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The August 2008 ENK Children's Club: The Establishment - Part I The following exhibitors at Children's Club (August 3-5, 2008) are 'gold medalists': they represent the best of the best and are always consistent in their merchandise and displays.
Amber Hagen High quality infantwear, knitwear, accessories, gift items Designer: Amber Hagen Wholesale: $14 - $110 Sizes: Layette, infant, toddler Standouts: The new line of 'stylish' organic pieces made of bamboo cotton: the pink zip front hooded sweatshirt, the pink and green striped hooded dress, short sleeved wrap style yellow 'daisy' dress (which has been a crowd favorite).
FYI: Ms. Hagen is a Harvard Law School graduate who worked for five years as a corporate lawyer before launching her line in 2004. Her company's philosophy is, "Love, peace, and cashmere" and peace signs are still very much a signature of her company. Tel: 310-826-6500 x117 email: amber@amberhagen.com
Smartee Pants Clothing Sassy clothing and accessories for babes of all ages Designer: Joanne Mantz Wholesale: $16 - $28 Sizes: Infant, toddler, girls 4-6X, girls 7-14, boys 4-7, boys 8-20 Standouts: The personalized tees and onesies 'glammed' up with crystals for girls, numbers and letters for boys: (the "Vote for Me" Democratic or Republic political tees are especially relevant but the best sellers are the "Miss Months" …September, October, etc.); the brother and sister tees, the birthday themed tees, the special occasion diaper covers.
FYI: The company (which is a sister company of Mama Bebe & Co.) was launched after Ms. Mantz created a one-of-a-kind birthday T-shirt for her daughter's first birthday (having been unable to find one she liked enough to buy) and friends immediately wanted her creations for their children as well. Her products are available in approximately 700 stores, she has received a lot of press, and counts celebrities among her loyal customer base. Tel: 877-614-4387 E-Mail: info@mamabebe.com
Undee Bandz / Top Trenz Trend driven line of hair accessories, fashion accessories, and costume jewelry Designers: Corey Glassberg; Jamie Glassberg Wholesale: $7.50 - $19 Ages: 4 - 15 Standouts: Their tie-dyed pieces (many of which are decorated with 60's inspired peace signs or smiley faces): baby body suits and bibs, scarves, head wraps, gloves, hats, and especially, their cotton canvas bags, which are "beyond hot" (school bags, duffle bags, messenger bags, mini shoulder bags, waist pouches, wristlets); rhinestone clips; sequined watches.
FYI: The designers and founders of the company are brothers; it all started with their stretch hair bands which is why they use the name 'Undee Bandz' (so that their customers will recognize the brand immediately); they offer a dizzying amount of products and well over 100 appliqués and patches for personalization. Corey has a secret wish: "To be on Oprah" and then "our lives will change forever". Tel: 631-254-8499 E-mail: sales@toptrenz.com
BabyLegs The 'original' leg and arm warmers for children and adults Designer: Nicole Donnelly Wholesale: contact manufacturer Sizes: One size fits most Standouts: PopHeart (candy colored hearts), Wellesley (preppy argyle), Popsicle (multi colored stripes); Juniper (earth toned variegated stripes), Jolly Jack and Jolly Jill (skulls & crossbones for boys and girls), Flame (red flame against a black background).
FYI: Ms. Donnelly originally designed this product as a way to keep her daughter Sara's legs warm while she was diaper free (in order for her rash to heal). This is meant to be a fun fashion statement, but at the same time, it's an essential and practical product for all since and one size fits most. Tel: 206-734-4000 E-Mail: info@babylegs.com
Superga Iconic rubber soled footwear brand from Italy (the 'people's' shoes of Italy) Wholesale: $12-$30 Sizes: Baby to adult Standouts: The gold or silver lame Venezia; the red print, pink floral Genova; the white/green, white/blue Divertente; the navy canvas Velcro closing Torino.
FYI: The company was founded 95 years ago in Torino, Italy and they name all their styles after Italian cities: their best seller is still the 2750 Heritage Torino. The Jonas Brothers are also fans of the brand, wearing them not only on stage, but off (they were recently photographed wearing them when they performed for and met with President Bush). Tel: 212-244-3145 email: rschriever@rgbarry.com
Infantissima A specialty line of exclusive infant accessories and gift sets Designers: Trudy Hutching; Jennifer Tellepsen Wholesale: $$4.25-$38 Sizes: 0-6 Standouts: The patterned hooded towels and washcloths; the pink toile bibs (which are their best sellers) and airplane and sports designs for little boys; the plush animal printed (leopard, zebra, giraffe, and tiger) Nap Mats which fold up into a bag (and have Velcro closures on each side).
FYI: Their motto is, "The perfect present" and indeed, a large part of their business involves personalization and monogramming (in fact, they sell to monogrammers across the country). Tel: 866-522-1415 / 713-899-9442 email: scole@infantissima.com
Best of Chums Humorous, fun, colorful children's accessories and gift sets Designer: Laura Millman Wholesale: $9 - $18 Ages: Newborn - 1 year old Standouts: The 'Hungry Baby' line which is new this season and consists of 2-pc. sets (onesies and T-shirts) in 'food' packaging that resembles sushi, Big Macs, pizza, chocolate, cakes and pies; the 'Little Chums' 3-pc. sets (t-shirt, leggings, hand crochet booties); the felt hair clips.
FYI: Creative presentation and packaging is important, as is affordability and the 'cute' factor, which makes the line perfect as gifts. Ms. Millman was a designer in the women's and junior markets for 20 years, prior to launching Best of Chums in 1997. Tel: 626-443-8089 email: Emily@bestofchums.com
Design Room Group A distributor of novel gifts, modern toys, enviable house wares and other lifestyle accoutrements with an emphasis on design and color Designer: Simon Pithie Retail: $10 - $60 Standouts: The large gold toned piggy banks (which are being sold at Barneys New York); the inflatable swim rings, beach balls, inner tubes; the imminently collectible and irresistible rubber duckies.
FYI: Simon was creative director of 'Room' prior to launching this collection and their products are sold in over 1000 stores around the world including Barneys New York, FAO Schwarz, and EAT Gifts in Manhattan; strict testing is done on all products to ensure their safety. They have received much press coverage and have been featured in such publications as Cookie, Domino, New York Magazine, Elle Magazine, and Parenting. Tel: 562-698-8565 email: jenny@designroomgroup.com
Originally published September 5, 2008
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