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Children's Club: Accessory Lines for Spring 2007 The importance of accessories (non clothing items) as a major category cannot be overstated. Footwear (which I covered in another column), bags, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, and home furnishings (for newborns, infants, toddlers, and tweens AND their parents) seem to be more important each season, and garner more and more attention. Coincidentally, (and as if to perfect emphasize my point), during the time I was writing this column, I attended the 10th annual ACE (Accessories Council Excellence) Awards dinner, held at Cipriani 42nd street. The award was initiated as a way to "pay homage to those individuals and groups that have made great strides in raising the awareness of the accessories industry" and to "celebrate those who have had a positive impact on accessory consumption during the prior year", according to their website, accessoriescouncil.org. Talk about 'star' power: in addition to industry stars like Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Tom Ford, Zac Posen, and Silvia Fendi, stars from the world of entertainment (including Naomi Watts, Zoë Cassavetes, Jane Krakowski, Nancy O'Dell) were in attendance. And arguably, one of the world's biggest stars, Jennifer Lopez was on hand to receive her ACE Award. Below is a sampling of some of the standout accessory exhibitors both new (2 years old and under), and established, who showed at the October (15-17, 2006) ENK Children's Club.
Nokona Athletic Goods A newly introduced line of baseball themed accessories, baby accessories, gift items. Ages: 4 - 6 Wholesale: $20- $45 Standouts: 'Baby's first glove": miniature (9-inch) baseball gloves (available in pink and blue) which can be custom embroidered with baby's name and birth date. It makes a perfect baby gift for newborns and a terrific birthday present for toddlers. Bats and balls are also available.
FYI: The iconic 75-year-old company, located in Nokona, Texas, is the oldest maker of baseball gloves. Tel: 203-655-5075 E-Mail: jkrane@optonline.net
The Piggy Story Handmade patterned children's gift accessories, gift ideas, special occasion wear. Designer: Peiling Hwang Sizes: Toddler, Girls 4 - 6X, Boys 4 - 7 Wholesale: $7 - $22.50 Standouts: The ArtFolio (their best seller) which contains 12 crayons and one sketch book and is available in 7 patterns; The Crayon Roll, which has 8 crayons and folds up into a mini bag (it's easy for mom to carry and keeps kids busy); the Lunch Tote; the little girls' aprons.
FYI: The motto of the company is, "for parents who believe nothing is ever good enough for their child, there's finally a company that makes products that are". Peiling is an artist by training and has an impressive design resume spanning 15 years: having worked at iconic and "kid friendly" companies like Mattel, Oscar Meyer Luncheables, Hallmark, and Disney Interactive. It all began with a desire to make the "most comfortable, most carefully crafted naptime product available" for her baby daughter. Peiling believes that every item has a story, is visual, practical, and useful. And she is well aware that kids love to carry things. Tel: 818-788-8679 E-Mail: peiling@thepiggystory.com
Baby Phood High quality, unique, infant apparel gift items. Designer: Tracey Laws Size: Infant Wholesale: $15- $20 Standouts: The 100% soft cotton 'essential' baby apparel items which are packaged in their own oversized glass baby food jars. They are available in pink (Strawberry Parfait); blue (Blueberry Truffle), and green (Kiwi Kustard); more flavors are in the planning stages.
FYI: Ms. Laws has a nine-year-old daughter and a background in fashion merchandising. It's all about unique packaging and presentation, and everything relates to food and feeding. This is Ms. Laws first season in business and her first Children's Club. Tel: 484-753-3334 E-Mail: tracey@babyphood.com
Mimi The Sardine Functional baby accessories and diaper bags made from eco-coated cotton fabrics printed with large designs in bold colors, imported directly from Sweden (and "made to last"). Designer: Pia Andersson Size: 6 months and up Wholesale: $7 to $21 Standouts: The whimsical ladybug, mouse, monkey, cat, and bird printed bibs, splash mats, aprons, lunch bags
FYI: The company launched in 1989 but this is their very first Children's Club Show. Everything is made in the Bay Area in accordance with environmental guidelines (pesticide free, safety tested, machine washable and easy-to-wipe off the surface). Tel: 415-256-9222 / 866.234.MIMI(6464) E-Mail: mimithesardine@earthlink.net
Go Baby A 'mommy driven' company that designs hip and functional accessories to complement busy urban moms on the go lifestyle. Designers: Robin Shane, Gina Fabiano Retail: $16 - $75 Standouts: Their 'InMat', (made of water-resistant terry cloth), OutMat (made of machine washable suede and fleece, and featuring magnetic snaps), and the baby alpaca 'Mommy and Me Muffatees' (which are hand knitted in Peru and not only keep hands and arms warm but keep gloves and mittens on).
FYI: Robin Shane was a costume designer when she began designing products for herself, eventually teaming up with good friend Gina Fabiano. Their mission is "getting mommy out the door, looking good, and having fun." This is their first season in business and their first Children's Club. Tel: 917-568-4670 E-Mail: info@gobaby.com
Cover Me Blue Custom fabric covered accessories, baby accessories, gift items. Designer: Julie Martin Wholesale: $10- $47 Standouts: The baseball glove, polka dots, toile and bandana printed travel wipes cases and Huggie Wipes boxes ("it's all about the idea of an accessory becoming attractive").
FYI: Julie named the company Cover Me Blue because her maiden name was Bluestein; it all began with fabric covered photo albums; this is her first Children's Club though she has been in business for 5 years. Tel: 610-745-4684 E-Mail: covermeblue@comcast.net
A.J Morgan "Distinctive eyewear for all ages" Sizes: Toddlers - adults Wholesale: $3- $15 Standouts: The vibrantly hued, polka dot, and butterfly shaped plastic and metal sunglasses and sunglass readers.
FYI: 25 years in business, A.J. Morgan started the business all by himself and it grew from a 'mom and pop' company; they are now a division of Sweetbaby, Inc. All the glasses are made in China. Tel: 213-624-0254 E-Mail: info@ajmorganeyewear.com
Miss Jane's Stylish and fashionable children's jewelry and accessories. Designer: Jane Ramsey Size: 0 - 16; infant, children, teens, juniors Wholesale: $16- $35 Standouts: The brand new 'Fairy Tale' collection: mix-and-match stones, pearls, crystals and shapes like butterflies, hearts, horseshoes
FYI: Jane began making jewelry for her three nieces (Emily, Caroline, Casey), she uses them as her muses, and has named the collections after them as well; everything is age appropriate, dainty, classic and she sees her designs as "scaled down" versions of adult jewelry. Everything is custom made (by her), in her Ft. Lauderdale, Florida home. Tel: 954-921-9929 E-Mail: jane@missjanes.net
Sweet Baby Beads Specializing in sterling silver bead pacifier clips. Designer: Andrea Oveson Sizes: Newborn - 14 years Wholesale: $16- $45 Standouts: The brand new Pacifier Clips, some of which feature Swarovski crystals, butterflies, cowboys hats, footballs, and are interchangeable with different clips and come with their own Sweet Baby Beads organza bag; the bibs and bib clips.
FYI: The company, which was launched in 2002 by Andrea and Merrill Oveson (who are parents themselves), was built on the premise that there were no pretty pacifier clips. The handcrafted in the U.S.A. Sweet Baby Beads pacifier clip designs are available in over 40 styles for boys and girls. Tel: (801) 434-7695 E-Mail: andrea@sweetbabybeads.com
Extrasmall A seasonless, colorful and whimsical line of mix-and-match clothing, toys, and accessories for babies. Designer: Iris In'tHout Sizes: Newborn and up Wholesale: $8 - $32 Standouts: The colorful, 100% soft cotton hand crocheted rattles, mobiles, soft toys, lady bugs, jungle animals.
FYI: The Dutch born Ms. In'tHout previously designed children's wear for Esprit; all the toys are handmade so no two are alike; they each have their own personality. All the environmentally friendly, mix-and-match (and primarily unisex) sweaters, hats, booties, and toys, are handcrafted by artisans around the world in conjunction with Aid to Artisans, a nonprofit organization. Tel: 877-987-7655 E-Mail: michael@extrasmall.com
San Diego Hat Company Designer: Linda Day Sizes: Newborn - toddler Wholesale: $8- $32 Standouts: The whimsical crochet hats featuring characters like an octopus, whale, ladybug, lamb, bunny, snail, butterfly, watermelon with caterpillar.
FYI: The company was first known for their wide brimmed women's hats. Tel: 888-868-0588 E-Mail: info@sandiegohat.com
Flap Happy "Innovative, practical, and protective creations for children and adults". Designer: Laurie Snyder Sizes: Infants - toddlers Wholesale: $6 - $17 Standouts: The cotton, and cotton and Lycra hats which come in 4 different styles and are available in assorted whimsical prints like stripes, dots, a lobster.
FYI: Laurie started with hats because she is fair skinned and always needed protection from the sun; she designs all her own prints. Tel: 310-453-3527 E-Mail: laurie@flaphappy.com
Bumkins Patterned bibs, aprons, and layette items. Designer: Jakki Libeman Size: Newborn - toddler Wholesale: $2.25 - $10.50 Standouts: The 'Wild Ones' Gift Pack that consists of two bibs and one washcloth inside a package that resembles Chinese take-out; the practical, generously sized 'Super' Bibs.
FYI: Everything is made in the U.S.A.; the bibs come in two sizes, regular and 'Super' (the super size resembles an apron and can be worn by an adult to protect her/himself while painting, etc.); the bibs and aprons are waterproof, dishwasher safe, and "indestructible". Tel: 212-947-5522 E-Mail: lmeyerinc@aol.com
Melissa & Doug Designers and manufacturers of educational toys and children's products, which encourage children to use their imagination. Designers: Melissa and Doug Bernstein Size: 6 months - 12 years Wholesale: $1.50 - $99.99 Standouts: The large handcrafted wooden puzzles (like the 100-piece Pirate themed one that's 2 feet by 2 feet); the life sized stuffed zoo animals (such as the 6-foot caterpillar).
FYI: The company was launched in 1988 (in their basement) and started with interactive videotapes; both parents are teachers, and they were looking for educational toys; they have been awarded "Vendor of the Year" for the Learning Express five years in a row and annually receive awards and recognition for the high standard of their products. The Bernsteins have four children and they are expecting their fifth. Tel: 800-284-3948 E-Mail: service@melissaanddoug.com
Angel Dear Collection, a division of Funbath, Inc. Soft, tactile, huggable accessories, baby accessories, bath accessories. Designer: Jeffrey Cheng Sizes: Infant to 2 years old Wholesale: $5- $12.50 Standouts: The 14-inch, Angel Dear Blankies (for which the company is known and which are available in 25 different and equally adorable characters); character blankies; chenille hoodies which are offered in 8 irresistible colors.
FYI: The machine washable 'blankies' are double-sided so that kids can rub them themselves and all the eyes are sewn on for safety purposes; new characters are introduced each season and this time it's a butterfly, flower, and dark monkey. Tel: 510-895-8108 E-Mail: funbath@sbcglobal.net
Cloud B A line of accessories and products designed to soothe the senses and safely help babies sleep. Designers: Heather Hamda, Linda Suh Size: Newborn to children Wholesale: $10- $17 Standouts: The battery operated 'Twilight Turtle' which transforms a room into a starry night sky and has calming lights to ease both babies (and parents) to sleep. It's their number one best seller, the top product for most retailers and it appeals to children of all ages; The 'Sleep Sheep' which has 4 different soothing sounds: a mother's heart beat, ocean surf, whale songs, spring showers; 'Lavender Lab', inside the lab's head are aromatherapy pouches filled with 100% lavender, a known relaxing scent.
FYI: The line was created by two young mothers who were intent on developing products that would help baby (and parents) get a good night's sleep. All the products are formulated in conjunction with an advisory board of pediatricians and sleep specialists. Tel: 310-781-3833 E-Mail: sales@cloudb.com
Deidra & Kiki Colorful and eye catching hair accessories, bags, belts, scarves. Designer: Barbara Agatstein Sizes: Tweens Wholesale: $1 - $10 Standouts: The stretch belts, wide head bands, and scarves done in geometric Pucci-esque fabric; the crochet and beaded pony o's; the feather, ribbon, and organza and crochet and beaded pony o's; the wide leather metallic head bands
FYI: This 5-year-old division of Wee Ones specializes in "anything that's hot for tweens!" Tel: 636-441-6301 E-Mail: marshah@weeones.com
Pamela Marcuzzi Hair Accessories Colorful and whimsical hair accessories. Designer: Pamela Marcuzzi Sizes: Newborn - teenagers and up Wholesale: $3- $15 Standouts: The colorfully beaded elastic 'Mandalas'; beaded hair clips and mini pinzers in straight-from-nature shapes such as dragonflies, butterflies, bumble bees, frogs, flowers.
FYI: Pamela is Argentinean born and had been an interior designer and a theatrical scenographer. She started making things for herself when she was 12 and people began asking her to make things for them. The collection launched 15 years ago. Future plans for expansion include a handbag collection, children's and women's accessories. The 35-year-old is the mother of a boy and girl. Tel: 305-234-1905; 917-623-4047 E-Mail: gaq@pamelamarcuzzi.net
Raindrops (Division of Dee Givens & Co.) Bibs, blankets, gift sets Size: Layette, infant, toddler Wholesale: $1.87- $23.80 Standouts: The gift sets which are packaged in attractive baskets; the 9-piece bath sets which include two hooded towels, 2 wash cloths, a bath mitt, a sponge, a baby mug, a rubber ducky, inside an enamel wash basin; the printed bibs (watermelon, baseball, soccer, etc.).
FYI: The company was founded 36 years ago under the name, Dee Givens. The current and third owners, Mary Lobbezoo and Susan Falb (who happen to be sisters), bought the company and the retail store, The Little Colony, in June 2005 from their uncle and father and subsequently renamed it Raindrops. Tel: 630-968-5100 E-Mail: raindropsdgivens@aol.com
Bows Arts Vividly colored and patterned hair bows and hair accessories Designer: Deborah M. DaSilva Sizes: Preemie - pre teen Wholesale: $1.50 - $10 Standouts: The 6-inch harlequin patterned bows; the silver and gold organdy bows; the polka dots and stripes
FYI: The company was launched 30 years ago by Ms. DaSilva's parents; Ms. DaSilva considers the line to be unapologetically "classic and traditional". Tel: 800-828-BOWS, cell 832-606-6040 E-Mail: Deborah_d@earthlink.net Tel: 212-947-5522 E-Mail: lmeyerinc@aol.com
Originally published November 7, 2006
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