Product Launches and New Collections

Uglydoll Makes Headlines


Thirteen is a lucky number for Uglydoll and 2014 is a very good year!

As Comic-Con opens in San Diego, CA today – be sure to visit Uglydoll … because there’s a whole lot of exciting things going on in their world these days.

072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_GraphicNovelAs David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim announced earlier this year that they were heading to their new Asia headquarters in South Korea, home of their flagship Uglydoll retail store in Seoul, the company has been making headlines for itself ever since. In addition to expanding its retail presence and licensing program throughout Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and beyond, Pretty Ugly™, LLC, parent company of the award-winning Uglydoll® brand based in Green Brook, New Jersey, granted license to Howard Keys to produce keys, key chains and lanyards in North America, Canada and selected International Territories, announced a partnership with Fetch…for pets!, a leading manufacturer of pet products in North America, and débuted the latest original graphic novel release from San Francisco, CA-based VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint, Uglydoll: My Hero? The novel features 10 full-color stories by  veteran Uuglydoll writer and artists Travis Nichols, Ian McGinty and Phillip Jacobson, with help from Sun-Min Kim, Theo Ellsworth, renowned pop culture artist/writer Junko Mizuno, and two talented design teams from Japan -Mad Barbarians and Devilrobots.

And there’s more … as I say, Uglydoll’s 13th year is a very lucky one!

072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_StarTrekIn June 2014 alone, David and Sun-Min’s company strikes these fabulous deals:

  • caseable is now licensee for the latest global line of fun and collectible soft and hard cases designed for tablets, smartphones and laptops, distributed through caseable channels and its partner Hewlett-Packard
  • A collaboration with CBS Consumer Products on the iconic Star Trek™ characters, set to launch in 2015. Products include Wage™ as Captain James T. Kirk, Ox™ as first officer Spock™, Ice-Bat™ as chief engineer Scotty, Babo™ as Doctor McCoy and Tray™ as communications officer Uhura
  • A new partnership with Chasing Fireflies to create an exclusive line of costumes for release in 2015
  • 072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_WizardOfOzA co-branded collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create plus based on The Wizard of Oz™ and fan-favorite Uglydoll characters, Moxy™, Wage™, Jeero™, Babo™ and OX™ to follow along the Yellow Brick Road.

Being different and unique is what Uglydoll™ is all about!

Just this month, Uglydoll announces a groundbreaking partnership with 3D Printing innovator MakerBot on collectibles featuring four of the most popular characters, Babo™, Wage™, Ice-Bat™ and Ox™, which can now be 3D printed on MakerBot® Replicator® Desktop 3D Printers. “Taking Uglydoll into the world of 3D printing seems like a natural extension for our Uglydoll characters,” David says. “Sun-Min and I have been fans of 3D printing for a while and we are excited to be working with MakerBot on bringing our characters to life in a whole different 3D world.”

072314_CRTPost_Uglydoll_3DPrintingThe first wave of characters are in T-pose format, designed to be 3D printed and fully poseable; the second wave are Uglydoll characters in a dynamic stance, posed to enjoy the real world of their owner. A third wave include a 3D printable Uglydoll bus that takes miniature Uglydoll characters on a fun-filled summer vacation; and a fourth wave are 3D printable environments for the 3D printed Uglydoll characters to live in. Jenny Lawton, president of MakerBot and a huge Uglydoll fan, says, “The story behind the creation of the Uglydoll characters by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim showcase how creativity can positively impact lives. We love the fun, light-hearted stories behind the Uglydoll characters and hope that they will help inspire a whole new generation of makers with their 3D printed adventures.”

How cool is that?

 

Video

Hatch Things


070914_CRTPost_HatchThings_logoSimple solutions for smart parents.

A city-dwelling Mom to three boys –and an industrial designer to boot- Sonjie Feliciano Solomon founded Brooklyn, NY-based Hatch Things so she could focus her design skills on kids and the stuff that surrounds them. Speaking of designing smart, modern products for urban parents, Hatch Things recently introduced two products to the market:

SureShop™ is a reusable shopping bag with a patent pending design that that won’t let your stroller fall over. It redistributes weight towards the stroller’s center of gravity to keep it standing upright. The bag clips to umbrella strollers, most single handlebar strollers, shopping carts, chair backs, bike handles and more – plus it holds up to 10 pounds on each side. Watch a video:

070914_CRTPost_HatchThings_ColdsnapColdSnap™ is a coat extender that uses body heat and an optional thermal insert to keep mom and baby warm and dry. The patent-pending, waterproof, draft-proof design clips to the edges of your coat and wraps around either your baby bump (when coats don’t fit anymore) or your new little one. It also comes with a reversible hood, so baby can face inward or outward. Plus, I love the name!

HatchThings got ink! “Since we introduced SureShop in October at ABC Kids, the response has been very positive and momentum is building,” Sonjie tells me. “It has been featured as a great problem-solving product  in many online and print magazines including Real Simple, Pregnancy & Newborn, Apartment Therapy, All You Magazine, Stroller Traffic, A-List Moms and MomTrends.” And now, Children’s Retail Today!

Video

ZAIKAMOYA


Introducing the Fall/Winter 2014 collection.

Recently spotted at ENK Children’s Club in March, ZAIKAMOYA is a children’s apparel line that appeals to the minimalist.

Pure, Versatile, Essential. Crafted in small editions, the clean, simple designs are made from high-quality, durable, natural fabrics like organic cotton in neutral tones. This first collection is ideal for children from newborn to age four. The brand plans to expand for other ages.

Kasia Pysiak is the person behind the Brooklyn, NY-based company, which takes its name from the soft, cuddly bunny (“zaikamoya” means “my bunny” in Russian). Some styles are appropriate for both girls and boys, and the soothing color palette is a favorite among parents, who wish the clothes came in adult sizes.

Kissy Kissy For Fall ’14


030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-04_resizedThe beloved baby brand launches a new line of pajamas.

Tatiana and Company is the first U.S. company to establish a Peruvian Pima cotton line for children in the U.S. kids market –Kissy Kissy, a wonderful collection of Peruvian Pima cotton layette with a traditional look, and its style and signature designs have set industry standards.

In addition to new themes, Kissy Kissy’s collection for Fall 2014 is launching a new line of pajamas, which feature a snug fit.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-03_resized“When you think about a child’s first two years, it’s amazing how much they develop and learn just through common daily sights and interactions. That’s why this season Kissy Kissy is offering a curated selection of prints that celebrate everyday wonders as seen through baby’s curious, impressionable eyes,” says founder and owner Roxana Castillo. “This combined with our ongoing commitment to exceeding moms’ expectations for quality and comfort makes it a very special collection indeed.”

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-02_resizedTimeless Style, Signature Peruvian Pima Softness. From wardrobe essentials to dressy options, find sweet looks in the Kissy Kissy line; bolder statements from Kissy Kissy’s Qt-Qt; christening apparel in Besos by Kissy Kissy; and embroidered, smocked garments from Kissy Kissy Premier.

For girls, hearts inspire devotion, ballerinas exude grace, sweet treats tempt, animals thrill and delight, and flowers bloom. The line also charms with little extras like ruffle hems and tushies, smocked bodices, scalloped necklines and floral fabric accents. The boys’ prints feature bustling city streets, courageous law officers, far-off planets, frolicking puppies, classic cars and endless construction. Contrast stitching, color blocking, rolled hems, hang-down sleeves, raglan silhouettes and kangaroo pockets provide additional visual interest.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-01_resizedFor those looking for unisex options, the line offers neutral creams as well as bold primaries and sunny yellows with animal, toy, teddy bear and sweet pea graphics. Both fabric and pattern mixing up the sophistication level throughout while embroidery details provide a subtle bit of whimsy. Pieces with all-over stripes, dots and stars coordinate with individual groupings while a windowpane check pattern intermixes with several boys’ themes. Silhouettes include rompers, footies, playsuits, pants sets, gowns, A-line dresses, drop-waist dresses, swing tops and bishops bodies. The collection features sumptuous velours, chic knits and quilted textures on cozy hats, cardigans, blankets and buntings. Sizes run from preemie through 4T.

030514_CRTPost_kissykissy-05_resizedKissy Kissy is carried in the finest department stores and specialty boutiques around the world and has a strong celebrity fan base that includes Katie Holmes, Molly Sims, Celine Dion, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields and Alyson Hannigan.

Oil & Water


121913_Oil&Water_04A fresh look at rainwear for girls.

Amy Wismar is the founder/designer of a bright, shiny and new line of rainwear for girls called Oil & Water. “My fun and beautiful daughters inspired this line and continue to inspire me every day,” she says.

It’s just fabulous.

If you like style, originality and great quality, you’ll love Amy’s raincoats, jackets and ponchos designed “for the everyday girl.”

Oil & Water rainwear if made for girls sizes 2-10. All fabrics are shower and windproof, in a fabulous mix of colors and metallics. Each piece is fully line in faux fur or softwash poly. Luxurious!

121913_Oil&Water_01We had hoped to bring a fresh, modern look to children’s rainwear that is classic, beautiful and happy chic! And now, after two years of sketching, designing, sewing and meeting fabulous people in the fashion industry, I think the Oil & Water collection shines, too.

121913_Oil&Water_02Good for Moms. Special for girls. Reinforced snaps, tailored hoods and deep pockets are featured on all styles for everyday comfort,  using the highest quality, washable waterproof and water resistant fabrics.

A little ray of light in an otherwise gloomy rainstorm!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

WeeStay No-Slip Clip by Wee Ones


Wee Ones® Spring/Summer 2014 Collection débuts with new technology for hair bows that stay put, no matter what.

101713_WeeOnes_02Popular hair accessories company Wee Ones is introducing the WeeStay No-Slip Clip, in what it is calling “a product improvement and patent-pending innovation that will forever change the game in the hair accessories.”

Breakthrough Solution. How long have you been trying keep hair bows in place? Feels like forever, right? The WeeStay No-Slip Clip is made from a safe, silicone-like material, the next big solution for keeping girls hair bows in place.

101713_WeeOnes_03“With the launch of our WeeStay no-slip technology, a product of more than two years of research and development, our goal was to make the best hair bows in the business even better,” says Miles Faust, CEO of Wee Ones.

The patent-pending no-slip strip is affixed to the inside of the Wee Ones clip, on the back of the hair bow -the biggest product improvement in the company’s history.

101713_WeeOnes_01“For the first time our brand is on the bow,” says Gina Faust, VP Design and Marketing. “Because the no-slip strip features the Wee Ones logo, we can now be recognized for the great quality and design that our customers know and love.”

Ask for it by Name. Just introduced to the children’s retail industry, shoppers could ask for it by the Wee Ones name very soon in a children’s shop near you.

MiniJoops


Launching September 1, MiniJoops is an online boutique that curates a global selection of children’s apparel, toys and accessories from up-and-coming, innovative designers and entrepreneurs.

Malisa Mac Nab is a fashion loving, full-time Mom who lives to style not only herself, but her three beautiful children in the newest, trendiest clothes. She’s launching her first big business- MiniJoops -this Sunday, an idea that grew from her own shopping experiences –and her talent for talking up authentic, stylish finds and internationally-inspired designs through social media.

MiniJoops helps upcoming new brands become known through kids fashion designers worldwide.

082913_MiniJoops_03What Sets MiniJoops Apart. Along with super easy shopping for her customers, Malisa plans the Mini Café, a section at the http://minijoops.com store that lets fashionista parents share their tips and picks, creating a new virtual style community.

082913_MiniJoops_02“We would love to be well-known worldwide as the place to find unique brands that are upcoming, with a little social kick to it with our Mini Café,” Malisa says. “We want to get big enough to be known on a high level in the fashion industry as a destination for new entrepreneurs trying to unleash their passion for trendy kids fashion, but not too big to take away from my focus of always working on providing the best brands to give to our clients.”

Malisa curates MiniJoops’ inventory herself, choosing brands that she’d dress her own children in, as well as the yet-to-be-known brands in the US –”the ones with the most passion, as it is most likely the owner(s) who are doing a lot of the leg work to make their products perfect.” She loves dressing her kids in the most trendy, contemporary, fashion-forward pieces she can find. “My biggest style inspirations are all the wonderful kids pictures I see on Instagram and in the social world,” she says.

082913_MiniJoops_logoMiniJoops.com launches September 1; check out MiniJoops on Facebook.

Matilda Jane


A fanciful new collection that could make a girl smile from ear to ear.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_AugustWallpaperThis August, the folks at Matilda Jane Clothing are introducing a Fall 2013 collection called Paint By Numbers, a vibrantly-colored mix of pieces that are sophisticated, colorful and “a wee bit cheeky.”

I want MJC to showcase the sweetness of the child. I try to keep the silhouettes simple for that reason, it’s not about the fancy embroidery, it is about the darling girl wearing it. I want her to love what she is wearing and be proud of how she looks.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_01The designer doesn’t considers herself a designer at all, just a person who can make her ideas come to life. ” Inspiration? I am not sure, it just happens,” she says. “I just get an idea and go with it.” She does acknowledge her family and a good group of friends for their unending support of her sometimes risk-taking plans. “After all,” she says, “what is the worst thing that could happen?”

Available in sizes 12m-12 as well as a growing collection of sizes for Moms, Matilda Jane is sold exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows. Find out more about them by visiting the Matilda Jane Clothing website here.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_trunkshow

Little Flock of Horrors


073013_LFOH_02From pet project to designed line – here come the beasties.

Little Flock of Horrors | merino for little monsters is a new line of fashion-inspired casualwear that is handmade in New Zealand from 100% New Zealand merino.

We’re all about embracing kid’s’ inner monsters and capturing those moments.

073013_LFOH_05Lucy and Fran Wildman are parents to Iggy and Frankie –the two little monsters who inspire the couple’s brand. When her son was born in the middle of a particularly cold winter, Lucy happened to find some garments made from merino wool, which kept him warm and comfortable. “The only problem was that the silhouettes and cuts were traditional and pretty blah,” Lucy says. So she bought herself a sewing machine and merino, making up clothes for him, stylish enough for friends to notice her gift of color combining. After her daughter was born 18 months later, Little Flock of Horrors went from a pet project to a designed line.

073013_LFOH_03“We’re not a fluffy and soft baby brand, we’re honest,” Lucy says.”I lived in the US for almost a decade working in snowboarding/action sports before moving back to New Zealand with my husband four years ago to start our business. We get Americans. Now we just need to show them why they should be wearing merino!”

If you’ve never been to New Zealand, you may be interested to know that the “sheep-to-person ratio” there is a little over seven sheep per person. The wool from those merino sheep makes THE ultimate fabric, and New Zealand makes the best merino in the world. And here’s why your children should be wearing merino:

  • It’s 100% natural, biodegradable, totally renewable and sustainable
  • It’s the only fabric that naturally breathes and controls moisture
  • It’s antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and antibacterial
  • It’s flame retardant and self-extinguishing
  • It’s machine washable and can be tumble-dried
  • And might I add luxurious, sleek and beautiful, too!

073013_LFOH_06Currently available for sale online, Lucy and Fran recently launched a Kickstarter campaign and are heading to New York City for this weekend’s retail tradeshows to show a Spring ’14 collection of drop-crotch pants, dipped hem tops, skinny leggings, kimono wrap tops, slouchie beanies, fingerless gloves and more.

073013_LFOH_01“We’re pretty sure that you’ll have similar styles in your wardrobe already,” they say. “The only difference is Little Flock of Horrors clothing is made of 100% New Zealand merino in New Zealand.”

And what a difference it is!

Yankers®


072313_Yankers_03Easy Access, Easy Changing: Yankers Débuts Smart New Way To Dress Children

After enduring countless diaper changes involving multiple snaps, noisy Velcro, irritating zippers and binding elastic waistbands, children’s clothing designer Rosalee Rester creates a comfortable, simple alternative for babies and children.

Yankers® is a brand new clothing concept for easy diaper changing débuting a new collection this Fall. These stylish all-in-one outfits have no snaps, zippers, button, Velcro™, elastic or other fasteners to contend with.

As a mom I know exactly what it’s like to struggle with kicking legs, tons of snaps and out-of-control rollers. My innovative design allows you to pull the stretchy legs down and off to change baby fast and easy.

072313_Yankers_02Yankers in Action. For a diaper change, simply yank down on the back panel, guiding the baby’s knees out. The top stays put the entire time to keep baby warm during the change. When you’re done, guide baby’s feet back into pant legs and yank up on the panel, for that Mom-approved finish!

“I loved the concept of an all-in-one outfit that I could grab out of a drawer in the dark, not having to worry about matching tops to bottoms,” Rosalee says, “and have my baby dressed in a stylish outfit without ever having snapped even one snap.”

Made in the USA. Yankers is a women-owned and operated apparel company that makes modern, sustainable clothing for children, manufactured in the United States of America using natural and breathable fabrics -blends of cotton, bamboo, model and spandex. (I love this: the company says that occasionally, they employ men as slaves!). Yankers are available in sizes 0 to 3T at www.yankersbaby.com.

072313_Yankers_01Born in 2008. Rosalee spent five years researching and developing her revolutionary idea, testing eight different patterns before perfecting the Yankers® design. The Fall ’13 début collection features a green, red and black color palette with optional ruffle and pocket details. In addition to the solid colors, Yankers with Buddha, Heart Bolt, Star Bolt and an adorable “Baby Nerd” tie and pocket protector design are also available.

Interested in a unique color? Ask for special hand-dyed custom-colored Yankers.

Rosalee is also the founder of Baby Wit, one the first manufacturers to market with rock clothing for babies. Check back tomorrow to find out more!