REDFISH
KIDS
East meets
west when Asian details such as stand-up collars, frog
closures and "obi" belts meet rich patterns and
"look-at-me" shades.
Outstanding Pieces: Three dresses that will make an
impact anywhere.Sizes: 3 months to 14 years; Wholesale
prices: $9-$52; Tel:
800-862-2608; redfishkidsclothing.com.
HUDSON
THREADS
With
a couple of Hudson Threads' chic, comfortable pieces in
her closet, a girl is set for any casual or informal
evening out.
Outstanding Piece:
A great,
Bauhaus-inspired print and a couple of twists at the
neckline and hips are all this dress needs for impact -
and great fit. Sizes: 4 to 16 years; Wholesale prices:
$12-$33; Tel: 914-481-1113; hudsonthreads.com.
MAGUGU
TOTO
There's a
handcrafted feeling to every block-printed bib,
appliquéd T-shirt, and seventies-inspired separate
in this diminutive collection. The tees make great gifts
that you'll feel good about giving: $5 from every
purchase is donated to treepeople.org.
Outstanding Piece: A girl can't have a bad day in a
cheerful print like this one. Sizes: 3 months to 8 years;
Wholesale prices: $12-$60; Tel: 714-423-0952;
magugutoto.com.
DJAKNEMALA
In some ways,
Djaknemala is quintessentially Scandinavian: the palette
of white, light blue, navy and red is a dead giveaway,
and the clean-lined unfussy shapes speak to the Northern
aesthetic. Yet, thanks to unusual shapes and delicate
embellishment, this collection of girls' cotton pieces is
as much a personal reflection of the designer as her
thumbprint.
Outstanding Pieces: From the graceful Bjork-inspired swan
to the way the bubble hem transforms a simple cotton
piece into a couture design, Pia Lofdahl's collection is
well worth watching. Sizes: 2 to 10 years; Wholesale
prices: $12-$27; Tel:
347-394-3151; lolligo.com;
djaknemala.se
AMBAJAM
Alessandra
Mayer reprises her popular ultra-soft fleece turtle
blankets adding several classic color combinations.
Outstanding Pieces: The new turtle blankets are great for
either gender, making it a no-sweat shower gift. Sizes:
Cuddle mini to jumbo (suitable for juniors to adult);
Wholesale prices: $13.50-$42.50; Tel: 303-691-2236;
ambajam.com.
MARILI
JEAN
Laurie
Derickson's hats blend artisan knitting with cheerful
colors and patterns. Isn't that perfect for
spring?
Outstanding
Pieces: Cotton knit and woven hats keep the head cool
while adding the finishing touch to a girl's summer
outfit.
The knit bloom is a fresh alternative to a fabric flower.
Sizes: NB to 10 years; average wholesale price: $12; Tel:
888-6MARILI; marilijean.com.
CUPCAKES
& PASTRIES
Sourcing
unusual textiles and then mixing them effortlessly is
designer Inshi Khanna's strong suit. She employs simple,
figure-flattering shapes that don't compete for
attention.
Outstanding Piece: A fresh way to wear color is to work
off a single tone, in this case lilac, and mix it with
texture and shine. Sizes: 12 months to 12 years;
Wholesale prices: $17-$46; Tel: 646-645-9773;
tinyginger.com;
cupcakesandpastries.com.
OOH!
LA, LA! COUTURE
For designers
Ann Dugourd and Jennifer Rotunno it's a fashion forward
Spring 2012 at Ooh! La, La! with chic white denim and
loads of color-blocked looks.
Outstanding Pieces: A white denim short-cropped jacket
looks sleek over rows of striped tulle and a sweet
sequined heart. Sizes: NB to 14 years; Wholesale prices:
$33-$53; Tel: 212-967-6457; oohlalalcouture.com.
TREE
BY KERRI LEE
Kerri Lee
Sensiba's collection straddles the line between vintage
and contemporary with nostalgic motifs stylized to look
modern, and colors that are cleaner than antique tones
yet dustier hued than most children's décor
items.
Outstanding Piece: Sensiba reimagines the old-fashioned
shadow box (box being a deep frame, not a traditional box
to store something in) as a keepsake with wooden motifs
on the lid. Secured with a wooden peg, the lid becomes
art for the child's room that can be personalized with a
name and date of birth. Wholesale price for
Shadow/Keepsake Box: $32; Tel: 845-887-6165;
treebykerrilee.com.
AMERICAN
TERRY
American Terry
is known for luxurious, elegantly colored and packaged
organic cotton towels, robes and accessories.
Outstanding Piece: One side of the stroller pad and
matching blanket is plush sherpa, the other side is faux
suede for a cushy, warm ride anywhere. Wholesale prices:
Stroller pad: $26, stroller blanket: $24 (also available
in adult size: $44); Tel: 212-226-8040;
americanterry.com.
HUGGY
BUNNY
Keeping her
eye firmly on the gift buyer, designer Andrea Chrem
offers a collection of fully coordinated hats, sleepers,
bibs, blankets and knit sportswear in natural colors
adding playful touches throughout.
Outstanding Pieces: The two-tone one-piece and
ruffle-edged blanket: light, soft and guaranteed to
receive oohs and aahs at the baby shower. Sizes: Hat: NB
to 6 months; Wholesale prices: Hat: $6, blanket: $13;
Tel: 917-783-2850; huggybunny.com.
PERSNICKETY
CLOTHING COMPANY
Persnickety?
Perhaps. Designer Corinne Rickenbach certainly has an eye
for just the right detail and her color-combining in this
collection of fanciful dresses and separates is spot
on.
Outstanding Pieces:
Wear this
multi-patterned, multi-tiered piece with sandals or go
for broke by pairing it with coordinating ruffled pants.
Sizes: 12 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $18-$45;
Tel: 801-492-4380; persnicketyclothing.com.
SES
PETITES MAINS
It's one big
garden party at Ses Petites Mains with romantic dresses
in dotted chambray and crinkled lawn, funky plaids and
sprays of charming embroidery. For Tiny Chic Occasions,
keep the delicate, full-skirted silk organza dresses in
mind.
Outstanding Piece:
Nostalgic details such as the ruffle-edged collar,
generous skirt and just the right colors add up to a
dress that's easy to love. Sizes: 2T to 14 years;
Wholesale prices: $29-$47;
Tel:
415-533-1695; sespetitesmains.com.
BABY
DEEDEE
What do you do
when a baby just needs a light cover-up when there's a
bit of a breeze? Try the new Sleep Nest Lite.
Outstanding Piece: Just like her heavier, padded sleep
sacks, the new Sleep Nest Lite is roomy with unusual
color combinations; there's even one with a
glow-in-the-dark zipper. The difference is the weight:
two layers of soft, cotton knit Jersey that's ideal for a
spring night stroll, or when the air conditioning is set
on high. Sizes: NB to 36 months; Wholesale prices:
$16.50-$19; Tel:
347-850-2313; babydeedee.com.
DANZO
BAGS
Danzo Bags don't look
like diaper bags, but that's only one of the things to
admire about their design. In addition to their elegant
looks and beautiful craftsmanship, the totes open wide to
reveal clear plastic, neatly-labeled pockets for
everything.
Outstanding Piece: The Retro Bag has clean lines,
go-with-everything two-tone colors and a removable
shoulder strap. The outside is all sporty good looks;
inside it's no nonsense, and everything organized. It's
the ideal bag to impress mothers on the playground.
Wholesale price for the Retro Bag: $130; Tel:
917-287-8282; danzobaby.com.
DABBAWALLA
BAGS
Crafted from
eco-sponge, an innovative, eco-friendly material that
earned the rigorous Oeko-Tex 100 standard of textile
safety, Dabbawalla Bags are light, machine washable, and
sized right for stashing lunch or carrying pre-schoolers'
gear to daycare or a friend's house. In addition to that,
the graphics depict animals and flowers, cupcakes and
rockets - imagery that is dear to a child's heart.
Outstanding Pieces: Last spring it was all about the owl.
For Spring 2012, monkeys rule. Here are two Lunch Totes
with Carol Mack's trademark humor and eye for the perfect
detail. Sizes: sacks, totes and backpacks; Wholesale
prices: $14-$20; Tel:
877-500-2708; dabbawallabags.com.
EDOCHE
Known for
fur-lined booties in a myriad of colors, designer Eda
Topur has branched out into apparel giftwear.
Outstanding Piece: The light fleece Jacket in the Box
keeps baby cozy with an ample hood. The gift box needs no
further embellishment, and that kiwi color makes a great
alternative to the always safe yellow. Sizes: 6 months;
Wholesale price for Jacket in the Box: $14.50; Tel:
206-860-3100; edoche.com.
APPLE
PARK
The Apple Park
collection of organic apparel, gift sets, toys and totes
has a strong, positive story line, fully realized in each
piece, that makes the line a dream to merchandise.
Outstanding Pieces: The brightly-toned, hooded organic
cotton and bamboo Critter Towels turn children into
caterpillars, butterflies, bees and ladybugs (for a few
minutes, anyway). Sizes: 46" x 34"; Wholesale price for
Critter Towels: $19.50; Tel: 415-928-4401;
applepark.com.
LORALIN
DESIGN
If
Grandma is too busy to knit Junior a sweater and booties,
don't fret. Lynne Buchman found artisans to crochet hats
and booties and hand knit sweaters, so Grandma won't be
bothered.
Outstanding Pieces: Not too sweet, not too modern: a
kimono shape and contrasting stitching on each piece
looks right with any style legging, skirt - whatever.
Sizes: NB to 3 months; Wholesale prices for handmade
sets: $14-$58; loralindesign.com.
ARTWALK
There's a
trend among prenatal women to forgo amniocentesis and
take the Old School route: wait until the baby's birth to
discover its gender. With that in mind, designer Shelley
Hunt has designed several sweater and blanket sets with
colors and motifs that are perfect for either sex.
Outstanding Pieces:
White looks
fresher than yellow, the usual "either sex" color. The
motifs are endearing and tactile; and the set even has
the A,B,C's, because it never hurts to start early.
Sizes: 6 months to 4T; Wholesale prices: Hats:
$12-$54.50 for the blanket; Tel: 860-210-0005;
artwalk.
WOOLLY
BOO
All of Selma
Avdicevic's bedding pieces employ organic wool bating and
organic cotton for a cool, comfortable sleep. In
addition, the solid colors are soft and the prints
delicate for an expensive look.
Outstanding Piece: The Infant Sleep Sack is a light
cocoon of luxury. Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale price
for SleepSack: $75; Tel: 973-544-8404;
woollyboo.com.
THE
BABY BUNCH
For Spring
2012 Bryony Boxer introduced more charming cotton tees,
sleepsuits, hats and leggings in clever gift
wrappings.
Outstanding Piece: My First Suitcase is an adorable
reusable valise filled with a dotted-collar cotton
sleepsuit, passport cover, luggage tag and little bear
toy - everything a baby needs for their first sleepover
at Grandma's. Sizes: 6 to 12 months; Wholesale price:
$24; Tel: 877-456-2229; babybunch.com.
FINN
& EMMA
Finn &
Emma is a new lifestyle brand of organic layette wear and
toys. The gift sets are packed in recycled Kraft paper
boxes and contain delicately colored coordinated
pieces.
Outstanding Pieces: The On the Road Again gift box
contains a reversible hat, cotton sleepsack and a
crocheted toy all in a softly colored palette that
reverses from an allover scooter print to a jaunty
stripe.
Pale, silvery gray anchors the pastel tones in both
outfits. Sizes: NB to 18 months; Wholesale prices:
$7-$22.50, gift boxes: $30-$85; Tel: 973-771-5662;
finnandemma.com.
SMILING
PLANET
The
illustrations on Smiling Planet's apparel and tabletop
sets have the hand-drawn imagery and sweet sayings that
were popular long before Photoshop.
Outstanding Piece: A one-piece with groovy saying. Sizes:
3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $17-$27; Tel:
213-746-5363; smilingplanet.net.
WRY
BABY
Kelly and
David Sopp, masters of the funny slogan tee and
irreverent books and toys, added new colors to their
popular Super Snapsuits.
Outstanding Piece: "Super Cute" says it all. Sizes: NB to
24 months; Wholesale prices: $14;
Tel:
704-660-6955; wrybaby.com.
CAROLYN
FORSMAN
Carolyn
Forsman's trendy, price-conscious jewelry sells in
boutiques and museum shops worldwide. Her collection
always includes fun, glitzy pieces; nostalgic pieces -
something for every style.
Outstanding Pieces: The romantic rose looks modern in
burnished silver. Sizes: children+; Wholesale prices:
Ring and earrings: $6, bracelet: $14;
Tel:
800-442-7621; carolynforsman.com.
ZUTANO
Designer Uli
Belenky scores again with a multi-piece collection that
blends classic, sporty looks with playful, sea-life
inspired graphics and patterns.
Outstanding
Pieces: Garments that can hang with nautical groups in a
store display, and yet, thanks to the graphics and royal
blue pop color, they're something all together different.
Sizes: NB to 4T; Wholesale prices: $5.25-$27;
Tel:
800.287.5139; zutano.com.
SKYLAR
Designer Wen
C. Reese works a tiny, seven-piece bamboo and cotton
collection into a multitude of mix and match looks. Her
shapes are flirty, and a turquoise, bright yellow,
magenta, and hot pink palette has eye-popping appeal.
Outstanding Pieces: The gilding on the lily of this
pretty dress is the bright ribbon trim edging the cap
sleeves. Sizes: 12 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices:
$10.50-$19.50: 646-645-9773;
skylarclothing.com.
APPAMAN
From a tiny T-shirt
line to a lifestyle brand, Appaman continues to get
bigger and better. They're even producing swimsuits and
sunglasses.
Outstanding Piece:
Appaman's new
swimsuit collection is definitely hip with a look-at-me
palette and cool graphics. Sizes: NB to 10 years;
Wholesale prices: $14-$60; Tel: 212-460-5480;
appaman.com.
ADORE
LA VIE
Adore La
Vie isn't just a dress line anymore. For spring 2012,
Amanda Boyd added a boys' group that coordinates
perfectly to the girls' line.
Outstanding Pieces: The dynamic Safari group blends
fearless pattern mixing and go-for-broke colors. Tel:
630-240-1757; Sizes: Girls and boys 6 months to 10 years;
Wholesale prices: $11-$32; adorelaviedesigns.com.
MISS
B FROM BUSY BEES
Maryam
Barrett's new Miss B collection for girls and tweens
offers the same great fabrications, clean lines and
classic colors as her groups for smaller sizes, with a
touch of sweetly sexy sophistication.
Outstanding Piece:
Barrett keeps
the lines simple and the details to zero so this special
allover-embroidered daisy fabric (it's washable!) - and
the pretty girl wearing the dress - shine. Sizes for Miss
B collection: 7 to 16 years; Wholesale Prices: Average
wholesale price: $45; Tel: 917-796-9771;
busybees-kids.com.
BABY
CZ BY CAROLINA ZAPF
Baby CZ is a
luxury line with clean, classic looks and unexpected
fabrications.
Outstanding Piece:
Everything
about this silk dress - its iridescent shimmer, the
tone-on-tone smocking, the flutter sleeves and full skirt
- make it a show-stopper. It's gorgeous in sparkling
teal, too. Sizes: Girls: NB to 12 years, boys: NB to 20;
Wholesale prices: $ 72-$130 for dresses; Tel: 212
580-5190; babycz.com
NEIGE
Fresh twilight
on the beach tones of soft gray, light blue and persimmon
breeze into Adrienne Catrina's always understated,
nostalgic sportswear collection for girls and boys.
Outstanding
Pieces:
A single
ruffle or an entire cascade of frills: either dress is
ideal for a late-day stroll along the shoreline. Sizes: 6
months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$47;
Tel:
949-463-4450; neigeclothing.com.
POP
& LOLLI
Modern in
feeling, joyous in spirit, Mia Viljoen's decals are
guaranteed to stimulate a child's imagination. They're
100 percent safe for kids, eco-friendly and made in the
USA.
Outstanding Piece: Viljoen's decals induce smiles for
their unique motifs, great color sense and joie de vivre.
Sizes: "life-sized"; Wholesale prices: $23-$140; Tel:
323-362-8843; popandlolli.com.
