New Collections Introduce Khadi

Mahatma Gandhi promoted the production of khadi, Indian homespun, hand-woven fabric, in his movement to revive India’s domestic weaving industry. “This fabric is close to my heart for its aesthetic appeal as well as the small scale industry that it supports back in India,” says Dipali Patwa, president of Masala Baby NYC.

The company is introducing khadi to its brand with the new Mod Masala, an urban, modern and casual collection using Masala Baby’s signature prints and unique appliqué techniques. “Khadi’s natural properties keeps kids cool in the summer and warm in the winter,” Dipali says. “The collection is urban, mod and relaxed.”

The company’s other introduction, Mela Masala, is inspired by Indian village fairs. Dipali tells us that “mela” is the Hindi word for “gathering” or “village fair.” “The line is inspired by gypsy folklore, fortune tellers, colorful caravans, medallions and the dancing peacock, which set the mood for our patterns and colors,” he says. “The cuts and designs are earthy, comfortable and chic.”

Both of Masala Baby’s new offerings cater to the young global traveler who appreciates the simplicity and wonder of life. Travel on!

-Janet Muniz

What Charms You?

CHARM IT! turns 10 in 2010, kicking off a year-long celebration as the leading charm line!

Last fall, accessories company High IntenCity invited girls from all across America to design a charm in honor of CHARM IT!’s anniversary. Now, 36 trend-savvy talents can claim bragging rights as CHARM IT! designers. The winners of the Design-A-Charm Contest are not only launching in the new What Charms You collection, but High IntenCity is donating 10% of its proceeds from the contest charms among six causes nearest and dearest to the winners’ hearts.

The winning styles celebrate themes from world peace, save the animals and other messages of positivity to out-of-the-box creations like a talking taco and a giant smile full of braces!

“Ten years ago, CHARM IT! was launched with a vision to inspire girls to express their individuality through creativity,” Renee Levy, president of High IntenCity, says. “Now, the contest brings the mission full circle by producing charms created by girls!”

In honor of the winners, donations will be made to the following charities: World Wildlife Fund, Kids for Saving the Earth, Share our Strength, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Family Promise and Girls’ Inc.

CHARM IT! is the original, detachable, interchangeable, tradable, collectable and fully customizable charm jewelry program for girls of all ages. Super-fun fashion styling, incredible quality, ever-evolving design and – above all – the highest product safety drive the brand.

Congratulations – you’ve certainly charmed me!

-Janet Muniz

p.s. Oh, and enjoy Cinco de Mayo!

Kids in the Kitchen

This is right in the spirit of HUDSON’S good eatin’-themed Fashion Focus in the April/May issue!

Seattle, WA-based Zebra Mix is a fun company from Brian Alm and Lisa Burgess, devoted parents with two energetic daughters. Like most kids, their girls love to bake; like most grown-ups, these parents quickly discover scratch baking requires lots of pre-planning and supervision – so Zebra Mix is born – and they’ve got brand new baking mixes, too.

The company makes innovative products centered around kids and learning that make life a little more fun, interesting and delicious. Each all-natural and organic baking kit comes with a poster-size Safari Baking Map … step-by-step instructions and activities to make the baking process fun, easy and full of smart learning.

After selling more than 90,000 Zebra Mix Baking Activity Kits since 2008, Brian and Lisa expand their tasty line with three back-to-school baking kits. “We developed the idea for Zebra Mix because as parents, we were able to identify a need for interactive learning kits for kids,” Brian says. “As designers we were able to create a concept that appeals visually to kids and engages them in the baking process much like a traditional board game.” (These parents are also proprietors of a successful graphic design/marketing firm). Since its debut, toy industry judges and editors have awarded the company the National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval and the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, among others.

As brand builders and graphic designers with 15 years experience in consumer products, Brian and Lisa assembled a group of kids and parents called the “Zebra Mix Think Tank” to help develop, test and perfect many puzzles, recipes and instructions before coming up with the Safari Baking Maps. Each map is double sided with two levels of learning and kids follow illustrated, step-by-step baking instructions and conduct zany science experiments while measuring ingredients, work their way through a word puzzle or maze or create their own work of art on a cupcake.

As they say, this company really is stirring up fun!

-Janet Muniz

You’ve got to have faith

“You’ve got to have faith,” says Ilda Coppola, whether you’re navigating rush hour traffic in the city or masterminding an economic rebound.

After more than 20 years as a creative director for a leading children’s wear company, faith is something this designer/manufacturer really believes in, strongly enough to name her own début line of high-end children’s wear, Faith by Ilda C.

“People are looking for a sense of optimism,” she explains, adding that she predicts the time is right for a return to the kind of glamour and sophistication her new collection classically embodies.

Initially, Faith by Ilda C. is catering to young girls, toddler and 4-6X. “I love to design for this age because the kids’ personalities are starting to really come out and shine,” Ilda says. She describes her new line as exceptionally well made and timeless – like an outfit special enough to be handed down from generation to generation – yet with cutting edge styling and designed for comfort.

Later, Ilda plans to expand her line to include apparel for infant girls.

-Janet Muniz

March Come in Like a Lamb…

Check out our March issue – available now – full of all sorts of news and information from around the industry. Here are some of my favorites:

I’m loving the gray/champagne color combos here: Whimsical children’s clothing brand A.Bird Baby is set to hit store shelves this July. The first-ever collection of mix and match pieces are machine washable and sophisticated, with an edgy modern twist, featuring natural bleached linen and light flowing ruffles throughout, pleated frocks, smock tops, leggings, ruffle pants and bloomers in muted cream, grey and eggshell blue hues. For Molly Payne and Patricia Cammareri, a chance meeting at a shoe store sparked this classic, keepsake-quality clothing collection.

These 12 vibrant new styles from Livie & Luca are inspired by the bright, colorful folk art of Latin America. The collection features playful accents including flowers, birds, apples and more. The kid-friendly construction is specially designed to prevent stubbed or pinched toes. Livie & Luca shoes are made of soft leather and environmentally friendly materials and feature a new ultra-flexible sole design with the phrase “think sustainably, recycle your shoes” on the bottom, as the company is committed to “treading lightly” by using recycled leather that would otherwise be discarded and non-benzene glue. Livie and Luca also gives back to children in need, and in partnership with Art for Humanity donates gently-worn shoes to children in Honduras.

Very modern yet practical: New York-based Milkdot® launches the Stöh Lunch Tote, a lunch bag that combines clean and simple design with plenty of room and features perfect for stowing food, drink and utensils. Can be personalized, too. Designed by a parent with children’s safety in mind, every Milkdot product has been thoroughly tested by a CPSC certified lab and is PVC-free and lead-safe.

Find out about more fabulous products in the March issue of HUDSON’S!

-Janet Muniz

Happy Spring Color

It’s a dark day out there – even my weatherman uses the word “gloomy” to describe today’s forecast. So how about some new colors to banish those winter grays?

Carol Lavinthal of Just Kidd’n is the distributor of Australian accessory company Huggalugs & NOO in the USA and Canada. She’s introducing fresh new colors of LegRuffles for spring – and they’re sure to brighten up your store right now.

When customers talk, Huggalugs listens! With the new spring colors, the company has placed their logo on a tag that is gently heat sealed on to one LegRuffle cuff, “allowing parents to gently remove them at their discretion if desired,” says Carol. “We have plans to gradually introduce it to the remainder of Huggalugs styles.”

NEW PRODUCT! LegRuffles Longes for tweens and adults have an extra five to six inches, making them more practical for a growing girl’s longer legs – “especially important when a growth spurt turns a favorite skirt into a micro mini and the weather is just too chilly outside to comfortably show off those legs without some coverage,” Carol says.

Infant line NOO offers gift sets that include a romper and beanie cap packaged in a matching fabric gift pouch. Sweet!

Visit HuggalugsUSA to peruse new product images that show the full length of each design. Carol says, “If you are an authorized Huggalugs retailer, you can use these images on your own website.”

Reach Carol at huggalugs@aol.com.

-Janet Muniz

New Infant/Toddler Footwear Line

These past couple of years were very busy ones for Tracy Ingle and her brother, Tonie Jones.

After spending a huge amount of their time cultivating the seed of an idea for an eco-friendly shoe company producing footwear that promotes foot health, the two have launched JEMOS footwear.

The pair, from Kansas City and St. Joseph, MO respectively, now produce a line of shoes at a factory in China using high-quality remnant leather from an American furniture company. Talk about a green dream – Tracy and Tonie are making stylish footwear for infants and toddlers that pamper tiny feet – and Mother Nature as well.

“At first, we just wanted to make an amazingly cute shoe for our babies. And after a very long time doing research, design and development, we felt driven to make a better shoe,” the company says on their website. “Our shoes are all hand sewn in small orders using high quality craftsmanship, with attention to detail – babies should have quality.”

JEMOS – a name crafted from the first letters of their children’s names – are soft-soled and flexible shoes with a breathable lining available for newborns through 24+ months, featuring 21 styles for both girls and boys. The sturdy soles have a triple layer of cushioning, extra cushioned ankles for comfort and Velcro closures for ease of dressing. The shoes also feature a wider toe area for growing feet and a flat sole, features that are highly recommended by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for proper foot development and health. They’re great for beginning crawlers and first time walkers, protecting little feet both indoors and out.

JEMOS uses superior quality, hand chosen leather remnants that are supremely soft and ultra flexible, which means more comfort for children and less waste for the environment.

**BONUS ALERT** Each pair of shoes also comes with a cute animal finger puppet!

The company plans to introduce at least six new styles each season, so the line stays stylish and vibrant from season to season.

-Janet Muniz

A Holiday Wish on Madison Avenue…

…by way of Studio City, CA!

“Both of these lines are gorgeous!”

-Courtney Yagerman, HUDSON’s fashion director

On November 15, Courtney attended charity fashion show, A Holiday Wish on Madison Avenue, at the Sportsman’s Lodge for a triple celebration – the introduction of Jayeoni Moore New York, a look at Saurette‘s new Holiday 2009 collection and the good works of the Jayneoni Moore Children‘s Fund.

Jayeoni Moore New York

Guests brought art supplies to benefit the Fund, which helps underprivileged children in the Los Angeles, CA area … and were treated to the début of Jayeoni Moore New York, designed by TV personality and celebrity stylist Jayneoni Moore, opening with Holiday 2009, a European-inspired collection of dresses and separates for girls ages two to six.

At the event, Jayeoni hosted the Sweet Hour, where celebrities and guests alike snacked on incredible goodies like cupcakes from the Southland’s Layers Cake Design Studio. The mid-afternoon runway show also featured the new Saurette holiday collection designed by Lisa Kanouse – beautifully detailed appliqué dresses, knit sweaters and tiered ruffled skirts.

Saurette

A little somethin’-somethin’ about each designer:

Starting in New York with spots on MTV, VH1 and Entertainment Tonight, as well as dressing models backstage at New York Fashion Week for Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta, Jayneoni Moore loves to be where fashion and celebrity meet. She moved to Los Angeles and began styling celebrities such as Halle Berry, Vanessa Williams and Courtney Cox. After having her own little fashionista, Jayneoni set out to create a more fashion forward line of clothing for girls.

Saurette designer Lisa Kanouse with actress Nikki Blonsky

Lisa Kanouse has 18 years of fashion industry experience, including jobs as freelance photo stylist for the Chicago Tribune and Marshall Fields as well as 10 years creating and producing women’s collections for Saks Off 5th, Macy’s and May Company. Saurette is the dream collection that Lisa has always wanted to create. Since launching in March 2009, the response to the brand has been extremely positive with both buyers and customers. Celebrity moms like Joely Fisher, Penelope Ann Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Edie Falco all love Saurette for their girls.

A good time was had by all, especially Courtney, who enjoyed meeting the designers and learning about these lovely holiday styles.

-Janet Muniz

Saurette photo credit: Beautiful Life Images

Holiday Cheer: Nike Supports American Indian Communities

hudson_logo

November is National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, and this week, Nike débuts the Nike N7 Collection, a select range of performance footwear designed with the environment – and the future of Native American communities – in mind.

Photo Credit: Anthroscribe

Sold exclusively through 33 Nike Factory Stores in the U.S. such as the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center in California, a portion of the profits are gifted to the N7 Fund, which supports youth sport in Native American communities.

The collection was created through the lens of Nike’s Considered Design approach, where products are engineered for higher performance and lower environmental impact, and features the N7 Air Pegasus+ 26, the N7 Huarache and the N7 SMS RT for preschool and toddler sizes.

“For more than 10 years Nike has worked closely with Native American communities to provide support through product innovations specific to the needs of Native Americans and by providing grants to support sport programs through the N7 Fund,” says Sam McCracken, general manager of Nike’s Native American Business and chairman of the N7 Fund. “With the introduction of the N7 Collection, consumers now have the ability to be their own agents of change, as the profits from their purchase will help young people in Native American communities realize their potential through sport.” (To contact Sam: N7.Fund@nike.com.)

Native American Inspired Design

The Nike N7 SMS RT for kids as well as the N7 Air Pegasus+ 26 and N7 Huarache features Native American inspired design details and graphics that tie the shoe back to the N7 Collection. The Nike N7 SMS RT is a durable, all-day play shoe that meets the demands of the rough-and-tumble kid, featuring Sensory Motion System (SMS) technology for a natural, efficient range of motion and aiding healthy foot development.

The collection is available for the holiday season – through the end of December. Giving the N7 Collection is like giving two gifts in one!

-Janet Muniz

New Organic Denim Collection

Children’s apparel and accessories company baby star® launches a new denim collection for both girls and boys, made from certified organic denim – all at a reasonable $40 retail.

With star accents and green stitching, the lucy skirt and jane jeans for girls and the jack jeans for boys feature pre-washed, dark blue denim available in sizes 6-12, 12-18, 18-24 plus 2T, 4T and 6T.

The collection is part of the company’s new soy/organic line growing in popularity with babies and toddlers – and their parents, of course. Other new arrivals include buddha long-sleeve tees and matching pants, stella skirt for girls and johnny pants for boys.

A member of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, baby star was founded by dana bach johnson in fall of 2004 with the purpose of balancing style, functionality and sustainability in apparel and accessories for children – essentials items like blankets, burps, bibs and bedding, too.