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August 2009 Children's Club: New Exhibitors and New Lines - Part I As I have previously mentioned, I am always on the lookout for the new kids on the block. And while one would not have thought it would be easy to find them at this moment in time (thanks to the economic downturn), that was not the case. In fact, I felt as though I was 'stumbling' upon more new companies than ever, and in many cases, the they were using the August ENK Children's Club (August 2-4, 2009) as their official 'coming out' party.
Gigis for Little Girls A line of accessories that are 'basic' but not so basic Wholesale: $6 - $22.50 Ages: 12 months - 12 years Standouts: The brand new swing coat (which has a rhinestone button) and legging sets which are available in pink, black, or white.
FYI: The sets are sold in a gift ready round pink and white striped box; the leggings come in their own pink and white striped rectangular box with magnetic closure. Gift packaging is a major part of the line, which originally started with flower decorated caps. Tel: 888-323 0711 E-mail: wendi@gigisapparel.com; carly@gigisapparel.com
Young Fashionista Unique, sophisticated, and trend driven hair accessories for teens and tweens Designer: Carolina Rodriguez Ages: Mid teens Wholesale: $7 to $45 Standouts: Petunia - Elastic headband with metallic pleather flower;
Camelias - Elastic headband with two poly jeweled flowers;
Dazzle - Half elastic/half jeweled poly organza headband;
Gem - Mesh jeweled barrette; Rosie -Lame rose ponytail holder;
Knotties - Set of two lame knot bobby pins (one silver, one gold); Links - Aluminum chain headband
Knot Zip - Brass zipper knot hard headband (sole crossover from the adult collection currently at Henri Bendel)
FYI: Ms. Rodriguez is a graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and the Marangoni Institute in Milan. This Puerto Rico-based designer decided to launch a "little sister" collection for Spring 2010, inspired by the success of her grown up line. The line is hugely popular in Puerto Rico and is now being sold at Henri Bendel in NYC. Carolina started her company after working with Puerto Rican designer Gustavo Arango and the Marc Bower company, both in New York City. Pieces from her adult collection have appeared in multiple publications, including People en Español, Ocean Drive, InFashion, and Latina Magazine. You can read more information about Carolina on her website: www.bycarolina.com Tel: 718-797-3772; 917-282-6223 E-mail: salome@bebesol.com
HuggyBunny 100% Peruvian pima cotton layette Designer: Andrea Chrem Ages: Newborn - 24 months Wholesale: $6 - $19 Standouts: The elephant and sea horse printed footsies; the seahorse printed convertible gown, which snaps to convert from a gown to become a romper; the elephant printed blanket (the blankets are their best selling items); the gift sets in cans, small or large, which contain a onesie, cap, and bib.
FYI: The line is designed in New York and manufactured in Peru (Ms. Chrem's dad does the manufacturing and his factory prides itself on its good working conditions where garments are made with "love and care"). Peruvian cotton is silky smooth, incredibly soft, and durable. The collection is nature and animal themed, happy colors are their signature, and everything is printed on both the back and front of each item. Tel: 917-783-2850 E-mail: ac@huggybunny.com
b.b. simon belts Unique hand crafted Italian belts, buckles, and accessories adorned with authentic Austrian Swarovski crystals Designer: Simon Tavasoli Wholesale: $25 - $40 Ages: 2 - Adult Standouts: The heart, pirate, and western belt buckles (which are their best sellers)
FYI: The hip and eye catching line began for adults in the 80's and immediately gained a following by iconic rock stars like Madonna, Steven Tyler, and Mick Jagger. L'il Wayne and Shania Twain are also big fans. The company also produces similarly decorated wine stoppers and guitar straps, and recently added the children's division. This is their first Children's Club (and talk about being functional…an adult ornament can become a child's belt buckle) Tel: 213-622-5303, 516-315-5602 E-mail: info@simonshop.com
Bari Lynn Children's hair accessories Designer: Bari Lynn Erber Wholesale: $4 - $12 Ages: Newborn - 16 Standouts: The new crochet and feathered caps; the ultra thin headbands adorned with bows; the headbands which coordinate with Lemon's T-shirts
FYI: The collaboration with the well known T-shirt company, Lemon, is a new one, and came just in time for the August Children's Club. Bari Lynn's booth displayed Lemon's T's, and vice versa. Ms. Erber is a busy mom with a Doctorate in Education. Tel: 917-662 0779 E-mail: bari@barilynn.com
Bocorocco A European styled shoe collection Wholesale: $20 - $30 Ages: 2 years thru teen Standouts: The metallic open toed ankle strap sandals; the patent leather t straps with flower embellishment; the sporty trainers with double Velcro closure
FYI: The company is a division of Kinderland Footwear; the emphasis is on high quality European construction, comfort, and of course, style. Each shoe has a padded memory innersole, a padded collar a non stick rubber sole, leather uppers and leather linings and comes with an indicator of growth on the inside, which allows the parent to monitor the growth of their child's foot Tel: 305-477-4011 E-mail: info@venettini.com
Indo Crafts Apparel and gifts with a global flavor Designer: Chris Glover Wholesale: $3.50 - $16.25 Ages: Newborn to adult Standouts: The cotton gauze dresses trimmed with South American crochet; the unisex rompers; the unisex short sleeved white cotton shirts with embroidered yokes; the colorful twig crayons that don't need to be sharpened
FYI: They have two retail stores, (one in North Carolina, the other in South Carolina), but just began wholesaling this past January. They set up booths (a "hippie general store" of sorts) at music events across the country. Providing high quality at affordable prices are key missions. Tel: 828-712 7699 E-mail: cglover39@charter.net
Originally published August 20, 2009
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