Product Launches and New Collections

Brooklyn, NY-based Kalulu Débuts This Month


A vibrant new children’s wear collection inspired by the colors and traditions of East Africa.

Retailers and children’s stores will have a first look at the colorful, contemporary Kalulu children’s wear line at the ENK Children’s Club trade show later this month –and you’re getting a sneak peek right now!

Kalulu is about expressing the joy and fun of childhood, and the kikoy fabric -with its endless color combinations- captures that spirit. Plus, ‘Kalulu’ is fun to say!

Made in the USA. The new Kalulu is a comfortable and sophisticated collection that stands out from the crowd with unconventional color combinations and distinctive border prints. The line is made entirely from the East African fabric called kikoy cloth, a bold cotton fabric traditionally worn by men in the region as sarongs. From school to parties to family gatherings, the easy-to-wear clothes are both age-appropriate and eye-catching for girls and boys sizes 2T to 10. Each piece makes a bold statement but also easily mixes and matches with any existing wardrobe.

“It also allows children to stand out and express their individuality,” says founder Milbert Kiggundu-Bentham. “The ancient looming process makes it a highly durable material that gets softer with each wash, so kids can live in it and pass it down without wearing it out.”

Kalulu, which means “hare” in East African languages (like a rabbit), takes its name from the clever yet mischievous creature that often starred in the folklore that Milbert remembers from her childhood in Kenya. For her, these stories and the kikoy are interwoven since she was often listening to one while wrapped in the other. Now, the mother of three sons shares both traditions with children everywhere. “The cloth provides a sense of place,” she says, “picking up on the earthy hues found on safari as well as the beachy tones borrowed from a day on the East African coast.”

After earning degrees from Cornell and Georgetown University, Milbert spent her career in finance. The launch of Kalulu brings her life full-circle, tying into her East African roots and connecting her with her grandmother and great grandmother, who were both seamstresses.

The Spring /Summer’13 Kalulu collection features tunic dresses and tops, hooded tanks, ruffled tanks, slim-fit jeans, shorts and skorts for girls. Boy’s wear includes tunic tops, button-down shirts, hooded tops, Capris and safari shorts.

Ask for it by name at your favorite kid’s shops!

  • Thank you, Caletha Crawford, for introducing me to Kalulu! 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!

tokidoki x Ju-Ju-Be Collection


Popular diaper bag company collaborates with pop culture brand on a new collection now available.

Ju-Ju-Be™ diaper bags combine technology and style into the hottest, fashionable, fun bags around. Now, the company partners with pop culture brand tokidoki on a brand new collection now available in stores. Stand-out features of the tokidoki x Ju-Ju-Be collection include exclusive trims, embossed linings and co-branded pull zippers on items made from antimicrobial, Teflon®-treated fabric to reduce odor and help prevent stains. The machine washable collections also has ergonomically-curved straps, memory foam changing pads, plenty of compartments for organization, insulated bottle pockets for climate control and all-metal hardware.

Tokidoki translates as ‘sometimes’ in Japanese.

Launched in 2005 and known for its fun features, the definitive Ju-Ju-Be Super-Smart bag has the outstanding quality and detail Ju-Ju-Be is known for, including crumb drains and mommy pockets. The collection features tokidoki’s signature urban prints, Iconic and TD Dreams, in 11 unique styles of backpacks, wristlets, totes and messenger bags that appeal to consumers of all ages.

The sought-after global lifestyle brand tokidoki® is the vision of Italian artist Simone Legno and his partners, Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold. Since débuting in 2005, tokidoki has amassed a cult-like following for its larger-than-life characters and megawatt partnerships with iconic brands Hello Kitty, Karl Lagerfeld, LeSportsac, Barbie, Onitsuka Tiger, Marvel and others.

  • 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!

Disney Baby – Labor of Love


The new Disney Baby line includes all the essentials parents need to bond with their children, adding that special Disney touch.

Just recently, the Walt Disney Co. opened its first Disney Baby retail store at The American at Brand in Glendale, CA, which coincides with the launch of a  Disney Baby online boutique. The company hopes to grow the line of products into the-go-to brand for young mothers –and their tiny charges- as soon as possible!

Magic for Your Little Munchkin. Disney Baby includes essentials for the nursery, bathtime, feeding, travel, wardrobes, as well as what the company calls “discovery” and “celebration,” bringing in that Disney magic to woo parents while they’re shopping –something this 100+-year-old “parent” company knows a thing or two about! They’re doing this by partnering with the premiere names in the children’s industry, offering not only quality products, but magical ideas.

At Disney Baby, we just love to see the way families connect and grow. But it’s those special moments like planning the nursery or spending quality time with your baby that we want to help make even more magical.

On DisneyBaby.com, parents can learn about the latest Disney Baby products, and also get mom-tested tips for turning “everyday moments into treasured memories.” Subscribe to the Disney Baby Magical Moments Newsletter for all this, too -including special deals. It could grow into an online destination for parents and their kids.

The Walt Disney Co. plans to include Disney Baby departments in more than 200 Disney stores nationwide.

  • 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!

A New Bib for the Modern Tot


Just four months old, Wee Drool has already won several industry awards, including the Creative Child Magazine Top Choice Product Award for 2012.

The word “drool” has got to be the newest “It” word for people dreaming up new products for kids. I think it’s got that certain appeal –part adorable, part icky … and all in good fun.

This -and more- is what appeals to Kelly Yaep -a California-based mom of three very drooly boys- and her new company. She makes Wee Drool T-Bibs, waterproof bibs designed to look like hip t-shirts. Made from a blend of bamboo viscose and organic cotton, Kelly’s T-Bibs are not only adorable and fun, they’re quite soft and comfortable, soak-proof and stylish, of course. “Our hip modern prints make for a stylish cover up solution that is inspiring a new generation to drool in style,” Kelly tells me.

T-bib = comfort + less rash = happy baby and less laundry = even happier moms!

Kelly designed the Wee Drool T-Bib to look and feel like it was part of a child’s outfit, instead of sticking out like a drooly mess. Especially appealing to the fashion conscious kid.

Made in the USA. They’re also designed for the eco-minded parent. The company is committed to producing superior quality products using low impact dyes, water-based inks and recycled paper hang tags –right here in America. You go, girl!

“The T-Bib makes for a stylish cover-up solution that is inspiring a new generation to drool in style,” Kelly says. “Wee are a nation of Drool … Become a part of the revolution!”

  • 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!

Nohi Kids for a Vibrant Fall/Winter Season


Popular eco-friendly brand delights once more with bright colors and playful, bold graphics.

Drawing inspiration from children’s artwork and experimenting with graphic design, founder Janel Jones has created a vibrant Fall/Winter 2012 collection for babies and children using a mix of certified organic cotton, bamboo fiber and a touch of spandex.

The newest Nohi Kids collection features fresh prints and color combinations, including whales, disco dots, pears and geckos- all with a touch of whimsy.

We create comfortable, high quality, and eco-friendly clothes that appeal to both kids and their parents. We are the favorite dress or tee shirt that your child won’t take off. And, we want to be sure that our clothes are durable enough so that you can pass them down to the next lucky kid.

The expanded Nohi Baby collection débuts rompers and newbie gowns in addition to classic bodysuits, yoga pants and reversible blankets. Bestsellers, including their signature Hoots owl print, are back as well as new favorites- multi-colored whales, Mack trucks and flocks of birds- perfect for tiny newcomers.

For bigger kids, Nohi débuts a playful wrap-around gecko graphic long-sleeved tee, skateboard and motorcycle tees for little daredevils, and a drum tee. Pear print and disco dot print sash dresses are also new for fall, available in sizes 12-18 months to 7/8. Solid and print leggings are designed to complement these dresses as well as mix and match with the entire collection.

Janel explains that in the Maori language, nohi nohi means, “to be small.” In Japan, the popular national holiday Kodomo Nohi is a day to celebrate children. And in Hawaiian, nohi means “brightly colored and vivid.” She says, “So, I suppose a Nohi Kid is a bright, vivacious little thing just oozing with personality!” Indeed.

The environmentally friendly line uses low-impact, water based inks for printing and is CPSIA compliant. “We have a very personal relationship with our manufacturer,” Janel says. “We chose to work with them because of their integrity and meticulous attention to detail. And, most importantly, they maintain a social accountability standard that ensures workplace safety, fair working hours and decent wages, no discrimination and no child labor.”

The company is committed to doing its part to improve the lives of children. A portion of sales from the Fall/Winter 2012 collection will be donated to the Caine’s Arcade Imagination Foundation, dedicated to finding and fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in kids. The Nohi Kids fall collection is available in stores now and at www.nohikids.com.

Thank you, Adrienne Dorsey of Magnolia PR for introducing me to Nohi Kids!

  • 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!

Lily & Momo – Stylish Accessories


What little girl wouldn’t want to accessorize her cute outfit with a stylish owl handbag? Thanks to new company Lily & Momo, she can!

Atlanta, GA-based Lily & Momo specializes in high-quality, handmade accessories for children. The extensive collection of fanciful barrettes, headbands, bows and hair clips –from animals to flowers to stars, rainbows and crowns- are packaged to please using recycled paper and other environmentally friendly materials. There’s even a variety of “clip keepers” to choose from. The embellishments are handcrafted from soft felt in vibrant colors and the working part of the clip is made to stay securely in the hair.

And the kid-sized purses and handbags are a stand-out … in owl, turtle, fish and flower designs that are sure to delight.

I was looking for fun hair accessories for my daughter and found that the market was missing whimsical hair clips for girls. So I developed one -a hip, fashionable line of hair accessories.

Named after her daughter Lily and her son Miles (Momo is his nickname), Sharon Miller and her husband Evan launched the company about one year ago, and Sharon tells me that it’s captured the imagination of the children’s marketplace, growing extremely fast.  An adorable addition, I agree! The product design and materials used are safety tested to ensure the highest quality, made with love and care. Available at Nordstrom and children’s shops from Alaska to Connecticut, Canada to South Korea, too.

  • 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!

Sammi & David Débuts New Collection


With all the zeal you’d expect, an up-and-coming company débuts a collection just as vibrant and eclectic as the wonderful life that inspired it.

Rebecca Gold and Shana Cutler became instant BF’s over cowboy boots. The two knew from the first grade that they were destined to make a lasting impression on the world of fashion.

Their signature Love Jay Girls apparel line has won over many-a-fashionista, and now, they’re poised  to set trends again with Sammi & David, their “fearlessly-expressive” brand that celebrates a child’s spontaneity. “In truth, we care about these girls because we once were these girls,” they say.

Designed specifically for a girl’s tween years, the new line embraces individuality with fashion forward panache, bridging the ‘girly-girl’-one-day, ‘rocker-chick’-the-next vibe. The collection features sweet and sassy designs, made from ultra-comfortable materials like bamboo fleece and knit jersey to edgier fabrics such as pleather and distressed leopard.

‘Sammi’ is for your daintiest moods. ‘David’ represents that edgy alter ego that wants to come out and play. Sammi & David strives to offer the freedom to choose not who she wants to be, but rather express the beautiful young lady she already is.

Los Angeles, CA-based Felicia’s LLC is dedicated to producing its growing product line with high-quality materials and detailed construction.  In early August, Sammi & David is introducing the Spring/Summer 2013 collection of tops, bottoms, dresses and outerwear to the children’s retail industry at the Playtime New York trade show. See it soon in stores!

  • 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!

Introducing Rayil – Inventive, Beautiful, Versatile


A sneak peek at a unique line of childrenswear that blends traditional Indian silhouettes with Western styling.

Aruna Hatti calls herself the Maharani of Possibilities – a magical moniker for the talented, creative mind behind Gnaana, her successful project that offers engaging toys and more to educate young children about South Asian cultures, languages and history. “Whether they are listening to a gush of water or evaluating the squishability of peas, children are learning from what is around them,” she says –so true to the nature of a child’s life.

Now, Aruna is collaborating with New Delhi fashion designer Moutushi Sarkar on Rayil, a new division of her U.S.-based Gnaana Company, LLC. In the spirit of knowledge and learning –the meaning of the Sanskrit word, gnaana- Rayil’s designs use traditional Indian textiles complemented by subtle details and clean lines.

The pureness of the natural fabrics and the tradition of the techniques make this a timeless collection. Along with the beauty and high quality of the textiles, we are careful to provide practicality through silks and cottons that can withstand multiple washings and wear.

Great Value. Versatility is a key aspect of this collection, which includes many pieces offered in both silk or cotton, and can be mixed and matched for dressy and everyday looks. Moutushi Sarkar, a graduate of India’s prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology, specializes in experimenting with innovative silhouettes. She has designed for such global brands as Urban Outfitters, Rene Derhy and Derhy-Kids, Miss Selfridge and Esprit.

Bridging East and West. More than 300 types of fabrics are available in India alone, and each season, the designs for Rayil -which means train in the Tamil language- travel throughout the continent, drawing inspiration from local fabrics and techniques found there. For instance, the Spring ’13 collection features Benarasi silk from the Benaras region in Uttar Pradesh, Chanderi silk from the Chanderi region in Madhya Pradesh, Karishma cotton from Tamil Nadu as well as cotton Khadi, a fabric popularized by Gandhi.

Coming Soon. Rayil’s silhouettes lend a contemporary Western spin on traditional Indian styles, bridging East and West. For girls, you’ll find scalloped-edge circle skirts; sweeping, layered maxi skirts; paper bag-waist woven leggings; delicately trimmed wrap tops; pin-tucked tank tops; and draped A-line and pleated tunic-style dresses. Decorative accessories like ombré scarves and pompom stoles and  reversible capes are ladylike toppers. For boys, these exquisite fabrics are used on easy-to-wear tunics and pants.

Available in sizes 2-8, each piece is carefully constructed to provide visual interest through texture, color and print mixing.

Thank you, Caletha Crawford, for introducing me to Rayil – and to Gnaana!

  • 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!

The Zen of Nested Bean’s Swaddle


This new swaddle design provides the one thing a child craves to fall asleep restfully: a mother’s touch.

After her second child was born, Manasi Gangan spent many sleepless nights trying to calm her fitful boy to sleep. Unlike her older son, nothing worked more effectively to encourage slumber than holding her new baby close throughout the night. “I discovered that a mother’s touch is an essential part of soothing new arrivals, aiding their transition from the womb into the world,” Mansai says, “so I created a swaddle of sorts that simulated my touch. Slowly my son started to drift off and stay asleep with little help from me.”

Protection of a mother’s warm embrace. Mansai’s invention has evolved into the first swaddle uniquely constructed to harnesses the proven power of a parent’s touch to soothe and comfort a child, combining it with the traditional benefits of swaddling, and providing a time-tested, truly safe and secure environment for your baby. Made from 100% cotton and containing non-toxic filling in parts, the Zen Swaddle™ system fastens with Velcro® closures and uses custom accessories to create the effect of a warm embrace: The Peaceful Touch uses gentle pressure like that of a hand resting on your baby’s chest, while The Loving Embrace surrounds your baby on either side, from torso to thigh, with the comforting, reassuring feeling of resting in your arms. Trials with babies show that using the Zen Swaddle enables them to self soothe through minor disturbances, increasing the duration of sleep.

What I learned through extensive research with medical professionals, research scientists and childcare professionals is that touch is integral to babies’ sense of wellbeing. Babies find restful sleep in the Zen Swaddle™ because it provides them with the calming benefits they receive from their parents’ touch.

Passionate about Parenthood. Last year, Manasi founded Nested Bean Inc. with a mission to manufacture the best, safest products that cater to babies’ needs -and provide parents with peace of mind. The Zen Swaddle is the company’s inaugural product. “I gathered a team of professionals with a wide range of experience -juvenile product design, engineering, marketing, retail and management- to join in this mission,” Mansai says. “Several ideas were created and discarded until we developed the Zen Swaddle, the one design that met all of our goals to perfection.” Designed for babies weighing seven to 14 pounds, the Zen Swaddle has undergone rigorous safety testing at CPSC-accredited labs. “The Zen Swaddle is close to my heart because I helped with product development and branding,” says children’s apparel expert Caletha Crawford, who introduced me to Nested Bean. “It will be available at some great stores, such as like Tottini in Seattle and Magic Beans in Boston, at the end of July.”

  • 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!

Hoodebaby Love


One of life’s simple pleasures has got to be a walk in the rain on a warm summer day.

Showers could be fleeting though – and over before you can get the kids into their raincoats. All you could hope for is they’ve got their rain boots on … to puddle-splash, of course. Or … you can get your kids a Hoodebaby.

Slip it on, wrap them up and go. Made for babies, toddlers and kids (and hopefully for adults someday –hint, hint), Hoodebaby is a hooded wrap that blankets children easily from rain and cold. This stylish outerwear is a one-size-fits-all alternative to wearing a coat. Hoodebaby rainwear is crafted of BPA and lead free 100% laminated cotton and double combed cotton flannel, and the warmwear is made from designer micro fleece and soft fluffy baby bunting. Great for walking in the rain, keeping the chill of air conditioning at bay or weathering a beach breeze.

Stuffing a baby into a coat is always cumbersome. The child becomes overheated, car seat straps need to be loosened (which is unsafe) and it is very awkward carrying a child wearing a coat.

Designer/creator Rani Isbell is raising five kids with her husband, and she’s was always looking for ways to make their day-to-day routine less complicated. “Hoodebaby is faster, easier and more comfortable than a coat,” she says. “It will be one of the most useful additions to your child’s wardrobe.”

I especially love the colorful prints – from sandalwood to tart, gypsy, teal pom pom and pink owl, they make Hoodebabies stand out from the crowd. You can tell they’ve cuddly soft and fun to wear.

By the way, the “e” in Hoodebaby honors Rani’s most recent edition to her family, baby Elias.

  • 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! Thanks, Rachel Florio PR, for introducing me!