New Rocky Mountain Design

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LamanBlu_1 The name means “blue sea,” yet the début line of Colorado-based LamanBlu draws inspiration from the winter landscape.

“This collection was inspired by the frozen surfaces of winter, from the smooth, soft snow blanketing the hillsides, to the positively brilliant snow crystals which sparkle in the moonlight, as brilliantly as any diamond,” says designer Holli Gibson.

Almost makes you crave crisp cool air dusted with snowflakes, doesn’t it?

The Being the Fabulous collection plays against a backdrop of winter white, using silvery pewter and a “baby kiss” pink with aubergine and barberry accents. Frosty, shiny elements of sparkle organza, embroidery, beading, hand printed mica pigments and natural shell buttons decorate Holli’s styles for girls in sizes 2T to 6.

The new line is made from bamboo knit with a touch of Lycra and a bamboo fleece. They “offer a great hand, beautiful rich colors, move with the body and have bacterial resistant qualities,” Holli says. “What more could you want for children’s wear?”

Being environmentally conscious is important for LamanBlu and the new line strives to take eco-fashion for kids to a new level of style, comfort and sophistication.

Holli created LamanBlu to celebrate childhood – and parenthood. Her collection is styled for the parent and child who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable.

Mother and Daughter outfits – how fun is that?

Holli couples an all-American sensibility with European details in LamanBlu, where select styles are also available in adult sizing.

Interested in hosting a trunk show? Contact Holli directly: holli.gibson@lamanblu.com.

-Janet Muniz

Walk on the wild side

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Cape Cod, MA-based Cape Clogs has answered the call of the wild with the launch of their latest style for kids: Giraffe.

Made the genuine Swedish way with real Alder wood and featuring real leather uppers, the company is expanding their line of animal print patterns including Cow, Zebra and Leopard. Founder Pamela Irving says the new Giraffe, “is another unique way for kids to express their sense of style without sacrificing comfort and durability.”

CapeClogs With a spotted pattern of rose and brown, Giraffe features a movable strap and a non slip sole.

Unique-ness Factor: Every Cape Clogs shoe is handmade, so no two clogs are alike. The soles are rubber and the footwear is lightweight, less than three pounds!

Available in 400 retailers across the U.S. and online, Cape Clogs also offers a wide range of clogs for men and women as well as children. The privately held designer, distributor and marketer has an exclusive partnership with Torpatofflen AB, a sixth-generation traditional clog manufacturer located in Småland, Sweden.

-Janet Muniz

New hire at pediped

Karen Lu joins pediped™ as a national account executive, working to grow the company’s U.S. business.

“Karen brings a wealth of experience to pediped,” says COO Rudy Glocker. “She will be pivotal in continuing to grow the sales, brand recognition and market share of our product.”

The Henderson, NV-based footwear company manufactures more than 120 designs for boys and girls with two lines: Originals, soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+ and Flex, rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years.

Angela and Brian Edgeworth launched pediped in 2004 by creating the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Now the award winning company is one of the fastest-growing children’s footwear brands in the U.S., sold in over 2500 stores and in 40 countries.

Prior to joining pediped, Karen spent nearly 15 years honing her retail and sales skills across several industries, most recently with IBM and NCR. With an MBA from Stanford and a BA from Cornell University, Karen is also bringing book-smart business sense to the children’s wear industry.

We wish Karen well on her journey with pediped!

-Janet Muniz

New Stuff for Kids

Our June issue just came out, so look for it! And take a look at this new stuff for kids:

Noo Designs, a line of whimsical critter clothing for children débuts in North America with a collection that includes rompers, diaper covers, sunhats and bibs. Noo’s fall collection of lovable and comfy four-piece outfits for everyday wear is available for late July delivery. Founded in 2006 by owner and designer Belinda Robinson, Noo has quickly gained an international following with distributorships in Netherlands, France, Ireland, UK, New Zealand, China and Masu.

Prismera Design launches the Gem Collection, 12 necklaces featuring clusters of stones strung on sterling silver or 14k gold chains. Designer Laura Su Prismera also expanded the Hold Collection, making the The Cherish Bangle and the Embrace Ring available with set stones.

New from Australia: a line of toys called Stackers, an ingenious stack and play product line that kicks off with Noah’s Ark. “Tier Toys was established after nine years of research and development,” explains Leah Romyn, director of Tier Toys, “resulting in an extremely robust USA and Australian patent for an educational puzzle toy. This unique concept has rejuvenated the construction toy arena.” Noah’s Ark has 12 stackable layers; each uncovers two or more animals ready to walk down the plank for a play date. A total of 44 detailed figures in primary colors of red, blue, yellow and green includes Noah and his wife. Watch an video of the ark and how its pieces easily pull apart and are stacked back together. Available soon online and at specialty toy retailers.

Splendid Mills, the brand of premium jersey and knits for men, is expanding its lifestyle-driven collection to launch a boy’s line, Splendid Mills Jr. All of the styles are based on classic men’s silhouettes and are available in sizes 8 to 14. The collection includes 100% supima organic cotton tees, crews, polos, hoodies, and sweatshorts in black, white, navy, grey, olive, orange and stripes. WesternChief_002

Need to stay dry but remain fashionable? Western Chief Kids features leopard print raincoats, boots and umbrellas for the aspiring diva to automotive print umbrellas and boots for your future car lover, even Thomas the Tank Engine and Hello Kitty – who happens to turn 35 this year!

-Janet Muniz