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Between the Shows: December 9, 2008 Editor's Note: Some of our sponsor companies prefer to keep their children's businesses out of the national and regional wholesale trade show circuits (or at least not attend all the shows every season). So to keep you abreast of collections you won't find (or find infrequently) in trade venues, we've started this new column. We think you'll like our "Between the Shows" reviews as much as you've told us you enjoy our "Trade Show Reports" coverage.
FICKLETS Homebase: Gilbert, AZ DESIGNER: Ros Guerrero Children's Sizes: Fits temple size up to 7 mm; Wholesale prices: $2.99-$3.99 "Ficklets make eyewear uniquely you….they're your 'I-candy'!!" Guerrero, President/CEO and designer of Ficklets' children's eyewear adornments has added charm to the kids' eyewear market - literally. Ficklets are tiny eyeglass charms that are "interchangeable, easy to attach and remove, giving you 'eye-popping' options to mix-and-match depending on your interest, outfit or mood. It's a great way," says Guerrero, the mother of a 13-year-old daughter, "to change eyewear looks without buying new frames."
The Gold Petals and enamel Jewel Flower charms add a groovy 1960's note to any outfit. Tel: 877-899-1830 E-mail: contact@ficklets.com
SHORT HAT COMPANY Homebase: Louisville, CO DESIGNER: Chris Epp Children's Sizes: NB to 24 months, 2 to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$18 "May your road be smooth and your hat in style." After graduating from art school with a BA in graphic design, Epp honed his skills working in the studios of Patagonia, 3M, and others. In 2002, with a friend from high school, he launched an outdoor hat company, and then used that experience to launch Short Hat Company in 2006, with his wife Sarah. "It's important to us that we do business with a conscience. We source organic and renewable fibers whenever possible and we use recycled plastic visors in our brimmed caps. Our collateral material is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. All our manufacturers focus on excellent craftsmanship, compensate employees fairly, and provide safe, comfortable work environments," says Epp. The children's hats, featuring "clean sophisticated design paired with function and performance" have an edgy look, and are fashioned from natural and high-tech materials to keep heads warm in extreme temperatures.
The Scout (fits 2-6 years, available in red and black) is a "retro-inspired cap that will keep heads and ears toasty," says Epp. The body of the hat is made of water resistant quilted ripstop nylon with sherpa lining. The brim is 100 percent recycled plastic covered with durable and waterproof waxed canvas. A high-tech Coolmax headband insures this hat "is the ultimate in comfort and performance."
Ollie (fits 2-6 years, available in two colorways with coordinating mittens) is "the hat grandma would have made if she had a modern aesthetic," says Epp. The topper is hand knit of soft acrylic yarn making it durable, washable and comfortable. The fashionable autumnal colors, chunky yarns, and catch-the-eye pom-pom are sure to appeal to a child's playful nature. Tel: 303-926-5121 E-mail: Info@short-hats.com
Originally published December 9, 2008
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