Baby Rock Apparel

Tampa, FL-based Baby Rock Apparel, Inc. introduces a new fall collection of trendy kids t-shirts. The company adds to the line of baby clothes and gifts about twice a year and the new styles feature several music-inspired designs made from a soft tri-blend fabric as well as classic 100% cotton.

Baby Rock is also inspired by classic Hollywood with the first “Marilyn – Star” design featuring a Marilyn Monroe image on vintage white burnout 100% cotton; another is “Lessons for Life,” featuring a fist surrounded by motivating words that kids can live by, like courage, strength, power, discipline, respect and perseverance – made from 100% cotton.

“We launched these new designs on our website and within a few days we were already sold-out of most of the t-shirts,” president Kim Strayer tells HCRSourceBook, “so we’re quite pleased with the initial response from our awesome customer base.”

The new designs join Baby Rock Apparel’s best-selling trademarked collection found in over 200 stores and boutiques in the U.S., Canada and Europe and by visiting the company’s website and TrendyRemedy.com. Wholesale inquiries are welcome. Contact info@babyrockapparel.com or 813.282.3987.

-Janet Muniz

New Tween Line

Vancouver, WA-based Hula Mula – sister company to the popular boys collection Knuckleheads – débuts a tween line.

“We have two tweens in our home and it was because of their persistence and creative style that we added the new sizes,” co-owner and designer Melissa Nash tells HCRSourceBook.

Both of the Nash daughters were involved in the new Spring 2011 line which includes some vintage inspired pieces and comfy knits.

-Janet Muniz

Perfect Winter Pick-Me-Up: PJs!

I don’t know about you, but I do my best thinking in my pajamas.

Yep. Perhaps it’s because I’m a morning person, and I tend to write early in the morning, before the sun comes up, sitting at my computer in my pajamas.

Too much information? Ah, well … here’s another thought: it’s a cold winter Saturday morning. What better for kids to play in than their favorite comfy, warm PJs? You just know I’m a fan.

Children’s clothing company Douglas & Cocoa creates those perfect PJ’s for new little ones and their big brothers and sisters. Sweet kimonos for baby, Asian-inspired PJs for siblings plus cozy blankets for all.

Owner/designer Kendal is the mother of three little boys. She’s combined her love of designing clothes with her Master’s degree in Asian art history to create a unique line of PJs – the perfect winter pick-me-up. “The special bond between my boys inspired me to design pajama sets for babies and toddlers in matching vivid colors and prints, sets that could be worn day or night,” she says.

The company’s New Mission collection features three specific items: Kung Fu PJs and matching Kimono sets – monogramming is also available for an added specialty – plus ultra cozy blankets, which Kendal thinks is essential in a mom’s tool kit. “As a mother I have learned the value of a good blanket, one that is cuddly, but also durable,” she says.

Douglas & Cocoa is based in Hong Kong and New York, and Kendal not only designs PJs, but collections and resort wear for both boys and girls (gee, a trip to Bali does sounds great right about now). I especially love the story about her company’s name, as I’m a cat person … and so is Douglas, apparently. Cocoa is his beloved stuffed kitty.

I still have my favorite stuffed animal from my childhood sitting on my desk, Douglas. Right in back of my computer, where I sit in my pajamas and work!

-Janet Muniz

Happy Birthday to Us!

Just five years ago, HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review was a newborn! It’s fun to look back, and realize just how this this labor of love started …

I met Tom Hudson and Margaret Mobius in La Jolla, CA several months before our first publishing deadline. We enjoyed several strong Starbuck’s coffees together outside on the terrace, talking about their dream of a comprehensive, high-quality, fun publication the celebrates all things kid.

Now, we’re Celebrating 5 Years of covering one of the most tightly-knit, camaraderie-driven industries that succeeds today. We love the children’s wear business – it nourishes us, keeps us inspired … it’s like family. And as Tom says, “these past five years with HUDSON’S have been my most rewarding.”

Since that twinkle in their eye, HUDSON’S has made downtown Long Beach, CA home, added key staff members, traveled to trade shows and markets all over the country, published more than 40 issues of beautiful pictures, well-written words covering every aspect of the children’s wear market – and more. We’re growing just like children grow. And enjoying every minute of it.

It’s gratifying to know that our pages continue to be filled with so many new and wonderful collections, accessories and footwear – products that make life a little more comfortable, stylish and enjoyable not just for kids, but for parents, too.

And the news about the industry – and business in general – continues to encourage success. Here’s to another great year of moving forward.

“HUDSON’S would not be possible without the support of retailers, designers, manufacturers and sales reps, the folks who manage trade shows, the direction of all our staff and the loyalty of our readers, supporters and friends,” Tom says. “To you, I give my greatest thanks.”

Tom speaks for all of us here at HUDSON’S … our heartfelt thanks for a fantastic birthday!

-Janet Muniz

New Stuff for Kids

Our June issue just came out, so look for it! And take a look at this new stuff for kids:

Noo Designs, a line of whimsical critter clothing for children débuts in North America with a collection that includes rompers, diaper covers, sunhats and bibs. Noo’s fall collection of lovable and comfy four-piece outfits for everyday wear is available for late July delivery. Founded in 2006 by owner and designer Belinda Robinson, Noo has quickly gained an international following with distributorships in Netherlands, France, Ireland, UK, New Zealand, China and Masu.

Prismera Design launches the Gem Collection, 12 necklaces featuring clusters of stones strung on sterling silver or 14k gold chains. Designer Laura Su Prismera also expanded the Hold Collection, making the The Cherish Bangle and the Embrace Ring available with set stones.

New from Australia: a line of toys called Stackers, an ingenious stack and play product line that kicks off with Noah’s Ark. “Tier Toys was established after nine years of research and development,” explains Leah Romyn, director of Tier Toys, “resulting in an extremely robust USA and Australian patent for an educational puzzle toy. This unique concept has rejuvenated the construction toy arena.” Noah’s Ark has 12 stackable layers; each uncovers two or more animals ready to walk down the plank for a play date. A total of 44 detailed figures in primary colors of red, blue, yellow and green includes Noah and his wife. Watch an video of the ark and how its pieces easily pull apart and are stacked back together. Available soon online and at specialty toy retailers.

Splendid Mills, the brand of premium jersey and knits for men, is expanding its lifestyle-driven collection to launch a boy’s line, Splendid Mills Jr. All of the styles are based on classic men’s silhouettes and are available in sizes 8 to 14. The collection includes 100% supima organic cotton tees, crews, polos, hoodies, and sweatshorts in black, white, navy, grey, olive, orange and stripes. WesternChief_002

Need to stay dry but remain fashionable? Western Chief Kids features leopard print raincoats, boots and umbrellas for the aspiring diva to automotive print umbrellas and boots for your future car lover, even Thomas the Tank Engine and Hello Kitty – who happens to turn 35 this year!

-Janet Muniz

WE’RE BLOGGIN’

Ten times a year, HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review arrives in your mailbox at work or home office, full of fresh feature stories and fashion spreads highlighting the best of what’s available in children’s apparel and products today.

Perhaps you make sure to pick up your copy of HUDSON’S at any of the trade shows you attend. You’ve stopped by our studio booth at KIDShow in Vegas to watch a photo shoot or maybe you’ve visited our home office in downtown Long Beach, CA to spend some time with founder/co-publisher Margaret Mobius, operations manager Mychele Medina or fashion stylist Courtney Smith.

Founder/co-publisher Tom Hudson may have stopped by your store to share with you our latest issue. Or maybe you’ve emailed me, editor Janet Muniz, to dish about the recent launch of your new clothing line.

We’re so glad you’ve taken the time to share with us. Bravo for you! And we’re dedicated to sharing back, too.

That’s why we’re launching HCRSourceBook, the official blog of HUDSON’S. Check in frequently for news and commentary on the children’s market – who’s hot, what’s happening, where’s the next big idea coming from, when is the next major trade show or market and why it all matters. Here, too, is your chance to voice your opinion – so give us your feedback!

Welcome to HCRSourceBook. Instant gratification!

-Janet Muniz