Product Launches and New Collections

Image

Talula Little


Namaste – A yoga-loving organic baby wear company.

Talula Little is an ethically motivated, family run business that just introduced the first of its GOTS-certified organic cotton baby wear – a fun collection of bandana dibble bibs that features adorable yoga-inspired illustrations and graphics. In fact, the company’s mission is to make beautifully handcrafted baby clothes that are comfortable and fun to wear.

“Our first project combines all the things we love the most – practicality, a holistic lifestyle and ethical mindfulness,” Lisa and Aviv tell us. “We are so excited that we couldn’t help ourselves and have included some poses inspired by our own little yoga baby!”

Every time you purchase a Talula Little product, you are supporting the production of organic clothing, encouraging its growth and actively contributing to a better and more sustainable world. That’s because Lisa and Aviv buy directly from co-op organic farmers in India in full compliance with Global Fair Trade practices.

“We have a toddler girl and everything we do is to empower her future. We firmly believe in organic production. It is so vital to the sustainability of our planet and for the next generation.”

Lisa and Aviv also believe that a healthy and positive lifestyle is the key to living well. Through practicing and teaching yoga, sensible eating and being mindful to use ethically sourced products wherever possible, they aspire to be extremely conscious in how they manage their daily lives – even as new parents.

“We all strive to give our little miracle-bundles only the best we can in life. However, this is often quite expensive and inevitably out of reach for some. Of course, there are countless cheap and cheerful baby products out there to cater for struggling parents. But in our experience, cheap and cheerful comes with a cost of its own – inferior quality and longevity sacrificed for price and profit.”

Lisa and Aviv dreamed about contributing to the community in some way and raising their own bundle of joy gave them the push to finally grow “a small business baby,” Talula Little. “We are so proud to say that our products are not only fun and comfortable to wear, they are ideal for a baby’s soft, delicate and developing skin, especially Eczema sufferers.”

New collections coming soon.

Image

Cooee Kids


An exciting and new, 100% certified cotton clothing line for kids.

When Anna Hesemenn and Naomi Wells meet while living in Uganda, they enjoy a mutual admiration and curiosity for the fabulous cotton available in this African country. Together with Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA), they create a company that makes children’s clothes with respect to the planet, the environment, the development and empowerment of people, and the fabulous raw materials they use. With social responsibility and good ethics at its core, their company ensures the entire production process supports the Ugandan people who make the clothes – from the farmers to the seamstresses.

Cooee is a new, sustainable kids clothing brand that makes beautiful everyday clothes for children ages two through seven. All garments are made exclusively from 100% CmiA-Certified African cotton grown and produced in Uganda. Anna and Naomi – who still live in Uganda – personally ensure the integrity of the field-to-fashion production line, working closely with artisans to make a positive impact. Cooee Kids also features unique hand-drawn print designs that engage a child’s imagination.

“We are both hugely excited to launch our first Spring Summer collection,” Naomi says. “It’s a dream come true for us. We care about our planet and how we leave it for future generations. Parents across the globe care more and more about where their children’s clothes come from and we are one of a handful of brands that can guarantee their fabrics provenance. We manage the entire production process first-hand and ensure every single garment meets our stringent measures.”

Cooee Kids’ SS18 collection of dresses, skirts, t-shirts and shorts brings to life things that make kids smile. The girl’s hero piece is the sky-blue monkey love dress that features a montage of monkeys printed around the neckline. Boys can choose a from a t-shirt printed with a mischievous crocodile on a bicycle, to a surfing monster catching a big wave.

Cotton Made in Africa (CMIA) is an initiative of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) that helps smallholder cotton farmers improve living conditions in Africa for both themselves and their children. Child labor, dangerous pesticides and genetically modified cotton are strictly forbidden. Smallholder farmers get a fair and timely payment and are trained in modern, efficient and sustainable cotton farming practices. This helps the farmers to generate higher yields and incomes.

Anna and Naomi introduced their first Cooee Kids collection to the UK and German children’s markets in early March. When will it be available in the States? Ask them, right here.

Blu & Blue New York


Premium denim, redefined for kids. 

Since its launch in December 2015, retailers, customers, parents and kids are instantly taken by Blu & Blue, which has also built a wildly successful following among influencers and celebrity fans, too. Blu & Blue founder Aaina Jain leverages her family’s 35-year reputation in manufacturing quality denim to produce clothing for babies and toddlers that is versatile enough to wear all year long. Blu & Blue’s seasonal collections are contemporary, fashion-forward, comfortable pieces that are safety-tested, adorned with hand embroideries, denim techniques and washes. The denim in also combined with different fabrics, for a new, unique look for each garment. The super-soft yet durable apparel stands up to active playtime.

Company Mission – Do Denim Right #BluDoneRight

Blu & Blue is well-designed, mindfully-made and contemporary, with quality you can feel.  “Each Blu Product is made with you in mind – a quality conscious, fashion forward parent who values well designed, elegant and sustainable clothing for their children,” Aaina says in an interview with Home Business magazine. “Each product is thoroughly quality checked and given the Blu seal of approval before it is packaged and shipped directly to you.”

All Blu & Blue fabrics are free of lead, phthalates and flame-retardants. Every step of the design and manufacturing process is conducted in-house. Each Blu Product is thoughtfully designed, cut, stitched, ripped and repaired and washed at the company’s own state-of-the-art sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing and washing facility. Special softeners and treatments are used to make the fabrics butter-soft for extra comfort, luxurious texture and look. The company also uses “saliva friendly” fabrics that are pre-washed for a safe and super soft garment.

The company says its strength lies in “our passion and commitment to deliver quality.” Retailers – check out Blu & Blue’s launch of the new Fall/Winter 2018 Collection at Children’s Club January 7-9!

Image

Qatrah


Have you heard of the slow-fashion movement?

Veteran women’s fashion designer Charu Wadhwa’s slow-fashion infant wear label Qatrah is designed in New York and ethically handcrafted in India by local artisans. Using handwoven, heirloom-quality fabrics, each Qatrah piece stands out in a sea of disposable fashion with designs that endure and can be passed down for generations.

“I think slow fashion lies in the essence of the textile process of Qatrah, where materials pass through the hands of one craftsperson to the other,” Charu says. “Qatrah is an effort to eschew factory and sweatshop culture in favor of equal pay and better working conditions for our artisans to create beautifully made pieces that can be worn, treasured and handed down from one child to the next.”

Charu’s clothing designs focus on freedom of movement for babies with airy silhouettes that reflect her Indian heritage. Rompers, harem pants, low-slung trousers and cotton-silk blankets (perfect for baby’s first trip home from the hospital) round out the breezy collection for 0 to 2-year-olds, available at www.qatrah.net.

Exquisite, Enduring Artistry

Qatrah is an ode from Charu to her daughter, Aria. Her newest collection, Little White Bird, has flowy, away-from-the-body silhouettes that feature the symbolism of the bird as its central motif. Charu revives the traditional Indian crafts of Daraj (reverse applique) and Chikankari (white on white embroidery) of Lucknow, with her distinctive, intricate embroidered designs of subtle bird details and playful, colorful tassel accents. The comfortable, breathable fabrics are all lovingly hand-dyed and finished on hand looms.

Upliftment

Charu Wadhwa is a designer with a strong interest in sustainable practices in the fashion industry and works for the upliftment of skilled and semi-skilled craftspeople. She hopes to be part of the new wave of designers and entrepreneurs that implement more conscious and careful practices within the fashion design field.

Charu’s extensive background in high-end women’s fashion sets her apart from other micro-fashion designers. Educated at NIFT in New Delhi and FIT in NYC, she has over a decade of experience working for the most esteemed design houses, including Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. From Nicole Kidman at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Naomi Watts at the 2014 Oscars, to Katie Holmes at the Met Gala, she has been instrumental in many memorable red carpet fashion moments.

“Do you know who made your clothes?” asks Charu. “At Qatrah, we work with artisans directly and towards their upliftment!”

Now, who wouldn’t love that?

Image

Poco Nido Chefs Set


Cook up a storm with your little chefs!

Just in time for the holiday season, award-winning children’s footwear and clothing brand Poco Nido is turning it up a notch for kids in the kitchen!

Inspired by The Great British Bake Off?

Get messy and have some fun with your kids! They’ll love the new Junior Chef’s Set, which includes a printed blue cotton apron with an adjustable neck strap, matching padded cotton oven glove and an adjustable chef’s hat all packaged neatly in a little bag. Light weight and easy to clean, these aprons will last the test of time, ensuring you can share the kitchen experience with your kids again and again!

“Baking and cooking is an amazing way to spend time with children,” says Poco Nido founder Catherine Lobley. “The beauty of it is that it’s hands on, learning life skills and at the end you have a product you’ve made. The end result is either pride or hilarity depending on how your item turns out! It’s a win-win.”

Get to Know Poco Nido

The Poco Nido range is deep rooted in a love of color and pattern. Designers Catherine and Stephen don’t follow trends, they design based on whatever pops into their heads, inspired by travel, children’s stories, patterns, symmetry, a hate of over-packaging, a passion for upcycling and frustration with fastenings.

Over the last five years, Poco Nido has grown to include over 70 fantastic “stockists” (British for a retailer that stocks goods of a certain type) and five distributors worldwide. Winner of two consecutive Gold Loved By Parents Awards for best baby footwear and the Smallish design award for (child) gifting, Poco Nido’s plan is to continue the fight against ordinary with simple and practical products, made in natural materials and loaded with fun.

The one-size-fits-all Chefs Set apron is ideal for kids ages three to eight. A fabulous bib is also available at www.poconido.com. Wholesale wholesale.poconido.com. Visit Poco Nido at INDX Kidswear Birmingham, February 11-12, 2018.

Image

Lelli Kelly Kids Shoes


North American Shoe Company to Relaunch the Footwear Brand in Spring 2018

Rhode Island-based North American Shoe Company is the exclusive licensee for Lelli Kelly Kids in the U.S. and Canada, planning a relaunch of the shoe brand with a new collection in Spring 2018.

Lelli Kelly is renowned for putting the fun and funky back onto little girls’ feet. Launched in Italy in 1992 by the Attilieni family, every little girl wants a pair of Lelli Kelly’s because the gorgeous sparkly collections feature detailed hand-sewn beads and sequined flowers.  A fast favorite with girls, parents are thrilled because each shoe is machine washable, ensuring these high-quality styles stand up to being their little girl’s favorite.

“We are thrilled to be relaunching this much beloved brand in North America,” says Jon Shapiro, director of sales for North American Shoe Company. “This is the first time in several years there has been a specific U.S. distributor targeting consumers in the States. This gives the Lelli Kelly brand the opportunity to be showcased to moms and daughters in a way they are accustomed to.”

Sparkle & Shine Guaranteed Year-Round

The new spring assortment will include 12 to 16 styles of canvas sneakers, Mary Jane’s, high tops, sandals and joggers available in girls sizes from toddler to youth. A new website will launch in 2018 (www.LelliKellyUS.com) and the line will be available to consumers in late January. The launch will be supported by a social media campaign across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with U.S.-specific platforms.

Jon tells us that the relaunch will not only appeal to established fans with easily recognizable looks, these designs will stand out from the crowd, creating new fans as well. “Children’s retailers across the country are so excited about the news and looking forward to having Lelli Kelly back on their shelves,” he says. “We’ve experienced such great response to the relaunch.”

Established in 1918, North American Shoe Company (NASC) is the exclusive distributor in the U.S. for Beeko, Foamtread slippers, Lelli Kelly Kids and Tundra Boots and also distributes Tingley rubber boots. NASC is the leading wholesaler catering to footwear retailers, catalogs, specialty boutiques and online retailers. The company is showing the Lelli Kelly line at the Atlanta Shoe Show, August 19-21, booth #127-133.

Image

Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small


First major toy launch for beloved little bunny character in the U.S.

Miffy, one of the most recognizable characters in the world, is capturing the imagination of preschoolers in the U.S. this summer.

This past fall, the beloved little bunny created by the late Dutch artist Dick Bruna made her début on Nick Jr. in a new HD CGI TV series, Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small. Children’s apparel lines by Uniqlo, H&M and Kira Kids followed, as well as a book series by Simon and Schuster.

This summer, Walmart rolled out a toy line based on Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small, exclusively, in stores and online, including:

Miffy 3” Family Multipack ($11.88 – Ages 2 and up) – This adorable family figure set includes Miffy, Daddy, Mommy, and Snuffy, each with moving, poseable features. Collect them all!

Miffy Little Red Plane ($11.88 – Ages 2 and up) Plush – Miffy is ready to take to the skies, fly to new places and have new adventures.

Miffy Little Blue Car ($11.88 – Ages 2 and up) – Take a ride with Miffy in her iconic blue car. Miffy is always ready to jump in the car and go.

6” Miffy, Melanie and Snuffy plush ($5.00 each – Ages 18 mos. and up) – Miffy and her friends are all here available in soft, plush format complete with embroidered features.

On August 1, Walmart adds to the Miffy toy line with feature plush, a Miffy house and several Miffy figurines.

 

The 411 on Miffy

Born June 21, 1955, Dutch artist Dick Bruna first draws Miffy to entertain his young son while on a rainy seaside holiday in Holland. The series of picture books which follow use simple illustrations and rhyming text to explore the universal experiences of childhood. Sixty-two years later, the Miffy books have sold more than 85 million copies; currently published in more than 50 languages. Merchandise is sold across five continents, several musicals tour year-round, plus The Miffy Movie and Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small television series are introduced globally. The Miffy Museum in the city of Utrecht, provides an interactive space specifically designed for young children to discover the world around them – a dominant theme in all Miffy-related projects.

 

 

Image

Little Climber


“Read your book once per day and use a climber while you play. Give it time and you will see, your little baby in a tree.”

-Little Climber

After David Stuebe has Lily, his first child, he learns quickly that it isn’t easy to find products that will grow with her. “I come from a background in manufacturing and decided to create a product line that allows our children to play, read and grow throughout their experience with the Little Climber,” he tells me.

Kickstarter Campaign Run Thru May 14

David is now creating one of the only product lines on the market designed to promote 100% natural growth progression of a child’s mind, body and strength. Little Climber is a Smart Home Playground designed to enhance your children’s motor skill development, balance control, creativity and so much more. Little Climber is made for children ages six months to 3+ years.

Why is a Modular Playground so Important?

Every child’s mind, body and strength develops at their own speed. While most products are built based on the progress of the “average child,” Little Climber “actually grows” with your little one, supporting your child’s abilities at the exact moment needed in their stage of development.

The Little Climber Experience

David is a father, designer and creator of what he calls the “Little Climber Experience.” He’s also a student of the Montessori approach, the Dr. Emmi Pikler method and his favorite, Magda Gerber. One year ago, his children inspire him to start his children’s furniture company that produces intuitive environments for little ones that will benefit them today, tomorrow and forever.

  • Step 1 – Play Transform your room, yard or nursery into a fully interactive climbing experience with endless course options. Play on a light, simple course or setup an advanced and rigorous climb.
  • Step 2 – Read Watching your little one climb is such a fun and magical time. David captures that joyful moment in a book to help you and your little one get excited and celebrate the climbing experience.
  • Step 3 – Grow Little Climber is a modular product. As your little one’s abilities grow, slowly advance them to the next level of difficulty by raising or moving the accessories (RockWall, Ladder, Slide).

Built with Care in the USA

“It’s about time that a company builds a product not solely for immense capital gains but to help and benefit others,” a thought that goes through David’s mind while he starts committing his life to helping children with smart toys and playgrounds. David names his furniture factory after his daughters, Lily and River, where every detail of Little Climber and its accessories are refined and perfected for long-term durability, functionality and aesthetics – right here in America. Click here.

Image

ESLO Shoes


Kickstarter Campaign is Live!

The Lopez Family wants to make masterfully crafted shoes and boots for your family. It’s a beautiful story, really – all about equality, family and you.

ESLO Craft Goods harnesses 50+ years of authentic shoe-crafting experience to provide your children with modern, sleek and stylish shoes and boots that support and nurture their growing feet. In 1965, the founder’s Grandfather starts this journey in the small town of Jesus Maria, Mexico at a time when men migrate for jobs and women aren’t even allowed to work. Nonetheless, Grandfather advocates on behalf of the local women, and soon, they are the ones helping him build the foundation for the company you see today; one defined by equality, family and passion.

“Our mission is to be the bridge between our family and yours, and build the foundation for a sustainable, philanthropic and innovative children’s shoe company. With your help, we can achieve our dream of sharing Eduardo’s family’s craft with the world and provide your children with the highest quality leather shoe possible.”

Grow With ESLO

The ESLO kickstarter campaign is just days old, and is your chance to have shoes custom made. Ryan Eldridge tells me why the CRT audience will join the journey:

It’s a beautiful story – ESLO’s foundation was built over 50 years ago by providing jobs for women in the local community.

We have generations of experience – Our family has been crafting shoes for three generations. Each pair is imbued with experience, love and quality craftsmanship that has been perfected over this time.

Each shoe is authentically made – We source all our leather from Leon, MX – the leather capital of the western hemisphere. Some of our craftsman have been with the company for decades.

ESLO Shoes: Classic to Modern

During the kickstarter campaign, ESLO is crafting shoes in the classic Wingtip and minimalistic Oxford style, and boots in the modern Chukka style. Perfect for both boys and girls, these shoes are “perfected and refined.” Follow along:

  1. HIGH QUALITY LEATHER – Our shoes and boots are crafted from genuine, all natural leather.
  2. PLUSH LINING – The lining we use provides plush cushioning, giving your child maximum comfort.
  3. FOAM CUSHIONING – This top-layer insole makes each step your child takes relaxed and agreeable.
  4. INSOLE – Our second insole is made of soft, durable leather, which gives your child’s foot a cozy foundation to rest on.
  5. HEEL SUPPORT – This added heel support is the bedrock of each shoe and boot. It keeps everything sturdy and stable.
  6. RUGGED OUTSOLE – The uniquely textured outsole provides maximum traction on virtually any surface
  7. FLEXIBILITY – Our flexibility grooves bend with ease and avoid any material pinching against your child’s foot.
  8. MOISTURE WICKING FABRIC – The moisture wicking material absorbs sweat from the toes, reducing discomfort and smell.

Generational, Diverse and Ready Team

Celina, Eduardo, Lorenc and Ryan are armed with their own unique skill sets. They believe that through their combined passions and efforts, they will use these skills – ranging from experienced product design to streamlined supply chain, quality manufacturing to focused marketing – to provide your children with the most stylish, trendy, comfortable and supportive shoes and boots.

So exciting. Good luck, you guys!

Image

Li’l Trunks


Pack your bags! We’re going to our happy place.  

Each season, Li’l Trunks offers a wardrobe of bright, bold options. The juicy colors and joyful patterns are designed to transport you to your happy place. You may remember it -you lived there when you were young.

091416_crt_liltrunks_aidan_romper

“All it takes is the sound of your child’s laughter, and you’re tumbling through time and space. I love that feeling. It’s like an instant holiday,” says Sush Utpala, founder of this Indian-inspired baby and children’s clothing line that features vibrant floral prints with exotic flowers such as lotus, hibiscus and dahlias on rompers, empire-waisted knit dresses and more.

091416_crt_liltrunks_maya-heera

Sush says Li’l Trunks is an expression of her own happy place. “It’s inhabited by the sights and sounds of India, where I grew up,” she says. “These bits of home now mix and mingle with my adventures since then, living and traveling around the world. Together they swoosh around like a kaleidoscope, creating exciting patterns, delightful combinations and endless smiles. Then they find their home in the collection.”

091416_crt_liltrunks_amelia-romper

Created as a way for Sush to express her two worlds -her love for learning about new places and cultures and her experiences as a new mom- the simple silhouettes and contemporary prints help make Li’l Trunks both timeless and current, east and west.

091416_crt_liltrunks_logo

I’d also add luscious and beautiful!