Earnshaw's | April/May 2013

201 3 $5.00

Natural Wonder

MICHAEL AND ULI BELENKY ON ZUTANO’S GROWTH SPURT • ROYAL BABY MANIA • EYE ON PERU

er_04_05_cover_01hedpop_revise.indd 1 4/16/13 5:06 PM

Known as the “Shower Wower,”our blankets make the best gifts!

Nominate us for Best Gifts, Earnie Awards 2013

Join our community.

EARN_COV2 COV2EARN_COV2 COV2 4/16/13 12:38:34 PM4/16/13 12:38:34 PM

TO ORDER, PLEASE CONTACT:[email protected] or 212-391-4143

Designed in Sweden

EARN_1 1EARN_1 1 4/16/13 12:39:04 PM4/16/13 12:39:04 PM

EARN_2 2EARN_2 2 4/16/13 12:39:09 PM4/16/13 12:39:09 PM

3

EARNSHAW’S INFANTS, GIRLS AND BOYS WEAR REVIEW ISSN 0161-2786 (USPS-320-090) Vol. 97 Issue 4. The business and fashion magazine of the children’s wear industry is published monthly (except bi-monthly April/May and Nov/Dec) editions by Symphony Publishing NY, LLC, 36 Cooper Square, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003. The publishers of this magazine do not assume responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competition. Periodicals postage is paid in New York, N.Y. and additional mailing o!ces. Subscription price for one year: U.S. $48; Rates outside U.S. available upon request. Single price copy, $5. Copyright 2013 by Symphony Publishing NY, LLC. Postmaster: Send address changes to Earnshaw’s Infants, Girls and Boys Wear Review, P.O. Box 8548, Lowell, MA 01853-8548. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. Any photographs, artwork, manuscripts, editorial samples or merchandise sent for editorial consideration are sent at the sole risk of the sender. Symphony Publishing NY, LLC will assume no responsibility for loss or damage. No portion of this issue may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Printed in USA.

Noelle Heffernan Publisher

Jennifer Cattaui

Nancy Campbell

Angela Velasquez

Lyndsay McGregor

Maria Bouselli

Megan Fernandez

Trevett McCandliss

Tim Jones

Michel Onofrio

Caroline Diaco

Alex Marinacci

Jennifer Craig

Steven Hemingway

Laurie Guptill

Melanie Prescott

Mike Hoff

Sales/Editorial Offices

Circulation Office

Xen ZapisLee ZapisRich Bongorno

APRIL & MAY 2013

FEATURES34 Color Me Zutano

38 Royally Appointed

42 More than Machu Picchu

FASHION46 All Creatures Great and Small

4 6 10 12 14 16 18 22 24 32 60

This page, from left: Oeuf sweater worn over Tea Collection dress; Suoak corduroy jumpsuit with vintage fur headpiece; Striped blankets and pillows by WoollyBoo, shoes by Naturino. Cover: Oeuf sweater worn over Right Bank Babies dress, Mini a Ture tights.

46

In the story, "Twinkle, Twinkle," in the February issue, it was indicated in error that Swarovski was involved in Global Kids Fashion Week in London. Swarovski did not participate in this event. In March's "In Focus," the "Licensed to Sleep" section should have stated that sleep-wear made up 15 percent of the SG Companies' business. In "Spotlight Shoes" in March, designer Yosi Samra's last name was misspelled.

Photography by Cleo Sullivan; styling by Michel Onofrio.

er_04_05_TOC_04.indd 3 4/16/13 3:45 PM

ALTHOUGH WE’VE GOT summer in our sights, we have fall on our minds. Our eyes are ablur with a forest of prints and fabrications set to hit the shelves this fall. The season is always a favorite time of year for the children’s fashion industry as the range of styles is at its broadest and consumers are looking to invest in the annual ritual of “Back to School.”

In our fashion story this month “All Creatures Great and Small,” photographer Cleo Sullivan, who handmade many of the accesso-ries for the shoot, captures a host of infants and toddlers in bold ani-mal graphics, soft corduroys, cardigan sweaters and wool socks. The interplay of textures makes fall a feast for the senses.

Thinking about the smallest shoppers, we explored the hottest topics in baby fashion, which took us both near and far—to Peru, London and Memphis, TN. In “More than Machu Picchu,” we explore the Peruvian difference and why that region is heating up in infants’ wear. We also set our sights on Buckingham Palace in “Royally Appointed,” talking to a host of manufacturers and retailers getting ready for the upcoming royal birth.

In “No Fluff,” we high-tailed it to Tennessee to get the scoop on Memphis-based store Cotton Tails, a haven for infants and toddlers seeking everything from traditional to contemporary, and learned of their steadfast commitment to customers.

This issue is chockfull of major players in the baby and toddler fashion world. We sat down with Zutano, whose name is synony-mous with stylish baby clothes, and in “Color Me Zutano” trace how the company has grown up, reaching into the furniture, toy and bed-ding categories with their brightly colored, modern signature style. We also chatted with SwaddleDesigns creator Lynette Damir, the mother of the modern swaddle blanket. In “Hip to be Square,” Damir details the evolution of her brand that was born of a simple concept: a square blanket perfect for swaddling.

And, knowing travel is in your future as the spring/summer 2014 buying season begins, we walk you through domestic trade shows in “Tricks of the Trade,” detailing where you want to be from summer to winter to find the hottest duds for your shop.

Enjoy!

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R

Forest creature prints and natural materials layer up to render kinderset fashion for Fall ’13 a study in country house chic.

There’s Something Happening Here

JENNIFER [email protected]

www.adsutton.com

Never Too Young

To Be “On Trend”

Contact us at 212-695-7070 oremail to [email protected]

Visit our website to learn more aboutus and our comprehensive product line.

The Baby Essentials®

line consists of fun fashion

for baby, baby's room and for

Mom, too.

er_04_05_13_edit_letter_01_vert.indd 4 4/16/13 9:58 AM

34 W 33rd Street 9th Floor NY, NY 10001

CUTE FROM HEADTO TOES…

www.bonbebe.com

EARN_5 5EARN_5 5 4/18/13 9:18:01 AM4/18/13 9:18:01 AM

6

talking points

EASON-LESS CLOTHING may seem like a no brainer for manufacturers as year-round collections mean they can bypass most of the design process,

keep costs down by taking fewer risks, steady their employees’ and factories’ workload and focus on replenishing accounts, but Janice Masoud, co-own-er of Under the Nile adds that season-less collec-tions makes “good business sense” for retailers, too.

“The traditional industry seasons no longer cor-relate with the weather,” she explains. Unlike the women’s market, where consumers will purchase a fall coat at the end of summer, Masoud says parents won’t buy warm weather clothing until it is hot, and likewise with cold weather because kids just grow

adds: “These items are also less likely to be on sale because they are always needed. Moms can come back for a favorite T-shirt in the next size after a growth spurt.”

don’t fix it” rings true. Under the Nile’s classic

tried and true pink, blue and sage, but don’t equate season-less clothing with bland, flavorless fashion. The brand offers sweet mix-and-match tonal prints

new stripes or refreshed color palettes to suit the new season and to coordinate with ones passed.

raw edges and same color contrast stitching on all

it with jeans and they’re ready to go,” says Suzanne Remington, owner of Carson City, NV-based The

clientele wants timeless fashion that is fashion con-scious and reports there isn’t as much pressure with boys to get rid of items at the end of the season.

says these basic collections are a great way to pull a few items together to create several looks.

These wardrobe builders can be the full-price fill-er your store needs between unpredictable seasons, but if you’re not easily lured by “more bang for your

buck” sales pitches, manufacturers suggest there are many more reasons—from school dress codes and quality to girls’ everlasting love of tutus—to consider season-less clothing.

WEATHER UPForget winter tweeds and summer linens—season-less collections are typically made with cottons in weights that can be worn comfortably on their

as a year-round must-have for accounts in areas like Southern California. Snyder says the style is updated with richer or lighter seasonal colors, but the weight of the garment stays consistent. Overall, Masoud sees manufacturers adjusting to a singu-lar fabric weight because the weather is changing.

are more interested in fabrics that can last,” she

offers a sleeveless jumper dress that can be worn with a long-sleeve shirt, or as a tunic as the child grows older.

TRIED AND TRUE

line of basic playwear. Despite the fact that the tulle and satin skirts break from the company’s organic

style has gone unchanged for seven years and is a big part of the brand’s U.S. business. “They’re simple, classic, fun and tell their own story. They don’t follow a trend,” she explains. Under the Nile specializes in classic infant essentials needed day in and day out, a.k.a items that don’t need to go on sale or out of style. “We have four lines [comprising one-pieces, gowns, snap tees, and matching acces-sories] that we keep season after season because once parents realize how easy these pieces are, they come back for more,” Masoud reports.

STYLING ASSISTANTS Remington notes basics can help complete a trendy

FILLER’ UPAs manufacturers get down to basics with season-less collections, retailers are discovering the benefits of apparel that transcend seasons and short-lived trends. BY A N G E L A V E L A S Q U E Z

Under the Nile

Kai Bean Kids

er_04_05_talking_points_03.indd 6 4/16/13 10:15 AM

key into the color block trend or wear-test unusual colors, say neon green or yellow, without investing too much of parents’ cash into the timely hue. Blank T-shirts are a big part of boys’ skater vibe that calls for layering, too. Remington recommends creating a one-stop shop for moms by placing coordinating tees with button ups, hoodies and thermals for a twofer look. “They usually know what they are going to pair the T-shirt with but other moms just let things catch their eye,” she says.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY“We believe quality and durability is what makes our clothes cross seasons,” Begay-Holtrop says. Similarly, Remington picks up Kai Bean Kids for the line’s quality and softness. The trained dressmaker has an eye that homes in on straight and even seams. She admits, “I’m very picky. I look at how the item is pieced together and how much attention to detail is put into a garment, but these finishing touches are what makes the garments a little more special.” It’s the same reason why some moms might be open to snap up a T-shirt from a boutique rather from a big box store, despite the fact that a solid tee might be a third of the price.

TEACHER’S PETRemington warns that there is a fine line between apparel that is school-appropriate without being too school-specific. But with more schools adapting strict dress codes, she says it’s become increasingly important to offer lines that are classic and don’t rely on graphics and embellishments. “It’s easier for parents to know they have a col-lection of items that their children can wear to school,” she explains. After all, the last thing parents want to hear is that their child was sent to the school nurse for a change of dress.

STOCK MARKET“We have a full stock—that’s the beauty of offering season-less lines,” Masoud reports. “Retailers can rely on us for these essentials with no preordering. They know they will find what they need.” When a style proves to be successful, Begay-Holtrop says she and co-owner Laura McIndoo feel confident keeping it in stock, which she points out cuts costs, and quick turnaround is an added bonus. Snyder says, “Our customers can reorder at anytime and it is a cost-effective way

for stores to invest in a whole line because they can carry it year round.”

LESS IS MOREA simple approach to design is even trickling into seg-ments of children’s apparel that is usually doused with wild prints and color. “It’s not just tees anymore,” Remington adds, recalling one mom who was looking for basic blue pajamas for her son. Similarly, footwear brands like Keds and Italian sneaker brand Superga, are hitting their stride with clas-sic canvas kicks in neutrals that do double duty as shoes for school and play. Kai Bean Kids

usa.babybanz.com

Ȉ��Ǧ��ΪȈ��Ǧ��Ȉ��Ȉ��Ƭ��Ȉ��Ȉ��Ȉ� ��

�¬)URP�WRGGOHU�WR�WHHQ

��)UHH]HU��PLFURZDYH�VDIH

��:DVKDEOH��QRQ�WR[LF

��(QYLURQPHQWDOO\�IULHQGO\��FRVW�FRQVFLRXV

1HZ��,PSURYHG�6FUHZ�7RS�

'HVLJQ

7ZLVW·(P��)LOO·(P��)HHG·(P��

6TXHH]·(PV™�DUH�UHXVDEOH�IRRG�SRXFKHV�IRU�DQ\�

SXUHHG�IRRG�RU�EHYHUDJH�

BooginHead.com


talking points

CHILDREN’S FASHION WAS the toast of the town in New York City March 9-10 when the finest in childrenswear converged for the fourth season of Petite Parade. The weekend of shows, activi-ties and entertainment feted Spring and Fall 2013 collections by Andy and Evan, Bonnie Young, Pale Cloud and more, and were on preview for media, editors, mommy-bloggers, buyers and children with a flair for the sartorial.

Target kicked off the festivities at Industria Superstudio with a runway show featuring its exclusive Shaun White, Circo and Cherokee lines. Diesel continued the fun with a rock-inspired show set to the tunes of all-kid band, School of Rock. The denim brand also entertained kids with a make-your-own-flipbook work-shop—just one of the many DIY activities, including a Converse-sponsored paint-your-own-chucks station that called for children to tap into their inner fashion designer.

Looks from European labels Miss Blumarine, Silvian Heach and Ki6 set a sophisticated tone with rich jacquards and renew-ing emerald green on the second day. The Vogue Bambini multi-brand runway shone a spotlight on Zutano, Kissy Kissy and Snopea’s sweet styles. For the finale, in-demand 9-year-old DJ Fulano and Stride Rite Children’s Group closed out the weekend with a lively and whimsical catwalk highlighting footwear trends for all occasions. –A.V.

IN JANUARY, THE Federal Trade Commission fined retailers Macy’s, Sears, Leon Max and Amazon a total of $1.26 million for selling apparel as bamboo when the clothes were actually made of rayon. But should this action send retailers and customers into an absolute tizzy? Not exactly.

Korin Ewing Felix, staff attorney in the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, explains that there are two types of “bamboo” clothing—one that’s made from the actual, natural bamboo fibers, giving the cloth-ing a more linen-like feel, and apparel made from chemically broken down bamboo that’s transformed into “goo,” which is spun into rayon. “Regardless of what plant source is used as the base for creating rayon, the textile fiber that is manufactured is rayon and must be called rayon,”

E V E R Y O N E L O V E S A P A R A D E

Bamboo Fabrics Actually Rayon?

Bonnie Young

er_04_05_talking_points_03.indd 8 4/17/13 3:36 PM

ONE OF EUROPE’S eco-nomic hot spots has its eyes set on children’s fashion. German fashion and lifestyle magazine Luna and trade fair Koelnmesse have partnered for the premiere of Children’s Fashion Cologne. The trade

show, scheduled for July 11-13 in Cologne, Germany, will cover baby, children’s and maternity fashion, as well as footwear and accessories. Brands such as Supertrash, Vilebrequin, Simonetta, Oilily and Parajumpers are already confirmed. The Spanish National Association for Children’s Products will also be presenting a range of Spanish labels.

As home to the baby and toddler show Kind + Jugend, Koelnmesse Communication Manager Benjamin Agert describes Cologne as a meet-ing point for the industry, especially for economically hit southern European manufac-turers looking for new mar-kets and distributors. Located in one of the most densely populated regions of Europe,

Cologne can be reached within an hour to two hour flight from most major European cities. Plus, Agert notes, “The greater Cologne area is an eco-nomic center with the highest spending power and generates 40 percent of the European GDP,” making it a very attrac-tive area for businesses and media.

The event will be a mixture between an exhibition and fashion show and will be held twice a year in February and July. Agert believes the show will appeal to American buyers who want to carry top-quality labels. “That includes interna-tionally established brands as Roberto Cavalli, but also labels that are key players in Europe and provide the opportunity to be the first to introduce it into the U.S.,” he offers. –A.V.

Ewing Felix notes of the proper label for this type of apparel. Fabric made from the natural fibers of bamboo, however, should still be labeled as such.

“Rayon is far more common than actual bam-boo fabric, because the process of extracting actual bamboo fiber is more costly and more time-consuming,” Ewing Felix explains. She also advises retailers to beware of soft and silky clothing labeled bamboo, despite the Textile Act and Rules’ enforcement of proper labeling. If retailers are unsure of the bamboo clothing in their store, they can test apparel at an inde-pendent test laboratory to confirm the relative percentages of composite fibers in a product, or speak with the manufacturer and distributor to learn more about the fabric.

And while many brands tout the softness of their bamboo-based rayon products, chemicals are used to give it this texture and retailers should be made aware of that to better inform customers. “A consumer may be interested in purchasing only natural fibers, whether for health reasons, environmental reasons, or sim-ply personal choice. Or a consumer may be seek-ing a garment with specific care requirements,” Ewing Felix says. “The bottom line is that con-sumers [are] entitled to know what they are buy-ing before they purchase it.” –Maria Bouselli

HALLO F RO M G E R M A N Y

SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHIONON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology) hosted the seventh Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference. Keynote speakers addressed top-ics ranging from understanding interdepen-dence and practicing meditation to investing in revolving green funds to support sustain-able projects. Speaker Paul D. Miller, a.k.a. DJ Spooky, used his new book, The Book of Ice, and his experience in Antarctica as a start-ing off point for a lively discussion of nature, music and art.

The full day of seminars was complemented by student-made displays, and Earnshaw’s immediately homed in on the children’s apparel students’ contribution. Their topic was “sustainable layette,” and they sourced materials that were employed in their project everywhere from the Salvation Army to their own closets. Hangtags and packaging also had to be sustainable. Layette collections had themes ranging from dogs, giraffes and fairies to Thanksgiving. There was even a Christening gown fashioned from an old lace tablecloth and housed in a basket made of leaves. –Jennifer Cattaui

Boss


1 0

fresh finds

Jammies prêt-à-porter is a cloth-ing line catering to newborns through 9 months that comes packaged in

rayons, Jammies spans ribbed bodysuits -

cream and trimmed in watermelon, kiwi

www.jammiesnyc.com.

Ponytail Pals

-

be added seasonally. Wholesale price per pony-www.ponytailpals.com.

-

Gagou Tagou

-erwear make up the brand’s permanent product line, while the signature col-

www.gagoutagou.ca.

-

William & Leora, a cause-centered

silhouettes and architectural details in

www.williamandleora.com.

er_04_05_13_fresh_finds_01.indd 10 4/15/13 9:52 AM

Drawing inspiration from her three young children, designer TJ Hamilton (wife of NBA star Richard Hamilton of the Chicago Bulls) infuses Sew Lati Couture with deep hues of plum and navy to bow a regal collection of holiday wear for boys and girls sizes 2 to 6 years. From luxurious velvet blazers and jacquard coats to play-ful graphic tees, pieces can be mixed and matched into countless combina-tions of effortless elegance. Wholesale prices range from $19 to $199. Visit www.sewlaticouture.com.

Making its stateside debut is Canada’s Sweet Dreams & Flying Machines. Swaddles come in sizes 0-3 months and 3-12 months and wholesale for $19. Sleep sacks, which are compatible with any five-point harness device, are available in sizes 3-9 months and 9-30 months and wholesale for $39. Made from the high-est quality fire-tested fabrics, both styles keep baby warm, comfy and cozy no mat-ter how much they wiggle. Visit www.sweetdreamsandflyingmachines.com.

er_04_05_13_fresh_finds_01.indd 11 4/15/13 9:53 AM

1 2

Ford and Lamborghini

Roll Onto Coloring Books

THE PUZZLE-MAKER has extended its relationship with Thomas & Friends“We were one of the first licensees for Thomas & Friends in the U.S. and have established a very successful Thomas & Friends

are packaged in unique contain-ers such as tins and a suitcase

[email protected].

hot properties

Ravensburger and Thomas & Friends Stick

Together

TOY AND ARTS -

putting its focus on boys looking to get in touch with their inner artist with its Design Masters coloring

appealing for little boys to draw

-

-

with a suggested retail price range -

[email protected].

THE U.K. CHARACTERS

-

ESO shoes. “We are developing -

ers to interact with the brand -

hicles for self-expression and

available at a range of retailers throughout the year. Suggested

Ryan at [email protected].

Mr. Men, Little Miss

Travel Stateside

JOESTER LORIA GROUP announced that G&W

as the U.S. apparel license after working with Michael -

pieces for newborns and infants. A full collection of infant

Maleh at [email protected].

The World of Eric Carle Welcomes Clothes

er_04_05_13_hot_properties_02.indd 12 4/15/13 11:27 AM

mailto:[email protected]






good state

better state

You’ve built this business from the ground up. A State Farm® agent can tailor your business insurance to help protect your unique needs. Select the right coverage from a local business owner who

understands what it takes to grow. Visit st8.fm/bizinsurance or contact a State Farm agent today. Get to a better State®.Get State Farm.

EARN_13 13EARN_13 13 4/16/13 12:39:26 PM4/16/13 12:39:26 PM

14

NINE THINGS

8Tree by Kerri Lee tooth boxes

From silver rattles to handprint kits, traditional and

contemporary keepsakes capture special moments in time.

By Lyndsay McGregor

M E M O RY K E E P E R S

1

5

46

7

9

2

3

Mud Pie silver rattle

Red Envelope heirloom

cup

Beatrix Potter porcelain

tabletop set

Elegant Baby silver

bank

Elks & Angels sheepskin

cuddle bears

Christopher Fischer Baby

cashmere blanket

Baby Aspen ceramic banks

Child to Cherish handprint tower

er_04_05_13_nine_things_01.indd 14 4/15/13 2:53 PM

angel_dear_ad_final.indd 15 4/18/13 10:06 AM

1 6

SHEAR BLISSThe case for cold feet is dwindling as this season’s bundle of

cozy and cuddly booties are guaranteed to keep tiny toes toasty on the street and in slumber. The slipper shoe hybrids bulk up

on warmth with shearling trimmings and cable knit uppers, and entice little trendsetters with buttery soft leathers and sequin embellishments. These perfect blends of function and fashion are shoe-ins as favorite keepsakes and sought-after hand-me-

downs for years to come. —Angela Velasquez

O N T R E N D COZY SHOES • HEARTS

Clockwise from top right: 1. Bearpaw

shearling bootie 2. Elks & Angels ballet slipper 3. Je!eries knit loafer

4. Jack & Lily shearling lined boot 5. Stride

Rite cable knit Mary Jane

1

2

3

4

5

er_04_05_13_trends_01.indd 16 4/16/13 9:59 AM

1 7

Clockwise from top left: 1. Leggings by The Big

Citizen 2. Stella Blu burn-out tee 3. Milla Reese

crystal-embellished hair clips 4. Jaime Rae Hats beanie 5. Stoopher &

Boots embellished thermal

MORE TO LOVEConsumers spent on average $130.97 this Valentine’s Day on candy, cards, flowers and all the pink and red

heart-shaped flourishes for which the lovey-dovey holiday is known. Tweens, on the other hand, have an open-to-buy for heart-embellished apparel and accessories year round, using the symbol of love to declare affection for

everything from their best friends to their favorite ice cream flavors. No matter whatever or whoever sends hearts aflutter next fall, the simple and bold shape is sure to be in style. —A.V.

1

2

3

4

5

er_04_05_13_trends_01.indd 17 4/16/13 10:00 AM

1 8

SPOTLIGHT APPAREL

VIRGINIA DUNN BEGAN the process of forming her

-

--

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

—Maria Bouselli

Virginia Dunn takes on its biggest collection to date for Fall ’13.

Knitting Dunn Right

Wholesale: $20-$70

Sizes: Girls 2 years to 8

er_04_05_13_spotlight_04.indd 18 4/15/13 9:59 AM

THE SECRET BEHIND being a success-ful designer is simple: make sure that every few months you come up with a collection that’s immediately recognizable yet notice-ably different to the one that preceded it, ensure it always connects with the fashion zeitgeist, and, of course, price it right. Alas, simple is often the most difficult feat to pull off, but Stacey Fraser felt she was up to the task. Prior to hatching Pink Chicken above her garage in 2006, the fashion veteran had designed clothing at Ralph Lauren, BabyGap, Old Navy and Tommy Hilfiger. “I took a year off after my [second] daughter was born and couldn’t get designing out of my system,” the mom of two reveals. Fast-forward to today

and what started life as a few boho-chic dresses seven years ago has grown into a full-fledged line for babies, kids, tweens and women.

“Our [child] customer is definitely a little girl who loves dresses. We have so many fun printed dresses and skirts that the kids love to twirl around in,” Fraser, who always had a love of vintage textiles and Indian block printing, says, noting that her 4- to 6-year-old fans adore how comfortable the clothes are, while the tween set favors the graphic tees, leggings and tunics. “We’ve been really fortunate to still have growth in this sluggish economy,” she adds.

In February Pink Chicken launched a new website and re-branded all of its labels and hangtags to complement the bohemian aesthetic of its four divisions. For Fall ’13 Pink Chicken is brimming with Indian- and Moroccan-inspired dresses and separates featuring block-prints, jewel tones and quirky graphic tees, and everything is custom designed and colored in-house. Meanwhile the brand is continuing to grow its tween division, as well as its women’s wear. “We designed prints specifically for women and put them in a sophisticated color palette. We’re calling it a re-imagined mommy and me: you can have the same vibe, but not the identical print or outfit,” she says. “Something else we’re trying to do is dress the girls from head to toe so we’re introduc-ing accessories, flip-flops and bags.”

Last year Pink Chicken made the drive in from the Hamptons to open its first Manhattan store on the Upper East Side. “The neighborhood has really embraced us and we have a lot of similar customers from our Amagansett store who are now also Madison Avenue customers,” Fraser says, adding, “It’s great to have one-on-one feed-back that we can incorporate into our next collection.” —Lyndsay McGregor

Wholesale: $18- $38

Mother HenPink Chicken feathers its fall nest with block prints and jewel tones.

BABY’S FIRST

C O L L E C T I O N

elegantbaby.com

8 0 0 . 3 3 4 . 5 3 2 1

N Y I G FB o o t h N o . 7 1 5 6

er_04_05_13_spotlight_04_revise.indd 19 4/18/13 11:04 AM

SPOTLIGHT APPAREL & SHOES

TIMELESS, ELE-GANT AND functional are three words design-er and founder of Baby Bespoke Kathryn Beach uses to describe her layette line. Like

so many children’s designers, Beach noticed a void in the layette market after having her second child. “I was just over the moon thinking of what I could do to add to the [layette] market-place,” she says. With a mind toward traditional luxury, four years ago she created Baby Bespoke as a 100 percent cashmere infant, layette line.

Today, the brand also offers cotton pieces consistent with its main palette of pinks, blues and whites. For Fall ’13, Beach says the brand is updating its bubble and bib gift set in new color-ways, such as butter cream and a pastel unisex option, and is adding custom stationery. “What I like to do and what keeps me motivated is to offer an array of items that would be relevant for any-one purchasing for baby or a mother,”

she explains. She names the Bespoke Cardigan, a lightweight cashmere sweater, as one of her favorite pieces, and a bestseller season after season.

Beach notes that while the brand may add select items or new colors for the seasons, the pieces could be worn throughout the year. “Layette is really seasonless. What you may purchase for [babies] might be used in the fall or winter of next year,” she says. “We really want to offer them everything so [customers] feel they have everything covered for their child’s first year.” And her design aesthetic, which she describes as “classically beautiful” without any fuss or frills, fits that mold.

The line, currently sold at indepen-dent boutiques, will soon hit shelves at Neiman Marcus. “I have my sights set on anyone that would be a good match for our consumer and product,” Beach says of adding future retailers. She also hopes to take on more licensing col-laborations, similar to Baby Bespoke’s partnership with Kissy Kissy, and to expand the brand’s categories. —M.B.

Wholesale: $25-$175

Sizes: 0 to 12 months

Traditional layette brand Baby Bespoke puts a custom spin on its elegant attire.

Bespoken For

Celebrate InnocenceSUPER SOFT CLOTHING FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

WWW.KICKEEPANTS.NET | (310) 492-5707


“MY KIDS WERE my inspiration,” says father of four, Marc Kingsley-Poole. The Canadian designer of men’s overboots recalled imperfect yet practical children’s versions from his own youth, but struggled to find them on the market. He shared his idea with a friend who ran a daycare who confided that his heart would break daily as he watched toddlers remove their boots upon arrival only to promptly step sock-first into the puddle of water.

With encouragement from friends and family, the serial entrepreneur decided to revive the children’s overboot. In develop-ing the idea, Kingsley-Poole says he thought of Swatch. “At the time they launched, the Swiss watch industry was doing poorly because the Japanese had developed digital watches. Swatch had high design, good price and a lot of technology,” he notes. He had mind to similarly revive children’s overboots with accessible pricing, high quality and compelling styling. “I thought if I could make kids’ overboots beautiful and practical, then I would have something,” he adds.

Incorporated in 2012, Butler Boots is well-positioned already to make a splash on the market for their Fall ’13 launch. Stride

Wholesale: $22.48

Sizing: Toddler 8 to youth 3

Sayonara Soggy SocksButler Boots’ vividly hued overboots are a save for pint-sized puddle jumpers.

Rite, an early adaptor to the idea, has got-ten behind the nascent company to help launch the boots in all of their stores, and is set to back the move with significant marketing dollars. “It’s growing like wild-fire,” Kingsley-Poole adds. “We are going to be in 2,000 stores in the fall.”

He attributes this rocket launch to a “star studded team,” including Mark Challant, a 72-year-old footwear veteran whom Kingsley-Poole says he’s lucky to have on board, as well as Velcro (for clo-sures), Trimfoot (for distribution) and designers from Italy, Canada and the U.S.

To boot, Kingsley-Poole insisted on developing his own polymer for the prod-uct. He was adamant that it complied with the strictest global standards and ensured that the quality was superior to everything out there in the market—surpassing tests of cold crack, adhesion while wet, stretch and wear. In fact, the boot is made with one mold and is one piece—which he deems a major mile-stone. “I have seasoned mold makers say to me this is not made of one mold but it is. It’s not glued or fastened. It’s almost indestructible.” Kingsley-Poole also wanted it to be made in America—a fact he says that has ticked up the “purchase influence” of the boot. “It has opened doors to major retailers in the States. It’s also great for exports—in China they love buying Made-in-the-U.S.A.”

The boots come in a rainbow of col-ors: navy blue, yellow, pink, red, teal and green, and down the road Kingsley-Poole sees sparkle being added to the mix. North American retailers interested can contact Trimfoot for ordering, whereas others should contact [email protected] or [email protected] for information. Deliveries are expected to begin July/August. For upcoming back to school (or daycare) classes, Kingsley-Poole says he is eager to get the report. “I can’t wait until I get that call—‘Marc, my heart wasn’t broken this morning—thank you.’” —Jennifer Cattaui

Any way you stack it,

Dallas offers more for kids

Dallas KidsWorld MarketAPPAREL. GIFT. ACCESSORIES. TOY.

June 19-25, 2013

Dallas Market Centerdallasmarketcenter.com

214.744.7444


2 2

ON THE BLOCK COTTON TAILS

IN 1988 MIKI Brugge was frustrated. As a fashion buyer for Macy’s, she would come across exciting new lines from start-up companies that were too small to produce the huge volume that big box stores needed or to get their names out to different parts of the country. As a new mom living in Memphis, TN, she had nowhere to buy them for her little one. Fed up with what was on offer to her (and knowing there must be oth-ers who felt the same) she left her job and opened Cotton Tails, a kids’

there was a need for a children’s store that was not only fashion forward but also super-friendly. Customers can walk in and feel very comfort-able shopping in this store,” Brugge says.

By taking customer service to the nth degree, Cotton Tails has grown

What if you have a party at your house and you’re having friends over, and you get it decorated and it’s beautifully presented, but then you don’t say

come in that you treat them as your party guests: you need to thank them

listen to my customers.”One glance at Cotton Tails’ exterior (a distressed wood effect adds an

antique look to the front doors while oversized flowers and ladybugs dec-orate the canopy) is a dead giveaway as to the goodies waiting inside. The

No FluffCustomers come first at 25-year-old children’s boutique, Cotton Tails.

By Lyndsay McGregor

er_04_05_13_on_the_block_01.indd 22 4/15/13 9:55 AM

selection spans basics to special occasion and everything in between, with racks on racks of Kissy Kissy, Bailey Boys, Funtasia Girls, Deux Par Deux, Pink Chicken and Lemon Loves Lime, to name a few, as well as shoes and accessories to keep boys and girls looking their best from head to toe. “We always love to bring in a few new lines each season. We do a lot of research, too, and we listen to our customers. Just because I did something 10 years ago and it didn’t work out doesn’t mean today’s customers won’t like it,” she says, noting that she finds new collections at ENK Children’s Club in New York as well as the Dallas shows every year.

“Since we’re in the South, we typically do well with smocking. It’s defi-nitely a southern thing!” she laughs, noting that her business is very sep-arates driven. She points to Tea Collection as a bestseller, adding that it makes up 20 percent of her total sales. “Our customers love it because it’s very well priced, they love to hear about the background and it just looks so cute on everybody,” she says. And the feeling is mutual. “Miki and the team at Cotton Tails are always such a joy to work with!” exclaims Kelly Poper, national sales manager at Tea Collection. “The level of customer service given in her store is unparalleled in retail. The store is beautiful and the window displays are always imaginative.”

On the shoes side, Brugge carries select styles from Tiny Toms, Ugg, Lelli Kelly, Livie & Luca, Nina and more. “We’re like a Who’s Who of shoes,” she says. “And our [employees] know how to fit shoes. You just can’t walk into a store like we do and say you wear a 7. Children could have fat feet or skinny ankles and we have a group of [sales associates] here that are amazing at fitting.” What began as a handful of shoe brands and styles quickly grew to an offering so large it sparked Cotton Tails’ move to its present location a few years ago. “We had more and more cus-tomers coming for shoes and I pretty much had inventory stored on and under my desk,” she remembers, laughing. The move also meant Brugge could add nursery furniture to her merchandise mix and Cotton Tails of-

fers a complimentary consultation with design specialist April George for when customers are designing a nursery for the first time or transi-tioning to a toddler’s big kid room.

But no matter how big the store gets or how much variety it offers, Cot-ton Tails continues to put its customers first. “I think it’s really important for people to listen to what their customers say. If people say we’re not open when they finish work in the evenings, that’s a problem,” Brugge says. “Sometimes things might be convenient to us but we need to make sure we’re convenient for our customers. I do have two people who stay late ev-ery day so if someone comes in at the last minute, they won’t be hurried out the door. We plan for that kind of person.”

Today Cotton Tails’ clientele runs the gamut from what Brugge calls the Baby Boomer Grandma (or BBG) to young moms and as she points out, “I notice the younger ones don’t buy as much as the older ones. It seems like the grandmothers have not been touched at all [by the economy]. I will notice a younger girl put something back or I’ll hear ‘I’ll just wait until Grandma comes into town.’” As she puts it, the BBGs have already paid for life’s major expenses like homes, college tuition and cars. “You don’t need to set money aside for anything so they think, why not spend it?” she says.

Face-to-face contact is definitely something Brugge and her employees value highly and they take as much pride in their community as they do in Cotton Tails. The store works with Rachel’s Kids, a non-profit that offers afterschool mentoring and activities to children living in the inner city neighborhoods of Memphis, and regularly links up with other stores in the shopping center for fashion shows. “And we do some benefit things where we’ll have an early morning breakfast and between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. a certain amount of dollars customers spend will go to the charity of their choice,” she adds, noting that becoming a successful local children’s store is not always about ringing the register. At Cotton Tails, it’s also about be-

SIGN UP FOR E-SHAW’S

TODAY(at earnshaws.com)

Catch Accent! on Wednesdays, brought to you by NYIGF, for new accessory introductions. E-shaw’s offers retailers a daily dose of essential information on products that can maximize profits.

DON’T MISS A SINGLE EDITION OF E-SHAW ’S .

er_04_05_13_on_the_block_01.indd 23 4/18/13 9:30 AM

2 4

*CALCULATING YOUR OPEN-TO-BUY NUMBER

IN FOCUS TRADE SHOW

WE EXPLORE HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR

TRADE SHOW PUNCH FOR BOTH RETAILERS

AND MANUFACTURERS, AND LIST DETAILS

ON SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DOMESTIC EXPOS FOR THE BACK

HALF OF 2013.

THE PEOPLE, THE booths, new exhibitors, favorite brands—all of this can be overwhelm-ing when you first hit the show floor. But James Dion, founder and presi-dent of retail consult-

Chicago has some tips to follow in order to make your next trade show trip run smoothly.

Get there early. Dion suggests that retailers arrive to the city a day early and use that time as an opportunity to tour the area’s retail land-

of retailers, not just in your category, and how they’re tempting custom-ers, [such as] what their stores look like and what kind of technology they’re using. Be a student of retail,” he says.

Do your homework. When preparing to buy for the next season, Dion recommends that you analyze the numbers for

these same months last

history for that same season—what was hot, what was not, what did you run out of and what was your performance?” He also says to pay atten-tion to the categories that seemed to be trending up last season and disregard the products going cold. Also be sure to calculate your open-to-buy* num-ber. “The monthly open-to-buy number should be used like a checkbook balance, as you ‘write a check’ for each purchase you need to subtract it from the open-to-buy balance for that month,” Dion advises.

In with the new, and old. Before the show, Dion advises retailers to make appointments with their store’s popular brands, and to also leave enough time to visit with new lines. “Make sure you allow time,

of the show, to find and identify new opportunities,

new products and ven-dors,” he notes.

Network and learn. Take advantage of educational seminars and speak with fellow store owners dur-

just a great opportunity to talk with other retail-ers, particularly with non-competitive ones about performance, how much you pay your manager, what kinds of returns you are getting and what you’re finding hot out there,” Dion says, adding that the educational ses-sions can be “a way of get-ting new knowledge and information to make your business better.”

Be visual. Think about how you’re going to set up your floor each month, and when new product will be rolling in. Visualize your floor plans and snap photos of the items you bought so you can talk to your sales staff about them when you return to your store.

F O R R E TA I L E R S

HOW TO BENEFIT FROM A TRADESHOW

Follow this equation to find your open-to-buy number for the month to figure out how much product you can buy for the season:

{ D e s i r e d e n d i n g m o n t h l y i n v e n t o r y ( a t r e t a i l v a l u e ) } + { P l a n n e d s a l e s }+ { M a r k d o w n s f o r t h e m o n t h }

- { Yo u r p l a n n e d b e g i n n i n g o f t h e m o n t h i n v e n t o r y }

= { O p e n t o b u y n u m b e r }

Tricks of theTrade

By Maria Bousel l i

er_04_05_13_in_focus_06REVISE.indd 24 4/17/13 3:22 PM

WE’VE COMPILED THE “EXCITING BITS” OF THE UPCOMING DOMESTIC SHOWS.

Atlanta Apparel Market when: June 6-9, August 8-12, October 17-21where: AmericasMart, Atlantabasic info: The show has six edi-tions during the year and more than 4,000 lines—800 of which are in the Children’s World section. “We feel like we’ve really weathered the storm and we’re poised to do nothing but go up at this point and foster the growth,” says Lou Ann Thomas, executive direc-tor of marketing. what’s new? Approximately 125 new lines have been added to the Children’s World section. why go? “Ease of buying,” says Gayle Gibbs, VP of leasing. “It’s all on one floor and you don’t have to run from booth to booth.” For exhibitors, she notes it’s an opportunity to reach stores that aren’t strictly-children but carry select kids’ products. amenities: Breakfast and lunch are provided, and educational seminars and social events are also hosted by the show. must-do: The show planners are in the midst of organizing a fashion show for the October edition.

GET YOUR CALENDARS OUT . . . IT’S SHOWTIME!

F O R M A N U FAC T U R E R S

DESIGNING YOUR BOOTH

LA Kids Market when: June 10-13, August 5-8, October 14-17where: California Market Center (CMC), Los Angelesbasic info: Taking place six times a year, the LA Kids Market gives retail-ers a chance to peruse the showrooms of the best 800-plus lines the California childrenswear market has to offer. With the CMC Gift and Home Market coinciding with the shows, buyers can find an array of products for their stores.what’s new? New addi-tions to the kids’ floor include Morgan and Milo, Up Past 8, Submarine, 2 Red Hens and Margery Ellen Baby. why go? “We boast more than 800 children’s and maternity brands collec-tively in one location, and offer a diverse assortment of categories in all price points and sizes,” says Alyson Bender, CMC’s social media and marketing repre-sentative. amenities: The show pro-vides breakfast, as well as vouchers for lunch, coffee and snacks, free parking, shuttle service for nearby hotels and a Buyers Lounge that offers Internet and printing. must-do: The Opening Night Reception in the main lobby provides a relaxed environment for buyers and industry guests to mingle.

A VISUAL BOOTH that stands out is crucial to sales, says Susannah Searson, VP of sales and marketing at Apple Park—a brand that’s won Best Booth Design in both Atlanta and Dallas. “Our retailer’s desire to give us extra square footage to convey the brand message they’ve seen at the trade shows is always the highest compliment and a signal to us that we are doing things right.” Here, Searson shares pointers on how to display brand product and entice retailers.

Go with the flow. Think about how people will enter the booth when brainstorm-ing display ideas. “I always take time to figure out where the flow of traffic will be coming from and what will be the first thing people see when they look at our booth,” Searson says.

Be inviting. Making the booth inviting and easy to shop is important. Allow attendees to be able to move about the booth to look at product and ensure easy communication with brand reps.

Inspire. “A retailer needs to be able to visualize how product will look in their store and also be inspired to replicate the environ-ment you have created,” Searson offers. She adds that the display should represent the brand’s DNA. “We actually recreate the park environment with our tree and grass murals, our picnic table and park bench, and of course our signature apple tree sculpture,” she says. Retailers like the tree so much that they ask to buy it to recreate the display in their own stores.

Keep up to date. While Searson notes that a well-thought out display can last for at least two years, she advises brands to ensure their fresh items are promi-nent. “We feel the booth should reflect the product offering, so if product has been updated and there are lots of new SKUs the booth should reflect this,” she says.

Know your brand. Find the best way to give attendees an idea of what your brand stands for. “We love it that our booth represents a park-like environment and to do this we have a chal-lenging set up, but in the end it’s worth it because retailers get a hands-on feel for how [to] present our product,” Searson says.


2 6

IN FOCUS TRADE SHOW

Dallas KidsWorld Market when: June 19-25, October 24-27where: World Trade Center, Dallasbasic info: “Since its debut in January 2008, KidsWorld contin-ues to feature leading manufactur-ers of gifts, home décor, furniture and related merchandise as well as children’s apparel and acces-sories,” says Cindy Morris, COO of the Dallas Market Center. “The combined resources create a com-plete floor devoted to products for infants, children, tweens and expectant mothers.” The show is set up in both permanent show-rooms and on a show floor.what’s new? Play. Baby. Juvenile. (PBJ), a show for baby gifts and gadgets, launched this past spring. Future dates have yet to be announced. As always, buyers can look forward to the addition of new brands. why go? Morris notes that this show is a perfect opportunity to shop for a diverse assortment of products, from apparel and acces-sories to gifts, gadgets and toys. amenities: The show provides members of United Southwest Children’s Organization (USCO) a lounge that includes meeting spaces, information about the show and refreshments. must-do: A fashion show and USCO dinner are not to be missed during the August market. “[It’s] a great opportunity for networking with peers and seeing the trends on the runway,” Morris adds.

SwimShowwhen: July 20-23where: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miamibasic info: For more than 30 years, SwimShow has provided retailers a vast selection of swimwear, including chil-dren’s. After several slow years during the recession, Judy Stein, executive director of the Swimwear Association of Florida, believes that the show is now better than ever: “We understand that the bench-marks of a successful show are measured by its quality, quantity and convenience and we look forward to not just meeting, but superseding these expectations with the top brands and the most significant buyers all under one roof.” what’s new? The show is adding anoth-er hall at the convention center, making for an approximate total of 400,000 square feet of floor space for swimwear. This new space will include a high-end

designer section. why go? Stein says the swimwear industry con-tinues to grow across various tiers of retail and as more lines, including well-known designer brands, come out with adult takedowns for children. “Also since this shift of considering kids’ swimwear a fashion category and not just a basic, manufacturers have really stepped up the design, craftsman-ship and price points for kids’ beachwear,” she notes. amenities: The show provides attendees

with a breakfast bar and high tea every day, as well as the Swim Lounge to relax and unwind, complete with a happy hour on Saturday and Monday evenings. The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and the visitor’s bureau also offer free transportation services to explore South Beach. must-do: Highlights of the Swim Show include a runway show with a champagne toast and trend and color seminars.

Playtimewhen: August 3-5where: New Yorkbasic info: The curated trade show saw its biggest turnout to date in its recent sixth edition—more than doubling since its first show. But no matter how much the show grows, Clare Posnack, spokes-woman for Playtime, ensures that it remains true to its original goal: “to pres-ent the most creative and interesting U.S. and international brands dedicated to the universe of children.” what’s new? The show will move to a new, yet-to-be announced, location for its August edition, which will have a “Super Heroes” theme. New exhibitors will also join the line up, but all will tie in with Playtime’s overall atmosphere. “We do not accept lines that we feel are not a good match,” Posnack adds. why go? The show director notes that attendees will see brands at Playtime that won’t exhibit at any other show. And, it remains one of the easiest shows to shop. “We are still small enough to ensure that exhibitors will not get lost in a sea of too many rows of booths yet big enough to offer an assortment of lines in many categories such as clothing, acces-sories, decoration and gear,” she says. amenities: Playtime offers a free break-fast and a cocktail party with live music for all attendees. For exhibitors, the show provides steamers and wooden walls to decorate the booths if needed as well as racks and shelves. Shuttle buses also run to and from other shows that coincide with Playtime for attendees’ convenience. must-do: The educational seminars and cocktail party are two Playtime highlights.


2 7

ENK Children’s Clubwhen: August 4-6, October 6-8where: Pier 94 and Jacob Javits Center, New Yorkbasic info: ENK Children’s Club, now part of Advanstar, has more than 600 collections for buyers to peruse and is constantly on the hunt for new additions. “Children’s Club has evolved over the years always mining for what’s new and relevant for the coming season so that we may continue to provide retailers with new and exciting product,” says Joanne Mohr, EVP of ENK. The floor is broken down into such categories as contempo-rary and international to make shopping easier. what’s new? Mohr assures that the Children’s Club plans to take full advantage of Advanstar’s new “Shop the Floor” app in the near future. “This web-based application will give buyers a pictorial view of the col-lections and also the opportunity for buyers and sellers to connect and purchase or sell both at the show and post show,” she notes. why go? Going strong for 13 years, Mohr believes that tradeshows, like ENK Children’s Club, remain an impor-tant aspect of the children’s industry. “They provide retailers with a view to the season over three days and all under one roof,” she says. “You can’t shop more than 600 collections in three days any other way.” From accessories and footwear to eco-friendly merchandise, buyers can find the right items for their product mix at Children’s Club. The August show also coincides with Accessorie Circuit and Intermezzo Collections, catering to those who are buying for adult customers as well. amenities: ENK provides its exhibitors with steam-ing stations and assistance to unload merchandise and bring it to their booths, and offers a complimentary lunch and full breakfast for all attendees. The show will also run shuttles to and from Accessorie Circuit and Intermezzo Collections.must-do: Mohr advises exhibitors to take advantage of pre-show marketing opportunities through ENK and for retailers to set up appointments to make the best use of their time. ENK also collaborates with Earnshaw’s during the October show to present the Earnie Awards.

Kidz at Stylemaxwhen: August 10-12, October 19-22where: Merchandise Mart, Chicago basic info: Kidz at Stylemax takes place four times a year in downtown Chicago at The Merchandise Mart. Since its inaugural show in 2010, VP Susan Glick says the show has con-tinued to grow alongside its women’s Stylemax show. “It was something we were very excited about—to be able to take our very important partners who were the childrenswear reps and invite them to be part of Stylemax,” she says. “In the last couple years it has worked out to be a formula that we are all very

satisfied with and our reps have more exciting lines than ever.” what’s new? Glick says attendees can look forward to seeing new brands in August and October. why go? “We feel that this is the des-tination if you have a childrenswear store or are a women’s boutique try-ing to enter into the market,” Glick says. “We are known for bringing buyers and sellers together with the right formula and that’s what we’ve achieved.” Besides an array of chil-drenswear brands, Kidz at Stylemax also offers crossover trade shows, including a women’s show and a bridal market. amenities: Kidz at Stylemax offers attendees free lunch and coffee on the floor as well as an Internet lounge and a happy hour. must-do: “Do your homework,” Glick advises. “Our website is very interac-tive and retailers can take a look at all of the lines at Stylemax so they can be very well-prepared.”

NY Nowwhen: August 17-21where: Jacob Javits Center and Pier 94, New Yorkbasic info: Formerly known as New York International Gift Fair, NY Now attracts more than 33,000 attend-ees to view the approximately 2,800 exhibitors. The show runs the gamut on product, from home essentials and décor to toys and gear. what’s new? “Everything will be new this August!” exclaims Show Director and GLM Senior Vice President Christian Falkenberg. He notes that the new name complements the change in the show’s organization. Instead of being divided into 10 sections, NY Now is split up into four parts—Home (furnishings, textiles, decorative acces-sories), Lifestyle (giftware, personal care, stationery, fashion accessories and children’s products), Handmade (handcrafted resources in all home and lifestyle categories) and New! which focuses on approximately 250 new-to-market exhibitors. why go? “It offers retailers a chance to efficiently and effectively source and shop a broad range of complementary merchandise,” according to Falkenberg.

amenities: While the show director notes that the main focus is on ensur-ing retailers can easily shop the show, NY Now will be offering a new online product directory: NYNow365.com. Exhibitors can post product informa-tion with videos and images, and buy-ers can browse products and brands, “like” and share their favorites, and request information about the product such as wholesale pricing. must-do: Falkenberg advises retailers to plan ahead and register for some of the 30 educational sessions, which address such topics as design trends and digital marketing, and events, such as Night on Broadway and the Retailer Excellence Awards, and to schedule appointments with exhibi-tors to “make the most of their time at market.”


IN FOCUS TRADE SHOW

KIDShow Las Vegaswhen: August 19-21where: Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Las Vegasbasic info: Since starting 10 years ago with only 63 brands, KIDShow Vegas has come a long way. “The last show was probably one of the best attended shows in five years,” says Denise Raeside, manager of KIDShow. “Exhibitors were saying thank you and that it was a great show—one of the best shows ever.” While KIDShow is moving down the hall into the

Expo Center in Bally’s, the spirit remains the same—creating a great show for both buyers and exhibitors. what’s new? A slightly new location in Bally’s Expo Center, and Raeside hopes to expand its line offerings with more California reps, especially from the San Francisco area. why go? KIDShow offers an international attendance, up about 30 percent from last year. And during these same dates, buyers can also attend FN Platform and ENK Vegas. amenities: Food is provided throughout the day for buyers and exhibitors, and beverages and snacks are even available for exhibitors as they set up their booths. Raeside looks to make attendees feel at home to create a positive experience. “Those amenities mean a lot, but if they’re having a good show, they just make it nice and comfortable. It’s nice to know that someone is there taking care of your needs,” she says. must-do: The cocktail party on opening night is a great opportunity to network with fellow retailers and exhibitors.

Northern California Showwhen: August 24-26where: Oakland City Center Marriott, Oakland, CAbasic info: When the economy took a turn, Wendy Samuels, coordinator of the Northern California Show, says the Kids on 6 reps wanted to find a way to help reach the northern California market by doing a show “that was both afford-able to attend and featured all the best we have in L.A.” The show began with nine reps and today has more than 40, showcasing more than 500 lines. what’s new? Retailers can expect to find some new and unique brands to add to their store’s mix—from accessories and party dresses to European and domestic lines. why go? The show will be in an open booth set-ting, which Samuels believes makes it easier for retailers to browse and find unique brands “as well as take as much time as they like with the lines they have come to know as important resources for their customers.” amenities: The show gives attendees breakfast and lunch each day, “and maybe some surprise raffles,” Samuels adds. must-do: Samuels notes that the cocktail gather-ing is a “good time to meet, greet and network with all attendees.”

Offspring

1385 Broadway, Suite 1800

NY, NY 10018

212-279-4150

Mark Zelen

NortheastBill & Sandie Ellsworth

781-326-3999

SoutheastPaul Daubney

404-577-6840

Caribbean/Latin America/South Florida

Rolando & Ana Hidalgo

305-266-8745

West CoastTeresa Stephen &

Krystal Crooymans

866-723-KIDS

Midwest Richard Finkelstein & Al Zaiff

800-935-0236

Texas/SouthwestAnnette Cardona-Stein

214-637-4446

International Nathan A. Mamiye

212-216-6008

The Children’s ClubThe Kids Show


The Children’s Great Event Shoe Show when: September 10-12where: Marriott Teaneck at Glenpointe, Teaneck, NJbasic info: Created in 1990 to give vendors and retailers rooted in the children’s shoe business a chance to network and view products twice a year, The Children’s Great Event Shoe Show has grown from 54 exhibitors its first year to more than 300 brands at its upcoming edition. “There is no other show in the country that is as large as ours with so many lines of chil-dren’s shoes that you can see under one roof,” says President and CEO Allen Blum. what’s new? Blum says for the summer edition, the show is boosting its add-on vendors to include more brands that fea-ture accessories such as headbands and sunglasses. why go? It’s the only trade show that’s focused solely on chil-dren’s shoes. And Blum says each brand, from the big to the small, is ensured their due recognition. “One of the main things at our show is we give the small vendors a chance to get noticed with the large vendors,” he notes, adding that those looking for European brands like Primigi might notice a smaller, newer brand that also has a European-style to add to their store as well. amenities: The show gives out coupons for lunches and offers a great rate for retailers and vendors to stay at the hotel. must-do: “Make appointments,” Blum says. He notes that some exhibitors are even open to the “wee hours” of the night talking with retailers and writing orders.

KIDShow Miami when: October 20-21where: Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami basic info: With the inaugural edi-tion in March drawing a total of 176 brands, KIDShow Miami is off to a running start. Denise Raeside and others on the KIDShow team decided to organize a show in Miami to reach a different set of exhibitors and retail-ers. Buyers from such countries as Argentina, Costa Rica, Haiti, Ecuador, Jamaica, Panama and Venezuela were

in attendance during this first edition. “It was really geography,” she says. “Getting from one side of the country to another is a lot so now we’re really offering an East Coast and West Coast show.” what’s new? Raeside sees the next edition growing even bigger, with more exhibitors and retailers in attendance. “We all walked away saying this could really be something,” she adds. “And even when we were down there, we were getting e-mails from people in the New York area to send them informa-tion for the October show.” why go? If buyers are looking to increase their footwear assortment while also viewing apparel, Raeside says there is a big shoe presence in Miami. The show also offers a chance to network with retailers and brands from Central and South America. amenities: A continental breakfast as well as a sample of local cuisine for lunch is provided to all attendees. must-do: The opening reception is a not to be missed networking event.

Too Cool For Preschool

1-800-4-RASHTI www.rashtiandrashti.com

©20

13. A

ll rig

hts

rese

rved

. Ras

hti &

Ras

hti a

nd B

aby

Star

ters

are

regi

ster

ed tr

adem

arks

ow

ned

by H

J Ra

shti

& C

ompa

ny, I

nc.

1*Rashti-TooCool_ER_1-2pghorizAD.indd 1 4/16/13 3:10 PM


IN FOCUS TRADE SHOW

PLUSHJune 7-9

Hyatt Recency PlazaLos Angeles, CA(310) 248-0160

www.plushshow.com

The Columbus MarketPlace for Gift, Garden and Home

June 23-25, July 21-23, August 16-20, September 29-October 1

7001 Discovery BlvdDublin, OH

(614) 339-5101www.thecolumbusmarketplace.com

The Atlanta Int’l. Gift & Home Furnishing Market

July 10-17, September 17-19AmericasMart

Atlanta, GA(404) 220-3000

www.americasmart.com

ABC Kids Expo when: October 15-18where: Las Vegasbasic info: Since its first edition in 2003, the ABC Kids Expo has grown from 400 exhibi-tors to approximately 900 exhibitors, adding a Modern Child section in 2006 and the Naturally Kids Showcase in 2007. what’s new? Two new sections in the Baby and Child category are launching in October—the UK Pavilion (sponsored by

Harrogate Nursery Fair and the Baby Products Association) and a China Pavilion (supported by the Children Baby Maternity Expo). An Inventors Showcase will also be available where “inventors” can discuss their innovative ideas. The show is making a return to its original home in Las Vegas as well. why go? “The ABC Kids Expo is the single largest collection of manufacturers of juvenile products in North America attracting a grow-ing international audience,” says Eric Seemann, CEM and CMP of the show. He also calls the show a “one-stop shop” for children’s retailers, where they can buy necessities from gift items and furniture to apparel. amenities: A media center will be available for retailers to pick up manufacturers’ media kits, and a coffee and wine bar, beer garden and margarita oasis will be at attendees’ disposal. must-do: The Industry Reception, free for all attendees, on the opening night of the show, The New Product Showcase Reception, runway events, and Innovation Award Winners Zone are all must-sees. Seemann advises attendees to register early as these events are updated as the date moves closer.

Additional regional shows to put on your radar:

JUN

E 2012

WW

W.N

EWYO

RKFAM

ILY.CO

M

NEW

YORK FAM

ILY

NYC DADCHRONICLES

THE

ENJOYINGGREATLOCALOUTDOORS

THE

KELLY KILLORENBENSIMON

CONEY ISLAND TIP SHEET SUMMER STYLE FOR KIDS

MUST READDR. HARVEY KARP ON RAISING REALLY GOOD SLEEPERS

june 2012Established 1986newyorkfamily.com

WIN A DAY WITH DORA AT THE BRONX ZOO! PAGE 8

HOT AS EVERHAPPY, HEALTHYHAPPY, HEALTHY&

Cover_0612_v3.indd 1

5/21/12 10:19 AM

JULY 2012

WW

W.N

EWYO

RKFAM

ILY.CO

M

NEW

YORK FAM

ILY

july 2012

Established 1986

newyorkfamily.com

New York

Theto

to

ULTIMATE GUIDE

RAISING KIDSin theCITY2012

2013

ATTRACTIONS

CONCERTS

NEW PARENTS

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

EDUCATION

SHOPPING

CAMPS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SPECIAL NEEDS

CLASSES

MUSEUMS

THEATERS

Cover_0712.indd 1

6/25/12 1:51 PM

NYC DADCHRONICLES

ENJOYINGGREAT

NYC DADCHRONICLESMUST READMUST READ

FE

BR

UA

RY

20

13

WW

W.N

EW

YO

RK

FAM

ILY.CO

M

NE

W Y

OR

K FAM

ILY

NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

FEBRUARY 2013

established 1986

YEARS

ThenNOW

&

How City Parenting Has

Changed Through The Years

NEWYORK

MY

Our Favorite

Covers & Quotes

The 25EXPERIENCES

We Wish For

Every NYC Child

COVER_0213.indd 1

1/22/13 1:15 PM

A glossy, vibrant monthly magazine ĨŽƌ�ƐŽƉŚŝƐƟ�ĐĂƚĞĚ�EĞǁ�zŽƌŬ�ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ

�ͲŶĞǁƐůĞƩ�ĞƌƐ��ͻ��tĞĞŬůǇ�^ĐŽŽƉ�Ͳ�ŽƵƌ�ďĞƐƚ�ŝĚĞĂƐ�ĂŶĚ�

ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ�ĨŽƌ�ĨĂŵŝůŝĞƐ�ŝŶ�ƚŚĞ�ĐŝƚǇ

��ͻ��tĞĞŬĞŶĚ�WůĂŶŶĞƌ�Ͳ�ŽƵƌ�ĨĂǀŽƌŝƚĞ�ĨĂŵŝůǇ�ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ�ĞǀĞŶƚƐ�ĂƌŽƵŶĚ�ƚŚĞ�ĐŝƚǇ�

��ͻ��EĞǁ�zŽƌŬ�&ĂŵŝůǇ��ĂďǇ�Ͳ�Ă�ůŝǀĞůǇ�ŵŝǆ�ŽĨ�ƉƌĞͲĂŶĚ�ƉŽƐƚͲŶĂƚĂů�ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ�ĂŶĚ�Ɵ�ƉƐ�

EĞǁ�zŽƌŬ��ĂďǇ�^ŚŽǁ�Ͳ�ƚŚĞ�ůĂƌŐĞƐƚ�ĐŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ�ƐŚŽǁ�ĨŽƌ�ŶĞǁ�ĂŶĚ�ĞǆƉĞĐƚĂŶƚ�ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ

New York

�ĞĐŽŵĞ�Ă�ƉĂƌƚ�ŽĨ�ŽƵƌ�ĨĂŵŝůǇ�ǁǁǁEĞǁzŽƌŬ&ĂŵŝůǇĐŽŵǁǁǁEĞǁzŽƌŬ�ĂďǇ^ŚŽǁĐŽŵ

july 2012

Established 1986

newyorkfamily.com

New YorkNew YorkNew YorkNew YorkNew YorkNew YorkNew YorkNew York

to

ULTIMATE GUIDE

RAISING KIDS

CITY2012

YEARS

ThenNOW

&NOW

&NOWHow City Parenting Has

Changed Through The Years

NEWYORK

MY

Our Favorite

Covers & Quotes

The 25EXPERIENCES

We Wish For

Every NYC Child

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

COVER_0213.indd 1

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM

1/22/13 1:15 PM ��ͻ��EĞǁ�zŽƌŬ�&ĂŵŝůǇ��ĂďǇ�Ͳ�Ă�ůŝǀĞůǇ��ͻ��EĞǁ�zŽƌŬ�&ĂŵŝůǇ��ĂďǇ�Ͳ�Ă�ůŝǀĞůǇ�

EĞǁ�zŽƌŬ��ĂďǇ�^ŚŽǁĐŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ�ƐŚŽǁ�ĨŽƌ�ŶĞǁ�ĂŶĚ�ĞǆƉĞĐƚĂŶƚ�ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ

JAN

UA

RY

20

13

WW

W.N

EW

YO

RK

FAM

ILY.CO

M

NE

W Y

OR

K FAM

ILY

WINTER FUN GUIDE: SKATING, SKIING HOT CHOCOLATE

NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

JANUARY 2013established 1986

8SEEPAGE

WINTICKETS TO “ELMO’S SUPER HEROES!”

GIANT HEARTA

MICHAEL STRAHANChats About Family,Football BeingKelly Ripa’s New Teammate

&

THE BESTSTROLLERSOF 2013

100CoolClassesKIDSfor

The Merit OfChildren’sMistakes

&

COVER_0113.indd 1

12/19/12 3:36 PM


http://www.plushshow.com

http://www.thecolumbusmarketplace.com

http://www.americasmart.com

AtlantaThe Chicago Market

July 18-24, September 18-20Merchandise Mart

Chicago, ILwww.shopchicagomarket.com

North Branch Kids ShowAugust 9-13, October 18-22

1229 N. North Branch-3rd FloorChicago, IL

www.northbranchkids.com

The Children’s Show at Deerfield

August 10-13, October 19-22Embassy Suites

Deerfield, ILwww.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

United Boston Children’s Wear Show

August 12-14, September 8-11, October 20-23

75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA

(781) 407-0055www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

New York Kids Market WeekAugust 12-16, October 28- November 1

34 West 33rd St., (3rd, 9th, 12th floors)

New York, NYwww.nykidsmarket.net

Dallas Apparel and Accessories Market

August 14-17, October 24-27Dallas Market Center

Dallas, TX(214) 744-7444

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Vow, New World of BridalSeptember 17-20

AmericasMartAtlanta, GA

(404) 220-3000www.americasmart.com

Northwest Kids ShowSeptember 28-30

DoubleTree by HiltonSeattle, WA

www.nwkidsshow.com

The Livonia Children’s ShowSeptember 29-

October 1Embassy Suites

Livonia, MIwww.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

Michigan Children’s ShowSeptember 29-

October 1Glen Oaks Country Club30124 W. 13 Miles Road

Farmington Hills, MI(847) 415-2156

The Indy Children’s ShowOctober 3-4

Embassy Suites NorthIndianapolis, IN

www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

All Baby & Child Spring Education Conference

May 20-22, 2014Disney Coronoda Resort

Orlando, FLwww.allbabyandchildsec.com

THE SHOE ISSUE

Contact: Noelle He!ernan (646) 278-1531 [email protected] advertising rates, sponsorships and custom publication opportunities.

PH

OTO

GR

AP

H B

Y C

HR

ISTO

PH

E K

UTN

ER

JUNE ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

Shoe InTaking a look at the children’s footwear industry from the retailers and fashionista’s point of view.

Licensed to ThrillA look into the children’s licensing industry, and the properties most popular for kids.

International Trade Show PlannerThe brands and events to look forward to at upcoming international trade shows.

Get Active!The trends and buzz shaping up activewear.

So much more…Inspirational, informative and insightful, Earnshaw’s magazine has been the go-to resource for children’s apparel retailers for the past 96 years.

Advertise in Earnshaw’s and place your brand message in front of 15,000 childrenswear buyers and professionals. Brand impression is everything today, and we can make sure your message remains top of mind within the industry with buyers looking to fill store shelves.

Space reservations: 5/09/13Materials due: 5/16/13

Bonus distribution Regional trade marts and NYC showrooms


http://www.shopchicagomarket.com

http://www.northbranchkids.com/

http://www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

http://www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

http://www.nykidsmarket.net

http://www.dallasmarketcenter.com

http://www.americasmart.com

http://www.nwkidsshow.com/



3 2

SwaddleDesigns B E H I N D T H E S E A M S

FOUNDED ON A LARGE SQUARE

SWADDLING BLANKET WITH

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS,

LYNETTE DAMIR HAS GROWN

SWADDLEDESIGNS INTO A

MODERN BABY LIFESTYLE BRAND

FEATURING A HOST OF TRENDY

ESSENTIALS.

BY JENNIFER CATTAUI

TEN YEARS AGO,

HIP TO BE SQUARE

Founder of SwaddleDesigns

Lynette Damir

er_04_05_behind_seams_01.indd 32 4/15/13 11:02 AM

3 3

babies sleep better on their backs when swad-dled, and the back position is the safest way

4,000 blankets right away as part of their gift

-

-

her design sensibility and she created a collec-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Inc.

blankets to hooded towels and bibs to wearable -

-

-

when his wife and her identical triplet sisters

-1

2

3

Clockwise from bottom left: 1. chevron swaddling blanket 2. chick print sleep sack 3. Mickey Mouse print blanket

er_04_05_behind_seams_01.indd 33 4/15/13 11:03 AM

3 4

EARLY 25 YEARS ago, Uli and Michael Belenky ditched their jobs as a creative director and freelance pho-tographer and dove into something new. “We were thinking about babies at the time, knew professionally we wanted to work together and we saw a void in the market,” Michael says. Their vision was an out of the box baby apparel company with a strong point of view and aesthetic, swim-ming upstream from the sea of pastel pinks and blues that had saturated the market. They up and left New

years into the business, and relocated

a really great move, as we know now, but was pretty ballsy at the time,” Michael laughs. They had already cemented a relationship with produc-ers in Macao who continue to manu-facture the line, a partnership that gave them the confidence to make the move. “We met them early on through

been a dedicated relationship ever

Michael and Uli Belenky dish about their 24-year-old childrenswear label known for bright hues and modern prints, and how they’re keeping it fresh in new markets season after season. BY JENNIFER CATTAUI

Michael Belenky

(top) andUli Belenky

(right), founders of

Zutano.

Color Me Zutano

N adults,” he adds.Today, there is not a person in

what it represents: a vibrant palette and a wide array of fun prints for babies who, incidentally, look great in color. The brand has such a strong

market that over the last few years

bedding, toys and most recently, furniture. We got to sit down with Uli and Michael and find out more about the future of their “business

along the way.

You’ve been expanding quite a bit into lots of new categories—what’s that experience been like?M.B.:

developing strong partnerships.

beyond clothing to a real lifestyle brand. Along with the bedding col-lections that we have been doing

Q & A

er_04_05_13_Q&A_03_revise.indd 34 4/15/13 4:20 PM

with Kidsline, a really great partner for interpreting our aesthetics into bedding, there are more things coming. We have a new partner-ship with Storkcraft where we are working on bringing some color and new ideas to children’s furniture, so we’re looking beyond cribs. I think children’s furniture is an area where there’s been a lot of tra-ditional thinking and the market is ready for a little twist—bringing an element of surprise and wonder. We like to speak to the imagina-tion of children and embrace play.

How did you know your brand was ready to be translated into these new markets?M.B.: I think the brand has matured and Uli has strived to bring freshness and relevance to the market all these years. We built a strong brand and brand following. We’re seeing value and our partners are seeing value from the pillars of the brand. I think all of Zutano’s core elements translate well to other markets when we have good partners. We know the specialty children’s retail market well, and now it’s a really great time to bring new product to market. It’s been a wonderful way to extend brand reach and help new cus-tomers gain the knowledge and develop curiosity about the brand.

Uli, how have you evolved as a designer over the years?U.B.: Art is like everything else in life. You have to keep practicing to get good at it and I have a lot of practice. I try to stay in touch with my inner child and have fun. I keep at it and embrace change.

When do you feel most creative?U.B.: Definitely in the evening . . . late evening. I am such a night owl with my creative work. The mornings are for coffee and e-mails and planning meetings.

Have there been any changes to the market that you think have significantly impacted Zutano’s business and the market in general?M.B.: The thing that is really important for our market is the advent of social media and the Internet, and this is a really strong part of the future of the specialty children’s market because when you sit and type things into Google, you type in things you are obsessed with and are on your mind. There is nothing we are more obsessed with than our babies—people love to go online and share that excitement. It’s perfect for the children’s market. We love this opportunity to speak directly to the end consumer and get feedback. We developed a strong community around [Zutano’s] Facebook page. A specialty company like Zutano or a specialty store has a great opportunity here that should not be ignored. Years ago, it would have been impossible to connect with your audience on such a personal level. Your customers have the ability to help you go viral and you can get feedback instantly that you couldn’t have done before without conducting a study or focus group. This change has been challenging and exciting, as we all have to rethink ways to connect.

How are you harnessing this opportunity?M.B.: In the coming year, we are putting more focus on our new web platform for the brand that will have a lot more tools and make the brand experience better. Our line is vast with a lot of color and prints and there are a lot of different ways people can navigate. We’re all learning and it’s one step at a time with the web and we have to continually adapt. You’re never there. It’s important that you continually evolve.

Organic baby essentials

picked daily & packed with love

www.SatsumaDesigns.com

Always made in the USA!

Award-winning collection

Immediate delivery

Low minimum


We are also working on the Zutano B-2-B to give that dynamic shopping and brandability to our retailers so they will have better access and understanding of the brand. We’d love to get to the point to allow our wholesale accounts to have access to our live inventory and have the ability to get things as they need them. We love when people buy the season before but we also have two of our own retail stores as well (our company store in Vermont and a store-within-store in FAO Schwarz) and we know you start a season not really knowing what will be selling and it would be great to have the ability to restock and change course to maximize your season. We’re defi-nitely a company that ships 12 months throughout the year and we love having the product on the shelf and keeping it going.

Zutano is a major player in the U.S. children’s market—what about internationally?M.B.: For many, many years we’ve had a strong following in Asia particularly—a strong brand recognition in Japan and Korea. They say there’s Zutano mania in Korea when the boxes come in. I’m always fascinated with the Japanese market. Especially with the way that the public in Japan is so open to trends and is able to rein-terpret them for their own market. It’s about their global openness and clear design vision and aesthetic. We do also have great accounts in Europe, but the European market is much more traditional, and often there’s not as much global curiosity. In Asia there’s more open-ness and curiosity about the rest of the world.

What do you think has given Zutano such staying power?U.B.: It’s the lifestyle that sets Zutano apart from everything else out there: from our location in the green hills of Vermont and the babies that come with the moms to the office and the farmers’ market that is held at the office weekly in the summer, to the Skype conferences and intense planning and merchandising meetings. Zutano has obvi-ously grown much bigger and is recognized worldwide for its unique sense of color and whimsy, but from the beginning, I always thought of Zutano as a lifestyle brand. As the brand has grown, especially into home products and nursery, it has been a natural and fitting transition for us. Our vibrant colors and inspired prints are ideal for cribs and other nursery pieces.

I think the soul and energy of Zutano have captured the attention of new mothers. Today’s young families are searching for modern looks that capture the sophistication and unique qualities of their personal style. Zutano goes so far beyond the heirloom looks of the past. It rep-resents a continual rebirth of fresh, modern design.

What about your business are you most proud of?M.B.: I think Zutano has had an important role in changing the baby business in the U.S. When we started in 1988 it was a really different market and I am really proud to see the influence that the brand has had on the market and on the way we think of dressing babies. U.B.: I’m also proud of every aspect of the business that we have cre-ated over the last 24 years. Seeing Zutano expand and mature has been like watching the stages of a growing child—you take the good with the bad and wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. It has been an indescribable learning experience. I am also continually proud of the product we create. We are always adjusting, refining and reworking our designs and our strategies in order to improve the product and the process. All the while Zutano has been accumulating a fan base of happy babies and happy parents that finally feel like they’ve found, in Zutano, a reflection of their personality and originality that they

replenishable goods keep mama coming back prestige skin care for baby and mama

clinically formulated with natural ingredients

noodleandboo.com | 888.400.5454Receive 10% off your opening order with code: earn0513

replenishable goods replenishable goods keep mama coming backreplenishable goods keep mama coming back

our customers love it

�

¡� PDULOLBMHDQ#\DKRR�FRP�

¡� ��

¡� ZZZ�PDULOLMHDQ�FRP�

¡� �


3 8

ROYALLY APPOINTED

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE’S FIRST BABY IS SET TO BE THE JEWEL IN THE INFANT AND TODDLER INDUSTRY’S CROWN. BY ANGELA VELASQUEZ

Magnificent Baby

er_04_05_royal_baby_01REVISE.indd 38 4/16/13 1:52 PM

3 9

YOU COULD SAY the start of the celebrity baby craze began on June

pack of international photographers

generation of royal watchers when

W

Rachel Riley

The Duchess of Cambridge


Royal Family that sealed the company’s decision to create the “An Heir is Born” collection as soon as the Palace announced the baby news in December. The limited edition line of one-pieces, bibs and blankets features a unisex print comprised of crowns, shields, prams and bottles rested on regal pillows in colors that Levy describes as “British-centric hues in a European palette,” with some items em-bellished with gold foil and embroidery.

Levy says the retailers who will benefit from the Royal Baby buzz are the ones that saw how the Royal Wedding impacted the wed-ding industry and acted quickly. Existing Magnificent Baby accounts jumped on the idea, she reports. “They saw the potential immediately and as it comes closer to Kate’s due date, everyone else is going to start realizing it, but it will be too late,” Levy explains. “If people don’t think it will matter, they’re not seeing the scope of Kate’s influence.”

“If you can imagine how much hype has surrounded the Beckham children, just wait until the Royal Baby is born,” Hubbard offers. She says the public is behind the Royal Family more than ever and much of the adoration is owed to William and Kate’s love story. “It’s so relat-able—they met in college, broke up, got back together, had a beautiful wedding. It’s a story that people worldwide have been following from the start,” she explains. Hubbard expects British retailers and brands to vie for royal attention and predicts Kate to shop from a mix of fine children’s boutiques in London’s Chelsea district, high street stores like Mothercare, as well as department stores with a Royal Appoint-ment such as Selfridges. “She’s a high street girl, an advocate for high street shopping and British designers,” Hubbard says.

Ike-Prince agrees: “Kate is a style ambassador for Britain and the baby will be too. London’s fashion is fun and creative. I think we’ll see a combination of trendy and traditional styles done in a modern way, especially since she’s embraced that way of shopping for herself.” With affordable stores like Topshop and Jigsaw as some of the Duch-ess’ favorite places to shop, Hubbard says don’t expect the baby to be seen wearing Baby Dior or Gucci. “I imagine that if she shops for up-market labels it will be brands like Rachel Riley, Marie-Chantal and Bonpoint,” she suggests.

That’s music to Riley’s ears because she believes the Royal Fam-ily has a good tradition for supporting British companies. Just as the public was swayed by the late Princess Diana’s choice of everything from baby names and schools, down to the type of snowsuits she dressed William and Harry in, the designer says Kate and her heir will influence an entire generation of children. However, if the baby is a boy she believes people will be reflective and nostalgic. “Everyone loved Diana and people will look back to that time to see how she dressed her boys,” she says.

If the baby is a girl, Riley says expect even more excitement because the 300-year-old principle of male primogeniture rule will officially come to an end. Last year the British government introduced the succession to the Crown Bill, meaning that regardless if William and Kate’s baby is a girl or boy, it will succeed to the throne—and conse-quently knock Prince Harry to fourth in line. “Lots of people would like for the baby to be a girl because it would change the course of history,” Riley adds.

And history may be the single factor distinguishing this well-known baby from all other celebrity babies. The wedding, the Jubilee and the Olympics brought everyone together, but now Hubbard says it is the younger royals’ time and opportunity to keep the momentum going. “Kate has taken on Diana’s role beautifully, working with children and William is perceived to be down-to-earth. They’re really similar to other young modern couples, except they are also the people’s prince and princess,” she explains. As such, their baby will become a figure in history—and will need a wardrobe to match—and is why Hubbard laughs, “If you want trendy and funky children’s fashion, you’ll have


plush friends burp cloths swaddle blanketsplush books

© 2

013

Car

ter’s

, Inc

. All

right

s re

serv

ed. C

ART

ER’S

is a

trad

emar

k ow

ned

by

a su

bsi

dia

ry o

f Car

ter’s

, Inc

.gifting made simple

®

made under license by

EARN_41 41EARN_41 41 4/16/13 12:39:36 PM4/16/13 12:39:36 PM

4 2

NOWADAYS IN FASHION popular buzzwords like “organic” and “eco-friendly” get bandied around a lot. Which is a good thing, except that more often than not they don’t tell you anything specific about your clothes. What’s the difference between a brand that’s actually helping to make the planet a better place and one that’s just riding the eco bandwagon with a less-than-well intentioned “organic” label? Despite cotton’s image as being a natural and pure fiber, conventional cotton farming accounts

the most pesticide-intensive crop grown on An Insider’s Guide to: Cotton

& Sustainability, Simon Ferrigno explains

crop is genetically modified to be resistant to

genetically modified. Conventional cotton fabrics can also be processed with chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde, to which babies’ and young children’s skin is especially sensitive.

While fast-fashion label H&M is the No.

vast majority of big name brands tend to blend—using organic alongside non-organ-ic—and consumers are starting to wise up, demanding fabric that’s free from potentially

yarn and fabric exports have been increasing

in the past few years, driven by a dynamic textile industry that has also been increasing

and clothing trade fair, attracts upwards of

lured by an abundance of artisanal collec-tives and businesses. Ethical fashion hasn’t

previous year.

SOFTER, STRONGER

has for millennia: without chemical fertil-izers or synthetic pesticides. The country grows two major varieties of cotton: tan-

in the northern region and used for higher quality textiles—the longer the strand, the

see the item and when they touch it, they can feel the difference,” says Simone Oettinger,

Wild

PERU’S COTTON EXPORTS ARE ON

THE RISE AS PARENTS BECOME MORE AWARE OF

THE IMPACT OF CHEMICAL

PROCESSING ON CHILDREN’S SKIN.

BY LYNDSAY MCGREGOR

MORE

PICCHUMACHU

THAN

er_04_05_feature.peru_01.indd 42 4/15/13 11:17 AM

4 3

Honeyami Belle & Beanzer

Melopima


ensure a smooth finish when the garments are washed and dried. Being the perfect environment in which to grow cotton is not the

only reason Peru has seemingly cornered the baby market in recent seasons. The talent and trust must also be there. Elia Gressin, owner and designer of French infant and toddler brand Melopima, says: “You have to find someone that you can trust and who does a very good job. You must be very involved and know you won’t see children working there. That’s very important for my clients and also for me.” Argentinian fashion designer Carolina Kleinman of Carolina K agrees. “It’s so important to work in a Fair Trade place with well paid factories. Nowadays you have to be very careful about where you produce and make sure people are treated with respect and well paid for their work,” she says. “Outside of the U.S., Peru is home to manu-facturers that are considered to be first in class in the global market. This reputation has also resulted in a higher consumer value placed on items of Peruvian origin when compared with other sources like Asia. This higher perceived value trickles down and is amplified within the infant apparel market because there is a lower risk tolerance for new mothers who want to clothe their babies in high-quality garments made in places with stringent product safety regulations,” says Der-rick Veillon, president of Paty Inc., which manufactures its Beginnings by Paty line in Peru.

For Bartko, who also manufactures in Europe, the Peru-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (signed in 2006) is a big bonus. “My woven bedding is made in Portugal so I pay high duty to import that product into the U.S. I also have to transfer my money into euro and that all eats into my margin. In Peru there’s a Free Trade Agreement and I can pay in U.S. dollars,” she says, adding, “And because it’s a smaller country with smaller farms, it’s enabled me to offer smaller minimum orders. When I went and asked for quotes from China they wanted very large orders, where in Peru you’re supporting a family-owned farm and family-owned factory.”

MORE TO DOBut be aware, it’s not all roses in the garden. “You have to make sure that the factories that you’re working with are compliant with the U.S. children’s laws and that they have experience in exporting. You’ll

Jaxxwear


find, as anywhere, these little mom-and-pops but if they’ve never really exported it becomes a huge issue,” Parlante says, and Veillon echoes this. “As with any foreign source, you must be cognizant of the cultural differences between the organizations and how it will affect the flow of business,” he says. High prices are another downside. “Anybody that’s making something out of pima cotton is paying twice as much as they would if they worked with regular cotton,” Jaffe says, though she’s quick to add, “It’s about the quality. These factories are craftspeople and they are able to do specialized handwork on these small garments that in other countries would be done by machine.”

Re-ordering, unfortunately, is a pie in the sky—Peru production is small scale and requires a longer lead-time than most suppliers. “For us, we’re cut to order. Once we put an order in for the season, we can’t re-order it because it would take too long for them to make the fabrics. Any-body going into Peru should be prepared to work very far ahead of time. That’s not a bad thing. When you work slowly you get good quality but in this business sometimes people need things at the drop of a hat and it can be shocking to see just how slowly they work down there,” she says. Lazaroff compensates for this by buying fabric up front so she can manufacture re-orders domesti-cally.

“The quality, feel and comfort of pima is unique. As far as the certified organic resources that may be available now, I believe that in time there will be more to choose from. Manufactur-ers and mills will need to cater to the consumers

who demand the organic element in their baby’s clothes,” says Fran-cesco Sammaritano, an assistant professor at Parsons New School for Design. Gressin justifies any timing issues by being realistic. “We have to give them time. I can’t say to someone, ‘OK, I need this in a month.’ We have to produce in advance. If we do things like that it’s not a prob-lem,” she says. “I receive lots of requests from manufacturers in India and China telling me they can make the clothes but I don’t want that. Yes, I pay more, it’s more expensive than making in China or India, but I say I prefer to get less income for me and to give more quality to the

Klever Kids

www.capeclogs.com

Be healthy, be joyful, and start with your shoes.For wholesale information, please contact us:

ph: 1-800-380-5977 em: [email protected] web: www.capeclogs.com

Our new sky cobalt blue patent leather for children!

New! Twinkle Twinkle with soft leather !per.

Our new Dala Mid-H"l Line for T"# and Adults, in a variety of colors, with a 2.5 inch h"l!

Polka dot varieties, and mode$ pink meta%ic!


46

shadow_puppets_04.indd 46 4/16/13 4:17 PM

47

Le Toit de la Lune

cardigan, Lucky Fish

T-shirt.

STYLING BY

MICHEL ONOFRIO

47


48

Mini Noch Organic hoodie, Oeuf cardigan, Andy & Evan pants, vintage socks and boots.

Opposite page, left to right: Oeuf sweater, Zaikamoya leggings; Suoak hooded sweater, Oeuf pants; sweater by Oeuf, Lucky Jade leggings. All shoes by Minnetonka and handknit vintage socks.


4949


50


51

Little Paul & Joe sweatshirt and shorts, Nui leggings, Marili Jean hat, Minnetonka shoes; Mini & Maximus pants and blanket as cape, Emile et Ida shirt, Minnetonka shoes, TicTacToe socks.

Opposite page: Il Gufo pants and sweater worn over KicKee Pants one-piece, Zuzii hat, Band of Bunnies shoes.

51


52


53

From left to right: Siaomimi Play blazer with tail, Lucky Fish T-shirt, Noro railroad stripe pants, Band of Bunnies socks; Amelia sweater, Lucky Fish T-shirt, Emile et Ida sweatpants, Band of Bunnies socks; Lucky Fish T-shirt, Noro pants with suspenders, Mini a Ture hat, socks by TicTacToe; Hang Ten sweater, wool pants by Il Gufo, handmade vintage socks; Mini a Ture sweater, Lucky Fish T-shirt, Fore!! Axel & Hudson plaid pants, Band of Bunnies socks.

53


54

shadow_puppets_p_54_55.indd 54 4/17/13 3:15 PM

55

Corduroy jumpsuit by Suoak, vintage fur hat and handmade socks, Minnetonka shoes.

55

shadow_puppets_p_54_55.indd 55 4/17/13 3:15 PM

56

Curio & Kind faux fur vest, La Miniatura dress, Emile et Ida tights, Minnetonka shoes; Zaikamoya jacket, Zutano zebra T-shirt, striped Oeuf arm warmers, Andy & Evan pants, Band of Bunnies shoes.

Opposite page, left to right: Antik Batik faux fur vest, Zaikamoya sweater, Oeuf knit pants, Minnetonka shoes; Oeuf sweater, Little Paul & Joe shorts, Emile et Ida tights, Band of Bunnies socks, Minnetonka shoes; sweater and blouse by Amelia, pants by Lucky Jade, vintage Fair Isle booties.

Style director: Michel OnofrioHair and Makeup: Yuko Mizuno at Rona Represents

shadow_puppets_last_spread.indd 56 4/16/13 4:36 PM

5757

shadow_puppets_last_spread.indd 57 4/16/13 4:37 PM

M AR K ETPLACE

er_03_13_marketplace_01.indd 58 4/17/13 8:31 AM

! For 36 years, Earnshaw’s has recognized outstanding companies with the prestigious Earnie Award. Nominated and voted upon by industry leaders, Earnie Awards denote the retail community’s seal of approval in areas like design, quality and overall excellence. Until June 30, we will be taking nominations for top companies in 20 different categories on www.earnieawards.com. Let the nominations begin.

Best Denim

Best Licensed Apparel

Best Hosiery

Best Footwear

Best Accessories & Jewelry

Best Special Occasion Wear

Best Infants’ Collection

Best Girls’ Collection

Best Boys’ Collection

Best Tween Collection

Best Gift Item

Best New Company (1-3 years)

Best Community Outreach

Best International Collection

Best Made-In-the-USA Collection

Best Swim Collection

Best Outerwear Collection

Best Brand Rep

“It” Item of the Year

Company of the Year

VOTING CATEGORIES

earnie awards

Nominations begin May 1, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. EST and end on June 30, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Go to www.earnieawards.com to cast your vote.

Earnies.ad_04.indd 59 4/16/13 1:54 PM

6 0

REMIX

PH

OTO

GR

APH

Y B

Y M

cCA

ND

LISS

AN

D C

AM

PBEL

L

AS THE SON of shoemakers, our stylist Jace put his best foot fashionably forward select-ing a mix of cool downtown, hipster tees and denim. The colorful looks were comple-mented by his impressive shoe collection, which is about to multiply massively.

Mom and dad Olga and Jay Artola are in the developmental stage of Artola Kids, a collection of U.S.-made footwear launch-ing in Spring 2014. As the wear-tester (he’s sample size), Jace has laid claim to classic white lace-ups and yellow penny loaf-ers modeled after a pair of his dad’s from the Artola men’s line. Yellow and lime green are his favorite colors to wear.

The Artola family is also growing. Jace became a big brother in March to sister Emory. Siblinghood is still a new concept to him, but he calls her

“my baby” and enjoys blowing her kisses and counting her fingers and toes. And like a true older sibling, Jace likes to laugh at how tiny they are.

—Angela Velasquez

STYLIST: JACEAGE: 2HOMETOWN: BROOKLYN, N.Y.1

2

3

4

1. T-shirt by Pluto, leopard print jeans by Bit’z Kids, lace up shoes by Artola Kids. 2. Shark T-shirt and shorts by Kapital K, TicTacToe striped socks, Neon Eaters sneak-ers. 3. Imagine GreenWear hooded wolf thermal, jeans by Kenneth Cole, stylist’s own boots bought in Ukraine. 4. Big bro shirt by Pluto, Kenneth Cole jeans, shoes by Neon Eaters.

er_04_05_Remix_01.indd 60 4/15/13 11:33 AM

PACKAGING

WHY HOTSLINGS

AVAILABLE IN THESE NEW PRINTS!SILHOUETTE

363 W Industrial Dr | Pleasant Grove, UT 84062 | P: 801.768.9440 | F: 801.753.7366 | [email protected] | www.hotslings.com

BARELY SQUARE LEMON MIST MOONLIT SKY GRAHAM CRACKER PERENNIAL OVERCAST BLACKREFLECTIONS

• Guaranteed to outsell any competitors brand or we’ll buy your stock back!• Easily adjustable; multiple carrying positions!• Super lightweight and compact!• Quick & easy to slip on and off!

• Boxes stand or hang.• Easy sizing instructions allow for a custom fit!• Diaper Pod holds 2 – 4 diapers & travel wipes case.

Visit us atbooth #219

at theABC Show!


®

Little Me1385 BroadwaySuite 1800NY, NY 10018212-279-4150Mark Zelenwww.littleme.com

NortheastBill & Sandie Ellsworth781-326-3999

SoutheastPaul Daubney 404-577-6840

Caribbean/Latin America/South Florida Rolando & Ana Hidalgo305-266-8745

West CoastTeresa Stephen & Krystal Crooymans 866-723-KIDS

Midwest Richard Finkelstein & Al Zaiff800-935-0236

Texas/SouthwestAnnette Cardona-Stein214-637-4446

International Nathan A. Mamiye 212-216-6008

See us at:The Children’s ClubNYC, Aug. 4th – 6th.

The Kids ShowBally’s, Las VegasAug. 19th – 21st.


Earnshaw's | April/May 2013

Documents

Transcript of Earnshaw's | April/May 2013