cloth making it ideal for the warmer months. Use it as is, or convert it into an infant car seat cover. The range of colors makes it a great gift too.
Big kids get the Wallaboo! treatment with the Collectie Toddler Seat Cover. The piece comes in several rich tones and its terry cloth lining absorbs sweat and keeps the seat cool.
Wallaboo! Telephone: +31 306775707 E-mail: info@wallaboo.nl
Originally published May 14, 2009
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