The beginning of a New Year is unquestionably an exciting time and always filled with so much promise. Even more so this time around, since we are marking the beginning of a new decade. And as it turns out, these factors appeared to impact positively on the most recent January ENK Children's Club. Regardless of its historically scaled down size (January is traditionally the smallest of the shows), there was much to see, lots of buzz and excitement, and yes, a lot that was new. Not only new products, but new faces and new companies. How's that for being optimistic as we go forward?

Having said that, I always think of the late great designer Geoffrey Beene, known for his amazing taste and distaste of fads. During the course of an interview, he once explained that he especially disliked it when editors would ask him, "What's new"? As he recounted, "Don't ask me what's new. Ask me what's GOOD!" So, keeping that sentiment in mind as I strolled the aisles of the Javits Center, I was in search of items, products, (and exhibitors) that were not only 'new', but 'good'. And I didn't ignore the fact that new is not always 'improved', and does not always mean good. Similarly, good is not always to be found in the new, but in the tried and true. Let's face it; some things cannot be improved upon.

The following companies represent the cream of the crop in the 'new' category:

M&M Headwear

Ultra feminine infant and children's hats, stretch bands, headbands, and clips

Designer: Malki Milstein

Wholesale: $5 - $21

Sizes: Newborn - 5

Standouts: The oversized flower adorned infant and baby caps which are their best sellers; the headbands decorated with everything from flowers (in every shape, size, and color), and multi colored bows, to sequined fruits; the very colorful hair clips.

FYI: All the items are packaged in gift ready, attractive see-through boxes. The Children's Club was truly a 'Family Affair' as Ms. Milstein's husband (who is involved in real estate) was at the show every day, babysitting for their best 'model': their beautiful baby daughter, who was proudly wearing one of mom's flower adorned infant hats. This is their first Children's Club.

Tel: 646 660 1098

E-mail: mandmheadwear@aol.com

www.mandmheadwear.com

Sparkle by Design

Whimsical clothing for children

Designer: Batsheva Markowitz

Wholesale: $16 - $20

Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, girls 4 - 6X, girls 7 - 14, infant, layette, pre-teen, toddler

Standouts: The brand new trompe l'oeil, faux collar ("faux Chanel") tunic dresses decorated with crystals and beads; the pink tie dye 'smile' dress; the brown tie dye 'winged heart' dress; the tie dye one-piece with beaded sweets.

FYI: The whimsical, special, high quality 100% cotton items are guaranteed to "look just as nice after being machine washed" promises Ms. Markowitz who is now in her second year in business and has already added several more 'reps'. A thermal group, which comprises about 25% of the collection, is geared toward colder climates but the bulk of the line is year round.

Tel: 718 233 1164

E-mail: sparklebydesign@gmail.com

www.sparklebydesign.com

HuggyBunny

100% Peruvian Pima Cotton Layette

Designer: Andrea Chrem

Wholesale: $5 - $14

Ages: Newborn - 18 months

Standouts: The new, totally adorable Fall 2010 collection, called 'BunnyLove', which is made from 100% combed cotton (it feels soft like Pima but is less expensive). There are 8 pieces (5 items of clothing and 3 accessories), and everything is available in a choice of 4 screen printed prints: an allover print, daisies, bunnies, and fish. 

FYI: This is Ms. Chrem's second year in business; everything is CPSIA complaint, and made (with love) in her father's Fair Trade factory in Lima, Peru. She prides herself on using the highest quality, softest Peruvian Pima cotton, making the most wonderfully comfortable, high quality items, at the most reasonable prices (no small feat!).

Tel: 917 783 2850

E-mail: ac@huggybunny.com

www.huggybunny.com

Old Soles

Soft leather baby shoes

Designer: Vicki Lever

Wholesale: $19 - $21

Sizes: Newborn - 24 months

Standouts: The very chic cap toe two tones Mary Janes (very Coco Chanel) which have a Velcro closure across the vamp; the very graphic lace up athletic sneakers; the pink, tan, and black booties lined in faux leopard (all of the above are brand new).

FYI: The shoes are designed in Australia and manufactured in Vietnam: they all feature non slip soles and have an elastic back which makes them fit well and hard for baby to pull off.

Tel: 347 394 3151

E-mail: info@lolligo.com

www.lolligo.com

AllerMates

Kid friendly allergy awareness products

Designer: Iris Shamus

Wholesale: $2 - $4.50

Ages: 3 - 8

Standouts: The dog tag necklaces, with 8 of the most popular allergies; the wrist band bracelets, which represent 4 of the most popular allergies. (The allergies include: fish, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, peanuts, crab, and milk).

FYI: This is Ms. Shamus's first Children's Club; her young son, who has 3 allergies, was the inspiration for the collection which strives to make wearing an allergy alert fun. Everything is hypo allergenic and of high quality, and as Ms. Shamus put it, "Made with a lot of TLC". She has already received a lot of press and has made an appearance on MSNBC.

Tel: 201 934 1123

E-mail: ishamus@allermates.com

www.allermates.com

Glop & Glam

Organic, all natural, fun, innovative hair care line

Designer: Andrea Ridgell

Wholesale: $2 - $8

Ages: Toddler, children, and young adults

Standouts: The beautifully packaged and displayed best selling Creamsickle leave-in conditioner and detangler for girls, 'Chocolate Glob' styling product for boys, and colored hair extensions.

FYI: The Santa Barbara-based Ms. Ridgell has been a hair stylist for over 16 years (so she knows a thing or two about hair). She is also the mother of two. The line was just launched 6 months ago and is getting well deserved attention, press, and creating much buzz. She prides herself on using only the best (and safest) products and addressing all needs (including those of different ethnicities). I can attest to the fact that the chocolate products smell like the real deal and are positively intoxicating! They literally smell good enough to eat.

Tel: 619 559 0325

E-mail: cs@glopandglam.com

www.glopandglam.com

Mogo, The Magnet Charm

A collection of magnetic charms and charm bands

Designer: Paige Clark

Wholesale: $6 - $7

Ages: 8 and up

Standouts: The highly collectible 'Love Letters', 'Key to my Heart', and the best selling 'Peace Time' and 'Lucky Charms'; the reusable modern magnetic tins (that contain 3 MOGO charms) and make a great gift; the MOGO charmbands, which are sold separately.

FYI: The Seattle-based Ms. Clark has a fascinating, varied background and resume; she is a lawyer, CPA, and inventor. She conceived of the idea for this line after asking herself, "Why shouldn't you be able to put magnets on clothing?" The company, whose tagline is, "We just click!" is brand new and this is her first Children's Club. They have already been picked up by Neiman Marcus and Fred Segal.

Tel: 206 285 0638

E-mail: paige@modmuse.com

www.getmogo.com

Blind Mice

A collection of unique socks

Wholesale: $4.50 - $7

Sizes: Infant, newborn, toddler

Standouts: The graphic and eye catching houndstooth, wick, gingham, and herringbone patterned socks which are sold in packs of 3 and 5 (they are meant to be mismatched on purpose).

FYI: The socks (which are seamless and guaranteed not to bind or fall off), are modeled after the Balega sock (a South African brand that is considered to be the best selling running sock in the USA).Their philosophy is, "Socks have a million reasons for not staying in pairs. Why fight it?"

Tel: 888 354 6180

E-mail: service@blindmicesocks.com

www.blindmicesocks.com

Originally published January 20, 2010

Back to Main Home