Live from KIDShow!

HUDSON’S co-founder Margaret Mobius and our team is hard at work shooting fashion from KIDShow, at the Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas, NV, for our upcoming October/November issue.

They’re having a blast! Lots of buyers and others attending the Vegas extravaganza this year are telling Margaret they’re having a blast, too – getting a good amount of great business done.

That’s always a good thing!

Margaret, always the intrepid trade show attendee, is checking out the floor for the newest of the new – stuff she finds inspiring … and fun!

Laughing Out Loud, designed by ex-lawyer Mila Cole, who hopes to share with other parents styles that evoke the love, laughter and liveliness of her own two sons. Made for boys and girls ages 0 to 6, “It’s a real innovative line offering bright, whimsical styling with fantastic value,” says Margaret, “and it has a great name!” Mila’s designs emphasize comfort and quality and are made of high-grade Pima cotton sourced from her native Peru.

Margaret also popped in to the Hartstrings booth – the company is representing Little Maven by Tori Spelling. “They are having a great success with the line, landing all the major department stores they’ve targeted,” Margaret says, adding that folks need to stay tuned for a whole new PR approach coming soon!

Erie Chang and Sehee Kim are the fabulous team behind Floatimini, designing what they call “the sunny side of swim and resort wear.” Floatimini bathing suits are featured in our September issue, and Margaret says, “Erie and Sehee took a big chance and advertised for the first time with us, and they’re very happy. Their booth was busy all day long.”

HollywoodRanch01copy The most fun Margaret had all day was at The Hollywood Ranch booth, where “small town charm, big city style” comes to life with what Margaret calls a funky little line that’s really bright and colorful. This past April, Jennifer Hill and Stephanie Capshaw opened their retail store in Rockwall, TX, where they say, “We hope The Hollywood Ranch will continue to dress and accessorize your newest ‘lil ranch-hands as long as we can because we know … Our Babies ROCK the Herd!”

Cowgirl Up, people!

And stay linked right here for more fashion revelations from Vegas!

-Janet Muniz

Belly Button Power!

hudson_logo

PeekABelly_004 I have a soft spot for belly buttons (no pun intended).

Something about them makes me want to reach out and tickle – right there! I try this on my sweet husband … but he really doesn’t like anyone else tickling his belly button – something about when he was a kid, he tells me.

Perhaps he’d feel differently about belly button power if Peek-a-Belly was around when he was a kid.

Peek-a-Belly is a new baby gift line just launched by founder Sue Zeiler. It’s a one-piece baby garment that opens at the baby’s middle, providing 24/7 belly-kissing-and-tickling-access. She also tells us that Peek-a-Belly is the first of its kind.

PeekABelly_002 The patent pending design has two overlapping panels on the front side that can be pulled wide open for full-on, scrumptious belly access. The opening is secured by Velcro, adorned with a colorful, designer fabric patch.

Peek-a-Bellies – the irresistible plural – are Made in the USA, delivered gift-ready in an organza bag and currently available for purchase online. PeekABelly_001

Many Chicago area moms may recognize Sue as the founder of a popular local online resource, ChicagoKids.com, launched in 2001. “Peek-a-Belly combines the great functionality of a baby one-piece with the perk of all-day belly access,” Sue says. “It really is a unique gift for moms, as it’s not just another cute baby outfit – it’s the gift of belly access!”

Any chance there’s a size to fit my husband?

-Janet Muniz

New Rep Announcements

We’ve heard the news from many brands about new representation all across the country and Canada. Here’s a list of just a few:

Donald Sutton of Dallas, TX-based Brentwood Sales signs on to represent Wee Squeak covering the Southwest U. S. Danielle Fyfe and Danielle Elizabeth Designs partners with Kids At Home for sales in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Carolina Baby Company, a manufacturer’s rep group based in the Southeast, partners with the original Tummy Tub, designed in the Netherlands to ease the transition of a newborn from the mother’s womb.

Cindy Deloach joins Gossip Girl as Midwest sales representative for the Gossip Girl and Hula Star swimwear brands. Cindy is the VP of sales at Martha Foster Group based in the Dallas Market Center, an organization run by women representing women’s and children’s products with over 30 years of experience in the children’s wear market.

San Francisco-based Velvet & Tweed partners with the Paperdoll Style showroom in the California Market Center, to represent the line in the Western U. S. Owner/designer Tina Schreiber is now introducing her fourth Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Two more showrooms sign on to represent LamanBlu in the South and Southwest: Button Up! and Lace and Denim. Another Colorado-based company, ANNA’S Preemie, adds Steve and Cynthia Ecton to handle representation of the brand in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Memphis and the Mobile area.

Made in the USA brand Bunny and Bee adds new reps Alejandra Keenan, handling Florida and Puerto Rico, Lisa Brookover in Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina and Ginger Baby’s Janelle O’Donnell and Shonna Johnson to serve Western Canada. Los Angeles, CA-based Rock Candy Kids is the new representative for another Made in the USA brand Bobinette in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and Hawaii.

See Kai Run grows with the addition of new sales reps in the Eastern and Midwest regions of the U. S., adding 13 new states in all. Washington D.C.-based Shari Lehrer represents the brand in Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Kristine Prugh and her sales associate Gillian Fincher are covering Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

-Janet Muniz

That’s a SkidDERS shoe!

hudson_logo

You’ve probably seen them in children’s boutiques – and HUDSON’S got the scoop directly from Michael Matalon, president of parent company Celebrity International, Inc., for our June 2009 issue – but are you still wondering what they’re all about?

SkiDDers_logo_cropped

SkiDDers_004_Copy01

SkidDERS is a footwear collection for infants learning to stand and walk. A cross between slipper, bootie and shoe, the SkidDERS collection is available in over 500 stores across America and Canada.

SkidDERS_kids Just this month, SkidDERS launches more than 30 new styles, complete with newly designed, retail-friendly packaging. By working with Nickelodeon using their characters SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer along with a number of other licenses, Michael’s intent is to build SkidDERS as the primary brand in the sock/shoe category.

Oh, and one more thing: retailers can place wholesale orders online.

-Janet Muniz

LA Kids Market Launches This Weekend

hudson_logo

This weekend (August 7 – 11), during the Holiday/Resort 2009 Los Angeles Fashion Market, the California Market Center (CMC) and Kids on 6 are hosting the launch of the LA Kids Market.

LAKIDS_banner2 A new “show within a show,” the LA Kids Market takes place on floors 6A and 6B of the CMC and features increased amenities and services to help buyers navigate over 600 kids and maternity apparel, accessories and lifestyle resources. “The launch of the LA Kids Market will bring increased awareness to Kids on 6, and the amount of kids and maternity resources at the CMC,” says Joanne Lee, SVP of the CMC. “Buyers have a one-stop-shop opportunity for the best kids and maternity products available that they can’t find anywhere else but Kids on 6 at the CMC.”

The CMC is also hosting another part to the CMC Retailer Seminar Series on Friday, August 7 from 12:30pm – 1:30pm. Shahin Kohan, CEO and Founder of Focal Technology Solutions, is moderating a panel discussing, “Creating an Effective E-commerce Website for Increased Sales and Profitability.”

KidsOn6BlueWEB

Come on out and get to know Kids on 6 – it’s a fabulous family of dedicated children’s wear professionals ready to help make your shop shine! Not to mention the inside info you can get from the CMC’s Retailer Seminar Series.

It’s all good!

-Janet Muniz

Funky and Functional Jewelry

hudson_logo

The Roundhouse Design Collaborative creates stylish accessories for moms that multi-task as toys and teethers for baby.

Roundhouse’s newest creation, the Oh Plah!™ Simplicity bracelet is free of paints, lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates and is Made in the USA using socially responsible practices, just like their other products.

RoundhouseDesigns_OhPlah Named for the French term meaning, “here you go,” Oh Plah!™ comes in a variety of colors and designs like Energy – Windmill in Clover Green, Simplicity – Daisy in Hot Pink, Serenity – Daisy in pearlescent white, Harmony- Flock of Birds in peacock blue, and Synchronicity in pewter.

Another cool feature: Roundhouse Design practices a closed loop cycle with its Full Circle Recycling program: when it’s time, Roundhouse covers the cost of shipping your Oh Plah!™ back to the company for recycling into new products.

-Janet Muniz

Support mounting for CIT Group, Inc.

hudson_logo

The last few weeks have been tumultuous for CIT Group, Inc. The company, which has been lending to almost 1 million small and mid-sized businesses for over 100 years, is looking at a second-quarter loss of more than $1.5 billion.

CITGroup After learning from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. that it has not approved CIT’s application for one of its borrowing programs, late Sunday evening CIT’s board secured $3 billion in rescue financing, which could help the company to avoid bankruptcy.

According to Reuters, “In a regulatory filing, CIT said the cash tender offer for its outstanding floating-rate senior notes due August 17 was the first step in its recapitalization plan. CIT said it could file for bankruptcy if the offer does not succeed. The offer, disclosed on Monday, is $825 for each $1,000 principal amount of notes tendered on or before July 31.”

Needless to say, a CIT bankruptcy can deeply affect the children’s wear industry. According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association, “CIT funds more than a million businesses-many of them are small- or mid-sized companies. In the case of the smaller manufacturers, more than 90% of the business is done with the thousands of U.S. specialty retailers who have one or more outlets. Industry growth has happened because of available factoring; it has been the lifeblood of the creative process.”

Act Now

CIT has taken its story public and is asking for your help. HUDSON’S has already seen support after our posting on our Facebook page. Please click here to contact your elected government Representatives and urge them to take action now.

-Janet Muniz

Photo Credit: Ernst Moeksis

New venue for popular trade show

hudson_logo

The 8th edition of Bubble New York is taking place at a new venue. “The Kids Trade Show” takes place at Cedar Lake, 547 West 26th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues in the Chelsea District of New York City.

Which is huge, since part of the cache of Bubble is the inviting, creative atmosphere of the show – for children’s wear companies and buyers alike.

No worries, though – this venue is the home of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Karl Lagerfeld held his first and only New York season there. It’s also been host to other fashion events, awards shows, private parties and more.

bubblenewyork Spring/Summer 2010 fashions for children are on display August 2 and 3 from 9:30am to 6pm, and August 4 from 9:30am – 4pm. Exhibitors new to Bubble New York include 4funkyflavours, Adooka Organics, AppleCheeksT Reusable Diapers, barley & birch, Benny & Moon, cargo® Cool, Chop Shop Kids, Crystal Rock Kids – from Crystal Audigier, daughter of famed Ed Hardy designer Christian Audigier, Daylee Designs, Earth Friends, Happy Green Bee – from the founder of Burt’s Bees, Honeyami, JakeAndMaya, Jess Brown, Kiki, Kina, Little Esop, Little Linens, Mawok®, Nellystella, Nui Organics, Pluto Tees, Ryder & James, San Diego Hat, Sanook, Sara Noelle, Shirin Kids, Sustainable Kids, Zacasha Company, and more.

See returning favorites Atsuyo et Akiko, Chase ‘n Sky, Clover New York, Elephantito, Fournier, Hilly Chrisp, Iceing on Top, Igloo Island, Kate Quinn Organics, KicoKids, MAKIÉ, manny and simon, Mija Jewelry, Mini Rotation, Morgan & Milo, Patouche, Red Thread, Rikshaw, Seedling Kids, ses petites mains, TANE organics, Winter Water Factory, Wovenplay, among others.

The next Bubble London takes place January 31 – February 1, 2010.

-Janet Muniz

Made in Los Angeles

hudson_logo

Americans sure are proud to see the Made in the USA label on anything crafted right here at home.

PaigeLaurenBaby_001 On the left coast – as I so affectionately refer to it – designer Paige Lauren takes this one step further by creating, designing and manufacturing her line, PAIGELAUREN baby, solely in one city – Los Angeles, CA – to “represent the Los Angeles native lifestyle.”

PAIGELAUREN baby’s Spring/Summer 2009 layette collection includes caps, blankets, kimono gowns, rompers, crawlers, sleeveless body suits, collared body suits, t-shirts, shorts, pants and bloomers, all in a breezy beach palette. The new colors, relaxed in super fine jersey, are truly “Angelino,” inspired by the California lifestyle of casual luxury. “These clothes are summer,” Paige says, “the palm trees, endless coastline, sailing at sunset, playing at the beach club with your family and that amazing feeling that a summer evening could last a lifetime.”

Paige tells writer Eitan Kadosh that her collection of rich, classic and elegant clothes is born out of frustration. “I would walk into baby boutiques and everything in the stores was over-designed,” she says. “I knew plenty of moms who wanted the best for their babies and who appreciated clothes that would never go out of style.”

Designer Paige Lauren by Charley Challay

A Southern California girl educated at New York’s Parsons School of Design, Paige says, “I think that clothing should be timeless and beautifully constructed. If something isn’t well-made than it isn’t worth getting at all.” And she works tirelessly so her line can reflect these sensibilities. “If I have an idea for something, I just throw every resource I have into it, even if that means doing everything myself to get the results I want.”

The company describes the brand as the luxury of simplicity: useful, usable, beautiful, sustainable – committed to purity of form over gimmicks.

Just like playing on the beach in the summer sun.

Check out our August issue for more on companies loyal to the Made in the USA label.

-Janet Muniz

Kids Book Club

hudson_logo

Summer is a great time to read a good book, isn’t it? For kids as well as parents.

A brand new gaggle of self-published authors are offering fun and interesting books for kids at AuthorHouse.

C is for Chicago is written by Ashleigh Deese Grambo and introduces young readers to Chicago culture while teaching the alphabet.

The Misadventures of Dust Bunny by Beth Smithem teaches the importance of friendship with its lighthearted tales of one dust bunny’s adventure.

Pediatrician and mother Avril Beckford discusses the importance of play in the life of a child and in the parent-child connection in her new book, I Love You 65 Bulldozers.

Inspired by the imaginative lives of children and his own creative thoughts, Thomas S. Adam brings together a delightful collection of short stories for children and their parents, Tom’s Short Tales.

Sometimes it’s the most read book of all time that inspires writing. Author Melanie C. Christmas wrote a story for her daughter that she turned into for a children’s book series. A Picnic with Jesus is the first book in her series called Miss Patricia Diane’s Bible Study Class. The Bible story of the loaves and fishes comes alive in Melanie’s tale. “My life has been filled with many obstacles to overcome,” she says. “However, if God brought me to it he would bring me through it.”

For anyone working with kids ages 10 to 13, leadership development specialist Dr. Alan Nelson’s new book, KidLead: Growing Great Leaders, explores a new way of training the next generation of leaders.

“We’re giving these kids a 10- to 20-year head start from when most leadership training begins,” says Dr. Nelson, founder of KidLead, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing effective, ethical leaders while they’re young. “Imagine what any of us would do with that kind of jump on the competition.”

With personal stories from leaders like Stephen Covey, Mike Huckabee, Ken Blanchard and George Foreman, the book offers a tool chest of ideas for parents, teachers and coaches in a new approach to leadership training.

With a master’s degree in psychology-communication and doctorate in leadership from the University of San Diego, Dr. Nelson has published many articles and books in the field of leadership. He is also certified by the American Society of Trainers & Development and the Center for Creative Leadership. Look for the book in stores July 31.

-Janet Muniz