Sneak Peek at New Collection from Mixed Up Clothing

Mixed Up Clothing débuts Global Citizens collection at ENK Children’s Club.

Sonia Kang is exhibiting at her first children’s trade show October 21-23 in New York City! The owner and creative executive of Mixed Up Clothing –a wonderfully colorful and trendy line of clothes for kids- is introducing her brand at ENK Children’s Club at booth #1825 with a Spring/Summer 2013 collection called Global Citizens. Here’s a sneak peek!

Friendship Through Fabrics. Founded in 2007, the multi-ethnic children’s clothing line based in California is inspired by the textiles, cultures and people of the world, to develop friendships through fabrics. Sonia infuses diverse styles with cultural twists, blending materials and designs from all corners of the world.

My inspiration for this collection continues to be the mission of Mixed Up Clothing: to showcase and celebrate different cultures utilizing fabrics from all over the world. Not everyone gets to travel outside the country so each garment includes a little story to teach kids where the fabric is from. When we learn about the diversity around us, we can begin to accept one another and find unity in our differences.

For those interested, ENK Children’s Club is one of today’s premiere trade shows covering the entire market in children’s clothing, infant and fashion accessories, including layette items and footwear for newborn to pre-teen. Held four times a year in New York City in January, March, August and October, buyers and boutique owners can make appointments to view Mixed Up Clothing’s collection by make emailing zenia@mixedupclothing.com.

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!

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!

Seen at Toy Fair 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day! New products galore at the International Toy Fair taking place right now in New York, NY.

Booth 1803. See more than 400 new products from Aurora World Inc., including three brand new plush gift lines geared towards new parents and their children; the western-themed Lil’ Howdys, an interactive collection of Crinkle Friends and the plush line, Quizzies.

We are using fancier, softer fabrics with many of our products in 2012. However, in keeping with our mission statement, price points are not compromised by the high quality designs for which Aurora is known.

–Michael Kessler, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Aurora.

Aurora created the international plush toy phenomenon – YooHoo & Friends™ – and its corresponding free, interactive web site, appealing to young children and tweens alike. Founded in 1981, the Korean company with headquarters also in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift industry.

Booth 5214. Esther Novis, a mother of five and a former Harvard-trained biologist, started The Young Scientists Club as a summer science camp for her then five-year-old son. Friends from other parts of the country told her they wanted to duplicate her concept and the idea for a science subscription service was born. The subscription kits are now mailed monthly to thousands of children around the world and the company’s retail kits are sold in hundreds of specialty stores.

The Young Scientists Club’s newest kits teach children how to make and race magnetic cars, how to create slime, how to grow pretty polymer petunias and super balls, and over 50 other cool experiments.

Booth 6406. anamalz comes to the Toy Fair for the first time to show off its newest box sets in animal kingdom themes of Wild, Farm, Jungle and Prehistoric. Designed in Australia and made from sustainable maple wood, anamalz is anaward winning range of toy animals that can be bent into dozens of funny poses. The green business uses fabric that is AZO dyed and the company’s wood scraps are used on a farm to grow mushrooms. Each toy is assembled in factories that are of the highest standards and meet international regulations.

It’s easy to see why these eco-friendly characters enchant grownups, but it’s the children who are immediately engaged when they see anamalz because these wooden toys look so different from any other toys out on the store shelf. In all, there are 38 figures to collect in four categories. All toys are designed for children ages three and up.

Get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products! Contact me today!

Skylar Luna débuts at ENK Children’s Club

Designer Wen C. Reese is débuting Skylar Luna, an in-stock, organic pajama collection for Fall 2011, at ENK Children’s Club -offering retailers year-round availability.

“Through my experience in children’s wear, I know that value is key for retailers today. With Skylar Luna, retailers get a high‐quality product at reasonable prices.”

-Wen C. Reese

She describes the line as “soft, organic cotton washed in a sophisticated palette using simple designs,” choosing organics because children wear pajamas close to the skin for many hours each day. “I wanted a product that was as pure as possible.” The collection is available in sizes 12‐18 months to size 8 for both boys and girls, and meets CPSC guidelines. Features snug‐fitting, two‐piece bodies constructed of yarn‐dyed,100 percent organic cotton and flat seams. Each set packaged in reusable linen pouches. The launch collection features stripes in eight color combinations including a holiday-themed combo perfect for Christmas pajamas, a bubble print and a hand‐drawn robot motif. New colors and prints released twice a year, wholesaling for $17. “Because we ship all the time, stores can try the collection out right away with minimum risk and easy, immediate reorders.”

Wen also owns and designs the Skylar sportswear label, a family business, and like it, Skylar Luna is produced in the family factory in China. This arrangement ensures the line is always delivered on time and offers consistent, superior quality.

See Skylar Luna at booth#2211 during ENK Children’s Club July 31-August 2.

Made in the USA! Oxanna set to début

“Strut your green pride, girlfriend!”

When Oxanna launches with a first line for little girls at Playtime New York, it will be reveling in the charm of a bygone era. Simple silhouettes in natural, mostly plant-based fibers for sizes 2T to 6X in dresses, blouses, skirts and Capri’s complete a unique collection trimmed with intricate re-purposed handcrafts. The all-natural fibers and re-purposed vintage embellishments create a couture look with a playful attitude.

Oxanna is the creation of Roxanne Quimby, founder and former owner of the internationally distributed Burt’s Bees brand. Roxanne recently set up production for Oxanna in Maine, USA to provide entry level and skilled jobs for the children’s wear industry. Nationally known for her dedication to preservation and the environment, the Oxanna venture reflects Roxanne’s mindful philosophy to recycle and reuse in ever increasing ways.

This July 30-August 1 at Playtime New York, look for the début at the “Oxanna by Happy Green Bee” booth space.

Surf Expo débuts new kids feature

Surf Expo’s Newest Feature Focuses on Kids Apparel

An array of children’s apparel and accessories fills up a new and exclusive feature at the September 2011 Surf Expo trade show, giving retailers the opportunity to preview kid’s lines in an area devoted to kid-exclusive manufacturers.

Show organizers plan to display swimwear, towels, tees and more in a floor section specially reserved for kid’s products, designed as 10-by-8-foot preset booths surrounding a buyer’s lounge.

“The kids feature is going to be a great way to help kid’s brands stand out. It’s an outstanding addition to the show and Surf Expo is thrilled about adding it.”

-Jane Preston, Surf Expo

According to Marketresearch.com, the kid’s apparel market is expected to reach $186 billion by the year 2014. The creation of Surf Expo’s new kids feature is in response to these market trends. “With the market growing so much, it only makes sense to feature it,” Jane says.

According to Surf Expo, swimwear and accessories are essential to any child’s wardrobe. Children’s summer trends for 2012 emphasize eco-friendly materials, illustrative prints, tropical and surf themes.

Surf Expo takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL September 8-10.

VegasKids

New Show on HUDSON’S Calendar!

On August 1-5, World Market Center Las Vegas presents an exciting new trade show that brings the full spectrum of kid’s markets together for one super-convenient, opportunity-packed event.

Following a successful launch last summer, Vegas Kids débuts in an expanded section of World Market Center, centrally located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. With easy access to Interstate 15 and US Highway 95, it is adjacent to Las Vegas Premium Outlets® on Grand Central Parkway.

Vegas Kids brings together buyers and sellers from the juvenile industry and features nursery and youth furniture plus accessories. Held in conjunction with Las Vegas Market and Gift + Home, Vegas Kids offers unique programming, resources and special events all geared to equip your business for what’s ahead. Attendees can expect to source fresh, innovative products as well as find a confluence of new opportunities to help them differentiate their stores, add new revenue streams and increase sales.

“Juvenile continues to be a hot market for retailers,” says WMCLV president and CEO Robert Maricich, “and we are pleased to offer it once again as a destination at Las Vegas Market, along with relevant programming that helps retailers uncover new ways to market to this sector.”

World Market Center Las Vegas is a dynamic new showcase for the home and hospitality contract furnishings industry in Las Vegas, the fastest-growing home furnishings market in the country. When fully completed, the venue will have more than 12 million square feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space in eight buildings on 57 contiguous acres. All segments of the industry will be together on one mega-campus, making it the largest, most comprehensive, most accessible showroom and convention complex in the industry.

Expanded plans for Vegas Kids include seminars by industry experts to share their knowledge and experience with market attendees. Learn more about increasing green strategies in your business, staying ahead of the latest in industry trends and discovering the best in design. Enjoy a host of opportunities to network and have fun, like complimentary receptions and special exhibits. A full calendar of networking receptions and week-long exhibits is in development.

The World Market Center’s WMCommunity is an online resource that provides a whole new way for buyers and sellers to connect. Creating an online profile allows you to register for upcoming shows, update your contact information, receive key market news, find more exhibitors and popular products, build your calendar and schedule meetings with exhibitors. Find them on Facebook, too.

-Janet Muniz

Pitti Bimbo Review

As seen in HUDSON’S March 2011:

In January, Childrenswear design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) traveled to Florence, Italy to attend premiere children’s fashion trade show, Pitti Bimbo, documenting the experience with these creative visual presentations they are sharing with fellow design students and manufacturers throughout the children’s wear industry. This program is part of FIT’s very active Childrenswear Advisory Committee, which has promoted interest in Childrenswear design for over 15 years.

Too School for Cool

Prep school meets the Kentucky Derby. Crisp, clean, sharp and tailored are just a few words that capture this after school riding lesson. School is back in session with silhouettes such as tailored riding jackets, sweater vests, button down shirts, blouses and shirts with pronounced, rounded shirttails, square convertible collars and refined riding pants. Classic school uniform colors like navy, red, crème, khaki and shades of gray. Details such as belt buckles, toggle closures, squared lapels, rolled cuffs, v-necks and double breasted closures, earn a grade of A+ across the board! Fabrications include tweeds, leathers, plaid wools and flannels, playful chunky heavy weight wools, felts, cottons and jerseys.

Snowed In

Winter forecast prediction: “Brrrrrrr!” Glorious cold weather means sledding, snowmen, snowball fights and warm hot cocoa. This upcoming winter season means furry warm accessories from head to toe along with soft and icy color chrome metallics, turquoise and red. Silhouettes are layer-friendly and include an assortment of ponchos, cropped jackets and luxurious knits of all different weights and textures. Frosty the Snowman himself is jealous of the gold and silver micro-studs, glitzy rhinestones, fur accents and tiers upon tiers of ruffles! The fabrications are fabulous printed jersey, fur, heavy wools, silks and chiffons.

Baby, You’re a Firework

The paparazzi’s camera flash. VIP treatment, A-list affairs and First Class all the way – just a few routines a socialite has to endure. Defined by glimmer, shimmer and shine, metallic gold and silver intimates. This season’s socialite silhouettes shine with short puffed sleeves, cropped jackets, layers of luxurious knits, micro minis paired with metallic, sequined or leather leggings, shoulder shrugs, fur vests and glamour tunics. Spotted: sequins, beading, rhinestones, fur and leather on the runway, paired with a color palette of crème, burgundy, black, taupe, gold, silver and hot pink. Rouged leggings and fur trim accents, burn out velvets, printed jersey, cheetah, leopard and zebra prints are perfect for bright, star-studded moments on the red carpet.

For Me…Formidable

Paris welcomes haute fashion with soft, delicate, sweet touches. A dainty color palette of dusty powder pink, off-white, ecru, gold, white, beige, red, gray and black. Silhouettes are the epitome of Parisian fashion with light subtle bishop sleeves; smooth, draped and ruffled jabots; cowls; flouncy and flirty skirts; shoulder shrugs; knits of all different textures and glitzy leggings. Swarovski crystals, pearls, scattered sequins, gold micro-studs, girly pink and gray chiffon bows accent each look. Parisian details of macro bows on taffeta, velvet printed polka dots, whimsy ruffles and distinguished stripes that mimic the architecture of the Eiffel Tower. Seen throughout the shows are luxurious, fine fabrications such as velvets, chiffons, embroidered tulles and wools, printed jersey, faux fur, silks and netting – capturing the French attitude.

-Images and commentary contributed by FIT students Emily Olivier, senior; Casey Lee, senior; Tara Ricci, junior and Alyssa Arcieri, junior.

Kids Fashion from Europe

An HCRSourcebook first – video!

Three fun European children’s brands presented their new Spring Summer 2011 collections at several major European trade shows including Pitti Bimbo in Florence, Italy and FIMI in Valencia, Spain.

Tutto Piccolo. This new collection inspires visions of a romantic evening in Italy’s coastal town of Portofino in the 50’s, when elegance, sophistication and innovation defines the Italian lifestyle – in red, white and blue! Watch the fun frolic!

Cri Cri. In addition to presenting its new brand image, this collection incorporates classic shades of beige combined with pink and blue, dressing babies in soft, tender pieces.

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Baby. Designed with unique tenderness and enormous creativity, this collection is full of color and contrasts.

-Janet Muniz

Enchanted Enfant Returns

Paula Franco joins the Enchanted Enfant team as newly appointed sales director.

News from a much beloved children’s brand: luxury line Enchanted Enfant returns to market!

Designer and founder Michele Brulé recently took some time away to mourn the loss of her mother to breast cancer, and now she’s back with a collection for spring summer 2011 inspired by historical works of art, vintage Parisian photographs and images of her mom as a child.

The Printemps 2011 Collection could be her strongest to date, emanating the signature romantic elegance that Enchanted Enfant has made its trademark. The Joséphine dress is a dreamy confection of silk chiffon with delicately ruffled cap sleeves, smocked empire waist and a sprinkling of jewel-like metallic trimmed rosettes available in plum, putty and blush.

Michele tells HCRSourceBook she is extending the brand with Couturier Collection, truly special, special occasion wear. Notable pieces include the stunning L’Opéra gown and Place Vendôme dress with glistening metallic lace trim and the must have Estelle Italian brocade coat, named after her six-year-old daughter and muse.

The Essentiels Collection is also extending the brand, chic easy pieces for everyday wear offered at a moderate price point for broader distribution. Key pieces include the Rue Cler pima cotton pointelle smocked top and legging, the raffia wide brimmed floppy sun hat and silk rosette headband.

What’s more, Michele and Enchanted Enfant is donating a portion of all sales from the Printemps 2011 Collection to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the first and only National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children .

View the collection at the next edition of ENK Children’s Club August 1 – 3.

-Janet Muniz