Earnshaw's | June 2013

201 3 $5.00

TRACEY MCLEOD ON BBC’S STELLAR BRANDSfLICENSED TO THRILLfWEE SOLES, BIG SUCCESS

SHOETHE

ISSUE

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EARNSHAW’S INFANTS, GIRLS AND BOYS WEAR REVIEW ISSN 0161-2786 (USPS-320-090) The business and fashion magazine of the childrenswear industry is published monthly 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 2011 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

Audrey Goodson Kingo Editor in Chief

Nancy CampbellTrevett McCandlissCreative Directors

EDITORIALAngela VelasquezFashion EditorLyndsay McGregorAssociate EditorSocial Media EditorMaria BouselliAssociate Editor

ADVERTISINGCaroline Diaco Group PublisherAlex MarinacciAccount Executive Jennifer CraigSpecial Accounts Manager

Tim JonesDeputy Art DirectorProduction Manager Mike HoffWebmaster

CONTACT INFOSales/Editorial Offices

4th floor

[email protected]

9threads.com

Circulation Office

[email protected]

CORPORATE 9Threads

Xen ZapisLee ZapisRich BongornoDebbie Grim

JUNE 2013FEATURES16 Sole Provider Tamsin Carlson reveals the retailing secrets

18 On a Roll

of the biggest global brands on the market.

32 In Character Looking to cash in on the licensed products

FASHION22 Fashionistas

flashiest footwear.

4 Editor’s Letter 6 Talking Points 10 Fresh Finds 12 Hot Properties 13 Nine Things 14 On Trend 34 Behind the Seams 40 Remix

This page: Fendi cardigan, blouse and shorts, TicTacToe tights, Sam Edelman smoking slippers. Cover: Hannah Banana faux leather jacket, Versace dress, Je!eries tights, Sam Edelman fringe boots.

22

Photography by Trevett McCandliss. Styling by Angela Velasquez. Hair and makeup by Briana Mirzo.

er_06_TOC_03.indd 2 5/16/13 1:01 PM

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BLAME IT ON Cinderella. When a prince comes calling with a perfect glass slipper in tow, what girl wouldn’t swoon? How can we be blamed for a lifetime obsession with shoes when our earliest introduction to fine foot-wear is so tempting? It’s no wonder women dream of a walk-in closet the size of a parking lot. Some may want to fill it with the latest athletic footwear, and some women may pic-ture nothing but Prada and Manolos, but the fairytale remains the same—we want shoes, shoes and more shoes.

That’s why we thought it was time to pay homage to the coveted category in the pages of Earnshaw’s with our first annual Shoe Issue. There’s no denying the obsession begins at an early age. For me, it was a pair of red, patent leather Stride Rites. As a tod-

grown-up sophistication. Although, the tale of how I acquired the beloved pair is a bit more ignominious. As my mother tells it, “You had to wear Stride Rites because your feet were too chunky to fit into any other brand.”

Thankfully Stride Rite makes shoes roomy enough for growing feet, a fact my mother discovered after I was fitted at a local kids’ boutique. Say what you will about shopping online—there’s no denying deals abound for bargain hunters—but the kind of hands-on service that matches picky, hard-to-fit tod-dlers with the perfect pair of shoes just can’t be replicated on the Internet. It’s the same type of irreplaceable one-on-one service Tamsin Carlson provides at Wee Soles, her kids’ shoe store in Silver Lake, CA. From crawling around with her littlest customers on the floor of her trendy boutique to stocking an

will always be a niche and a need for brick-and-mortar retailers who can connect with kids and parents alike. Don’t miss Carlson’s secrets to surviving and thriving in our profile,

We would be remiss if we didn’t note that boys are increasingly following footwear fads as well. As Carlson points out, pops of bold colors, like orange, will often tempt trend-shy boys into trying new silhouettes, like desert boots. That was certainly apparent during this month’s fashion shoot, a sly look at the laugh-

able, lovable quirks of the fashion industry

to a pair of day-glo green K-Swiss sneakers. Clearly, a love of cool kicks knows no bound-aries—and brands like Sam Edelman and Ralph Lauren are poised to take advantage of kids’ growing interest in polished footwear,

BBC Int’l., discusses in our Q&A, “On a Roll”

The key for retailers, McLeod notes, is jumping on the right fad at the right time. That’s where we come in. Earnshaw’s has been

providing invaluable insight for retailers look-ing to boost their bottom line. I couldn’t be

working in an industry full of so many opti-mistic, creative leaders. And I would love to know more about what Earnshaw’s can do to help you, as a retailer, succeed. We all know it’s a tough market, with added competition from

also think it’s a time of unlimited opportunity. There are so many stories of retailers using everything from social media to community outreach to make their stores a success.

That’s part of the reason why you may notice some changes in the magazine in the

from these innovative retailers who inspire us every day and revamping some sections of our magazine and website to better serve our

will now be listed online at www.earnshaws.com/calendar, where we can make up-to-the

more via Facebook, Twitter and our newly-launched Pinterest page (follow us

Change can be challenging, but it can also

said no to her fairy godmother? No glass slip-pers. And that would be a true tragedy.

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R

AUDREY GOODSON [email protected]

Once Upon a Patent Leather Mary Jane…Finding the right shoes for little feet is a fairy tale come true.

There’s no denying the obsession begins at an early age. For me, it was a pair of red, patent leather Stride Rites.

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talking points

AN EFFORT TO level the playing field between online sellers and brick-and-mortar stores may finally be in the works. In May, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, legisla-tion that would allow states to compel online retailers, no matter where they are located, to tax consumers at the point of purchase—meaning more shoppers would pay sales tax for items snagged on sites like Amazon or eBay.

It’s a movement that has been years in the making, ever since a Supreme Court

avoid collecting state taxes on purchases so long as they didn’t have a “physical presence” in that state. “Online-only retailers have exploited that, and have been able to have in some instances as

over brick-and-mortar resources,” notes

for Main Street Fairness, a group repre-

favor of ending the tax advantage enjoyed by online retailers. For years, brick-and-mortar retailers have been required to charge customers sales tax at the point of purchase, while online sellers often have not. “Our members aren’t asking for any sort of government hand-out or special treatment,” Baca says. “All they are ask-ing is for the government to get out of the way and let all retailers compete fairly and not discriminate by favoring one type of retailer over another.”

Currently, tax collection policies for online merchants vary from state to state, and it’s become a hodge-podge of rules and regulations for web sellers to untangle—part of the reason why online giants like Amazon have even signed up to support the legislation. “It’s actu-ally a tax that consumers are already

vice president of federal operations at

the International Council of Shopping Centers. “If you buy something online, you are supposed to self-report and remit it back to the state. But we know it’s only

-wide.”

Thus, shoppers often flock to the Internet, where they don’t have to pay a sales tax and face no penalties if they fail

a children’s shoe store that was forced out of business in the face of competition

bring their kids in, measure their feet in the store and go buy the shoes online,”

and momentum in its favor, the effort still faces a tough test ahead in the House of Representatives—although supporters are upbeat about the

chances the act will pass. “We had a very strong biparti-san vote out of the Senate, with conservatives, moderates and liberals all sup-porting the bill,”

It certainly doesn’t hurt that

the legislation is supported by retail behemoths like Sears, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble, as well as the mom-and-pops that make up much of Baca’s group. To get involved, he encourages retailers to visit the organization’s web-site, www.standwithmainstreet.com, and to contact their congressional repre-sentatives. “Now it’s time for members of Congress to stand up for the small businesses in their district that create jobs,” he adds. —Audrey Goodson Kingo

Tax ActWill online shoppers soon have to pay state taxes?

“Now it’s time for members of Congress to stand up for the small businesses in their district.”

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER opportunity to check out trendy European children’s togs? Consider Düsseldorf, Germany. The budget-friendly, easy-to-navigate business city will soon have one more convention to add to its tally. Thanks to European trade fair organizer Igedo Company, retailers can snap up continental styles at the company’s newest

the former American Consulate General, the show will cover children’s, junior and maternity fashion in the mid- to high-end price segment. “Today specialty retailers are looking for trendy and distinct chil-dren’s fashion in an attempt to satisfy their custom-ers’ increasingly high standards. This is why we are focusing on small, interesting labels and offering up-

German designer Harald Glööckler will unveil

present jewelry from her new mother-daughter col-

confirmed. Buyers and retailers can look forward to runway shows, panel discussions and trend lec-tures by Igedo’s fashion director. In addition to free admission and online registration, a catering lounge, complimentary WiFi and an arts and crafts station for buyers with kids in tow will be available on site. —Lyndsay McGregor

Germany adds new kids’ show to its calendar.

Retailers on the Rhine

Brazilian model Jana Ina Zarrella presents her mother-daughter jewelry.

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IT’S NO SECRET that moms are social creatures, so it is no surprise that as a demograph-

Moms Love Social Media

*A survey of 1,480 online adults was conducted jointly by www.babycenter.com and comScore.

80%

55%

54%

91%

78%

VS

VS

VS

81%

RETAILERS HOPING TO add unique, hand-made items to their shop’s shelves may soon find

craft commerce site, recently announced it will -

place for retailers and vendors looking to buy

although they will have to apply to prove they

site will also be free for vendors, but only during

-tion to sell her apparel on the site was “simple

supplement her other efforts to reach custom-

clothing line in front of folks and let them know

asleep, while showrooms are closed or trade shows are black, there is a way for shoppers to be

like Etsy, there’s always a chance that copycats

fear is running the risk of being knocked off by someone who can produce the product faster

-

reach all kinds of buyers: the stay-at-home mom who loves one of my kimono rompers, the boutique owner willing to give a newer brand like mine a chance or a big name retailer

—A.G.K.

Getting CraftyEtsy goes wholesale

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talking points

PRELIMINARY RESULTS REVEAL strug-gling retailer J.C. Penney’s same-store sales in its first quarter decreased more than 16 per-cent and experts are skeptical as to whether the chain can dig itself out of the financial hole created during ousted CEO Ron Johnson's tenure. Despite securing $2.6 billion in

financing, Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates Inc., a national retail consulting and investment banking firm head-quartered in New York, says the company is “irreversibly wrecked.”

“No retailer, no department store, can lose that many sales and stay in business,” he insists. “Nothing has been solved. What they’ve done is bought a little time.” But Poonam Goyal, senior retail analyst at Bloomberg Industries, believes that the Plano, TX, company can coax its customers back. “I don’t think it’s beyond repair,” she counters. “Promotions are what’s going to drive people back into the store and I think they’re going to have to sacrifice margins to a certain extent to entice customers to return.”

Johnson, the mastermind behind Apple’s retail makeover in 2001 and Target’s cheap-chic strategy, lost his job partly because Penney’s customers rejected his no-coupons, no-discounting, “fair and square” everyday pricing that was a core part of the retailer’s dramatic 2012 makeover, which also morphed the old name into jcp. “Everything [Johnson] did wasn’t bad. The stores look great,” Goyal notes. “The issue was that he removed cou-

pons and he removed brands and he alienated customers,” she continues. In effort to re-engage the U.S. consumer in time for Mother’s Day, Penney—now helmed by Johnson’s predecessor Myron Ullman—changed its Facebook cover photo to an image declaring #jcpListens and launched the “It’s No Secret” campaign, acknowledging that mistakes were made. “Come back to J.C. Penney,” the ad implored—but Davidowitz says it’s too late.

“A retailer spends his whole life maintaining customers and attempting to acquire new cus-tomers, and it’s expensive. The best thing you have is your existing customer because they’re more likely to spend more. [Johnson] threw out those customers,” he says. It’s also unclear if Johnson’s original vision for J.C. Penney— which included branded shop-in-shops from the likes of Disney, GiggleBaby and Carter’s on 700 of its 1,100 store floors by 2015—will ever become a reality. As of press time, there has been no announcement as to whether the rollout will go ahead as planned. “Everything Johnson laid out is all on the plate now to see what will happen or won’t happen. First is to bring back customers and keep them in the stores,” Goyal says. —L.M.

Can the iconic retailer be revived?

Penney Saver

Part of Johnson’s J.C. Penney overhaul included in-store shops for Arizona, one of the company’s most popular brands.

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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

Nominations began 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.

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1 0

fresh finds

For mini-fashionistas who like a little glitz and glamour by the beach (and parents who dislike changing stick-to-your-skin wet bathing suits) Lamb Glam is a line of functional swimwear in

comes with snap bottoms to make diaper-changing a cinch. Ruffles, rosettes, sequins and zebra prints abound throughout the collection, and wholesale

www.lambglam.com.

Chooze adds backpacks to its lineup as it -

orful mismatched shoes, each backpack is made for mixing and matching, with revers-ible prints and convertible straps so kids can choose a different combination every day. Small and large packs are available in four different print combinations and wholesale

www.choozeshoes.com.

Named after the Korean word for tofu, Dooboo is an earth-friendly cloth-ing line for boys and

is made in Korea using organic cotton and low-impact dyes. Designer and founder SooYoun Shim likes minimal boxy silhouettes that allow for easy on and off without requiring lots of fasten-ings. Wholesale prices

www.dooboolife.kr.

of insulated cooler and diaper bags, Evie Bett, may be named after her grandmothers, but the bags are anything but matronly. The stylish

-cent vegan, BPA-, lead- and phthalate-free and take on-the-go moms from work to play with ease, while removable, washable, Neoprene cooler pockets make carrying snacks a breeze. Wholesale

www.eviebett.com.

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11

Launching for Fall ’13, Hue Girls offers takedowns of its most popular wom-

of colors and patterns, from opaque tights in apple

fun Fair Isle sweater stock-

-gings (in cotton, denim and

www.hue.com

Indikidual introduces its unisex designs to

using organic cotton

the collection for kids

is ideal for mixing,

its third season, the line has expanded to out-

www.indikidual.com

To coincide with its stateside launch,

Moccis

designs to its line of unisex hand-sewn

with Ecotext certified

degrees and the skid-proof leather moccasin sole allows kids’ feet to

wholesale for $19 and sizes range from new-

out www.moccis.co.uk

Little Name,

a collection of educational products and garments for

printed shoelaces teach kids their left from their

www.littlenamedesign.com

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Parigi Takes On Paul Frank

hot properties

Daniel Tiger Roars at

Retail

WELL-KNOWN CHILDREN’S com-pany Parigi is taking on a license equally popular in the kids’ apparel industry—Paul Frank. Fall ’13 will mark the first collection for the collaborators and will include apparel for children of all ages, from infant and toddler through tween, for both boys and girls. “We’re excited to be teaming up with one of the lead-ing children’s apparel manufacturers in the business,” says Nina Leong, SVP of strategic business development for Saban Brands. “Parigi Group truly understands Paul Frank’s aesthetic and we’re thrilled with the product in this collection. The items are very fun, youthful, colorful and fashionable!” Items from the line include tees, pants, sweatshirts, skirts and jackets with a retail price range from $14 to $50. The collection will be sold at various retailers, including Amazon, Nordstrom, Belk and Bon Ton, and the Paul Frank team hopes to grow the line in the future. To find out more, reach out to Orly Goldstein, VP of sales at Parigi Group at [email protected].

THE PBS SHOW Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, a

spinoff of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, is partnering with Out of the Blue for its first product roll-out at Toys “R” Us locations in August, with select products available for specialty stores this summer. University Games will produce games and puzzles that will also be offered to specialty retail-ers in August; Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing is developing several books including picture, novelty and coloring books featuring Daniel and his friends; and Jakks Pacific will introduce plushes, figures and play sets. “Daniel is an adorable pre-school-aged tiger, and you just want to love him and squeeze him and hug him,” says Samantha Freeman, co-founder and president of Out of the Blue. “And we get to introduce the next generation to the Land of Make Believe.” Once the Toys “R” Us exclusive is over, the products, which range in retail price from $4.99 to $39.99, as well as some addi-tions, will be available to specialty retailers for Spring ’14. For details, e-mail Freeman at [email protected].

Spring 2014 MarketAugust 6 - 7, 2013

9 am - 6 pm

Complimentary shuttle service to and from LAX

Special room rates if booked by July 20. Mention KSA when

booking.

Buyers register to attend at www.ksalosangeles.com

The largest

children’s shoe show in the

West

Over 100 brands of

shoes, clothing and accessories

Conveniently located at the Doubletree by Hilton

Culver City6161 Centinela Ave

Culver City CA 90230800-222-8733

er_06_13_hot_properties_04.indd 12 5/16/13 3:21 PM

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

13

NINE THINGS

8

Melissa & Doug

crayon set

Backpacks and stationery are bright and bold for fall.

By Lyndsay McGregor

S C H O O L’ S I N

1

54

67

9

23

Happy Jackson

pencils and eraser

Sigg water bottle

SugarBooger by Ore

lunch sack

Mr. Men and Little Miss notebook

Beatrix backpack

SoYoung lunch bag

Bone Collection iPad folio

Apple & Bee

book bag

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1 4

Clockwise from top right: Hang Ten striped one-piece,

KicKee Pants pajama one-piece, Yikes Twins bib, Cupcakes & Pastries dress,

ESP No. 1 denim vest, Liv & Lily headband.

EMERALD CITY As the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year, emerald green is set to revive, refresh and renew categories spanning nail polish and eye shadow to interior design and automobiles. But as a symbol for new life and optimism, no other hue captures the

infant and toddler market quite like green. From Crayola-like effects on denim to green-to-the-core organic cotton

one-pieces, the joyful color transcends seasons and genders, making it a must-have trend for retailers who hope to rake

in the other kind of green. —Angela Velasquez

O N T R E N D EMERALD

Fun & Fun

Miss Blumarine

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1 5

O N T R E N D ACTIVEWEAR

GYM CLASS HEROES When First Lady Michelle Obama did the “Dougie” on Late Night

with Jimmy Fallon earlier this year, the FLOTUS not only impressed the world with her slick dance moves, she also put her Let’s Move!

campaign to end childhood obesity on the map. The initiative encourages healthy eating habits and physical fitness at home and at school through activities like dance-a-thons, urban gardening classes

and field days. Athletic brands such as Nike are stepping up to the plate, too, by funding community exercise programs and offering

sporty fashion that is too cool to keep hidden indoors. —A.V.

Clockwise from top right: Pure Lime

tennis outfit, Nike twofer,

Fila tennis dress, Lifefactory water

bottle, Pumaleggings.

Target

er_05_1_trends_03_revise.indd 15 5/17/13 1:57 PM

WHEN TAMSIN CARLSON found five stray kittens near her home in August 2011, she had a light bulb moment. She collected the wildlings, had them neutered and vaccinated and hosted an adoption drive at Wee Soles, the kids’ shoe store she owns and runs in Silver Lake, CA, a hip neighborhood just east of Hollywood. “They were so sociable that if children wanted to hold them we would take one out—I kept them in a large dog crate—and they could play with them,” she remembers. Within a few weeks, each kitten was settled with one of Carlson’s customers.

Who says you should never work with children and animals? It’s exactly that sort of kid-friendly attitude that’s kept Wee Sole’s reg-ister ringing since its doors first opened in the fall of 2006. Together with co-owners Joanna Sacavitch and Darci Rosenberg, Carlson wanted to create a children’s shoe boutique that offers everything from traditional to trendy, keeping comfort and quality top of mind—something the three mothers found their nabe to be seriously lacking. “The only place around here where you could get children’s shoes was at the mall, or you had to drive to the west side, and the idea of schlepping over there was not appealing,” Carlson says. Seven years later she counts Will Ferrell, Thandie Newton and January Jones among her celebrity clientele. “We try to have everything from basics to really hard-to-find, unique things,” she says. “Even with the regular brands like Stride Rite, I try to find the shoes that are really different, color-wise.”

SO GOES THE NEIGHBORHOODDespite the store’s plum location (Silver Lake tops Forbes’ list of America’s Best Hipster Neighborhoods, thanks to its booming arts scene and one of the largest creative class com-munities in the country. Oh, and James Franco just bought a duplex there. Enough said.) Carlson reveals “something shifted” when the economy went south. “My prices were a lot higher when we opened in 2006 than they are now. People bought [expensive shoes] then.

From left: Darci Rosenberg, Tamsin Carlson and Joanna Sacavitch.

SOLE PROVIDERWEE SOLES OFFERS L.A. PARENTS AN OPTION TO OUTFIT THEIR OFFSPRING IN

FOOTWEAR AS STYLISH AS THEIR OWN. BY LYNDSAY MCGREGOR

ON THE BLOCK WEE SOLES

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1 7

Price really became an issue after the crash, even among people who still

Kids as an example of a brand that appeals to parent, pocket and child

sole with the gray on top, they liked it,” she says, adding, “I have custom-

enthusiast, prefers to sit on the floor with the kids while she measures and fits—a habit that has worn through multiple pairs of her favorite

PROCESS OF SELECTION

a coin-operated motorcycle outside, while their parents browse the

always count on Tamsin for creative merchandising and presenting a -

-

“Twenty-five percent of my customers come to me because they know

-

But the value of face-to-face contact at a brick-and-mortar store can-

of the store is a gallery for local artists who create art for children and a colorful Alice in Wonderland

-ing shoe drives and offering a discount to all customers who bring in

all the school fundraisers as, between the three of us, our five kids are all

IN THE TRENCHESAs children’s apparel retailers know all too well, working with kids can be a lot of fun, but it’s not always peaches and cream. Here, Wee Soles Owner Tamsin Carlson reveals just how challenging it can be and how, sometimes, childish parents are only half the battle. Sound familiar?

Hair pulling: “Small children tend to

grab whatever is closest in order to feel secure—very

often this is my hair!”

Sock it to me: Sometimes, barefoot kids

with dirty feet come into the store and their parents refuse to

put socks on them when trying on shoes. “That’s valid if the kids are going to wear the shoes with no

socks—it’s important that the shoe feels right with no socks. However most of my shoes have white or pale insoles,” she says, adding

that she now insists on washing kids’ feet.

Ewwwww: Since opening the

store seven years ago, Carlson has

been inflicted with lice—twice!

Superstition be damned: “Children insist on opening

umbrellas. Some parents are really good at restraining, others

not so much. Many a time I’ve fit shoes on a kid whilst

dodging a swinging umbrella.”

Naughty not nice: “Discipline is my biggest issue

with parenting right now,” Carlson says, revealing that a child once slapped her in the face and the mother didn’t

even apologize.

er_06_13_on_the_block_04.indd 17 5/10/13 4:25 PM

1 8

Q & A

On A Roll TO SAY BBC Int’l. has just about cornered the kids’ footwear business would not be so far off. A one-stop kids’ resource that features a portfolio of lead-ing licenses (including Ralph Lauren, Guess, DKNY, Born, Sam Edelman, Disney, Airwalk, Marvel and now Heelys), the conglomerate also runs an extensive pri-vate label program and consults for numerous brands in need of expertise from a company that knows kids’

Campbell (one of its original licenses was The Smurfs), is that company. And Tracey McLeod, a BBC veteran and one of Campbell’s most influential protégés, has been an integral part in helping turn BBC into a kids’ pow-

a package designer-turned-shoe designer. Now, McLeod is an executive overseeing the company’s extensive portfolio of brands.

If it’s happened in kids’ footwear over the past two decades, chances are BBC and McLeod had a hand in bringing it to the marketplace. The com-

-

it introduced sound technology that features the voices of licensed charac-ters on shoes. BBC also developed Black Light LED technology that allows kids to draw on their shoes and for the drawings to light up in the dark when the shoes are in motion. Put simply, BBC makes kids’ shoes the way a kid might dream of making them, complete with lights, bells and whistles that literally become toys for their feet.

When asked point blank if BBC has cornered the kids’ market, McLeod is modest, allowing others to be the judge. However, she quips that Campbell, her industry mentor and BBC CEO, would respond, “Absolutely.” McLeod believes success is not necessarily determined by the quantity of brands in a company’s portfolio, rather how they all complement one another with-out cannibalizing each other’s sales. “We choose brands that round out the portfolio as opposed to just adding another label,” she says. “There’s a lot of opportunities that come to us and we’re fortunate to be able to choose where we can layer in a new brand.”

McLeod adds, for example, that the Born girl is different than the Guess girl, and both are different from the Ralph Lauren girl. And while the nuances can be subtle, she assures that BBC’s team of designers knows the differences, so each brand owns a distinct presence at retail. Take the recently launched Sam Edelman brand. “It’s a hot brand and Sam was look-ing to get into kids, and we loved the idea,” McLeod offers, “but we first

had to address how it would separate from our other brands.” McLeod describes the Sam Edelman girl as more on-trend. “The styles can feature a mixture of stone and stud embellishments, or it can be leopard print or trendy colors,” she says. “Whereas Ralph Lauren is very classic with a big Americana heritage—lots of riding boots. And Guess is for that girl who is a little sassier—she’s going to be a little bit more glam and wants metallic. And Born is all about great quality leathers—and that girl’s fashion sensi-bility is more natural.”

McLeod describes from a design perspective extends to the relationships it has with its license partners. Often such marriages can be rocky and short-lived. But BBC has a reputation of being a loyal partner, with agree-ments lasting for years, not a few seasons. In fact, BBC’s partnership with

partners we’ve done business with over the years have been phenomenal,” McLeod affirms.

What’s the secret to such licensing bliss and longevity? McLeod says that in addition to a track record of success, it’s about being upfront and realis-tic with its partners. “It’s really about managing expectations,” she offers.

opportunities first. Then we can break it out over international markets, if they’re interested. It’s all very specific and, subsequently, they feel that

On the heels of adding Heelys to the BBC Int’l. portfolio, Tracey McLeod, president of worldwide sales

and marketing, discusses the conglomerate’s global brand strategy in kids’. By Greg Dutter

Guess

Tracey McLeod

Born

er_06_13_Q&A_01.indd 18 5/17/13 4:59 PM

1 9

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What do you look for when taking on a new brand?

-

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--

What is it about Ralph Lauren that connects so well specifically to kids’ footwear?

-

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What is it about the Heelys brand that interested BBC?

Does Heelys have global appeal?

-

Might Heelys have the staying power in kids’ like lighted shoes has had?

-

It never gets old.

Moving on in the portfolio, what makes Sam Edelman run?

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He’s not worried about having to be too cutesy or traditional, right?

How involved are you with Sam in the design process? Is there a lot of back and forth?

-

O F F T H E C U F F

What are you reading now?

What is your favorite movie of the past year? Silver Linings Playbook.

What one word best describes you?

Who would be your most coveted dinner guest?

Who is inspiring you most right now?

Besides them, do you have a favorite designer?

What is your fondest hometown memory?

er_06_13_Q&A_01.indd 19 5/17/13 4:51 PM

a girl will never wear a ballet flat without a strap—just things that are more kid appropriate. We just assess it all to create a collection that works best for both parties.

Are you looking to add to the portfolio in the near future? We are always open to offers and we are always looking. It just has to make sense. Does the brand have presence in adult footwear? Or do they have a strong presence in apparel and are looking to cross into footwear? Or do they have a strong potential globally?

Do you ever envision launching your own brand from scratch? It’s a possibility. Like I said, we’re always looking. And because it’s some-thing we’ve never done, I think a pure launch would be fun. Bob and I have talked about it quite a few times. In the meantime, however, we’ve got plen-ty on our plate and Heelys, in particular, looks to be the big launch this year. We’re also doing a lot of things with our Marvel license, which has been amazing of late. And we are really excited about our exclusive partnership with Kohl’s and our Tony Hawk skate brand. We are also working exclu-sively with Journeys and our Osirus brand. We’re covering all levels of dis-tribution, which is one of the unique aspects about the company.

What’s your take on the adult takedown trend sweeping kids of late?Sometimes it’s at the direction of the brand, where internally you’ll hear they just want to make brand statements. That happens often in the ath-letic tier. But even in regard to Sam Edelman, he’s driving the vision for his brand and often moms like what they see and they want a close iteration of that style. She doesn’t want to buy something else—she wants the exact brand. Having said that, you don’t want to stray too far from kids’ styles. And the pendulum does swing back and forth between adult takedowns and kid-friendly style phases. All of a sudden something cool or creative gets in the market and it drives kids’-friendly styles, like Skechers recently

did with its Twinkle Toes. That was only for kids. So you get fads, and now there’s definitely a fad in high-fashion women’s and in athletic takedowns.

Do you ever feel at times like you have too many voices you must answer in your head?Why, do I sound crazy to you? [Laughs.] The fact is you have to build the shoes to appeal to both children and parents. Often for girls, it’s got to be glitter, it’s got to be pink and it’s got to sparkle. And in building it for mom, it’s got to have good function, quality materials and be comfortable.

There’s been a lot of talk about the eclectic nature of fashion of late and how there’s not one dominant brand or silhouette. Is that trick-ling down into kids’ fashion?To an extent it is, which I like from a design perspective because it can get a little boring when one look is dominant. I understand retailers like a big-ticket item that has been a cash cow, but I love to see the market move. When it starts to move, new ideas come into play. What will be that next big thing? With respect to my teenage daughter, the uniform of the past two years may have been Ugg boots, and the uniform next year might be Chucks or Toms, but they’ll all still be wearing jeans and they’ll all have a Jansport backpack. I’ll admit, being in fashion, I’m constantly trying to push that envelope a little bit or show her something new. Of late she resisted and has said, “No, I’m good with my black Ugg [boots].” And I’m thinking, real-ly? But I also think kids like certain comfort zones and girls, in particular, like the comfort and the easy-on, easy-off nature of those boots. I suspect that the vulcanized construction with a tapered, a-line look like Toms will continue to also trend strong through this spring.

What’s your take on the independent tier for kids’ going forward? It remains a valuable and important tier of distribution. Their expertise in fit and sizing is something that is difficult to replicate and is a service that

spring/summer 2014 D adorable shoes for adorable feet D www.livieandluca.com

er_06_13_Q&A_01.indd 20 5/14/13 5:01 PM

many parents demand. Let’s face it—kids are always growing and while you may not do it every single time you take your child to buy shoes, every once in a while you need to get their feet measured by a professional. So I think that service is still looked upon as a must.

Nevertheless, parents are increasingly shopping online. Yes. And I believe that the online experience is going to keep growing. [For] moms, in particular, the Internet is just such a common resource for her to be able to browse and compare. It doesn’t matter if it’s home goods or clothing for herself or for her child.

How do you think parents have changed most since the recession?Parents are changing how they shop online and which sites they visit. They are always looking for value. Compare the younger mom of a tod-dler today to a mom of a toddler 15 years ago, who most likely would bring her kids into a store and get all of their feet measured. Today a lot of those resources can be found online—you can print out the figurative size chart, you can order two sizes and ship back the one that doesn’t fit at no charge… It’s easy, right?

How do brick-and-mortar stores compete? I think it’s going to evolve and that tier will become more consolidated. But I don’t think it will ever go away completely. First of all, women like to shop—they like to touch, feel and see the merchandise. It’s like men preferring to go to the actual game as opposed to watching it on TV.

Is BBC having any issues with sourcing? It’s getting more challenging every year, with pricing in China, restric-tive substance standards and meeting compliance needs for all our cus-tomers. It’s becoming stricter and stricter, so that affects price as well. We’re always looking for potential new sourcing partners. Bob, in par-

ticular, is always seeking out new areas to make kids’ shoes, but China is still the mainstay for us at the moment. We just moved four hours north about six months ago. This is our second move now within China. [We were] in an area that’s finally got some good hotels, some decent restau-rants and a Starbucks; then we move four hours north and there’s noth-ing. What can you do?

What is the biggest challenge for BBC right now?The biggest challenge is sourcing and meeting compliance. On the flip-side, there are tremendous growth opportunities in emerging markets around the globe. Look at the markets in China, India and Russia—those are growing at such a fast rate. The opportunity for BBC to expand inter-nationally is tremendous.

What is it about working with Bob Campbell, in particular, that you enjoy most?First, he’s an industry icon. He’s so passionate about the business, his company and his employees, and his commitment to it all is endless. I always tell people who are going to work with Bob that you need to be prepared for it being extremely fast-paced and you need to be super flex-ible. You need to be able to move on a dime with him. Today we could be talking about sourcing in China and tomorrow it’s about how he found a new brand and we’re diving into that. He really has this tremendous entrepreneurial spirit.

What’s the best career lesson he has taught you?Bob treats everyone in the company like they are a part of his own fami-ly, and he’s just a super-compassionate human being. He also treats every employee with great respect. It’s how I learned to manage people. It’s a wonderful trait where it doesn’t matter where you stand in the company,

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er_06_13_Q&A_01.indd 21 5/17/13 10:54 AM

P I N T - S I Z E P E R S O N A L I T I E S S P O R T F R O N T R O W - W O R T H Y L O O K S F O R F A L L .

fw_fashionistas.3.indd 22 5/13/13 3:06 PM

23

Hannah and Cece Winthrop Feared and revered across the world, the legendary editor in chief of Couture has made as many careers as she has broken them and is notorious for sending designers back to their mothers for a cuddle. In fact, the journalism-school dropout hasn’t cracked a smile since a Fall ’06 OshKosh B’gosh collection that paid homage to her single weakness, calico kit-tens. Back at the o!ce, Hannah keeps a rigid schedule of line edits, previews, edit meetings and a mid-day nap—her sta"’s only opportunity to sneak out for an extremely light lunch. Af-ter removing policies regarding nepotism from the company handbook, rumors of her retire-ment loom as the editrix has begun to allow her protégé, Cece, out in public.

Left to right: Yosi Samra flats,

Ralph Lauren trench coat, Trimfit

tights, Burberry headband, Chanel purse. Melissa polka dot flats,

Ralph Lauren khaki trench, Je!eries tights,

stylist’s sunglasses.

P I N T - S I Z E P E R S O N A L I T I E S S P O R T F R O N T R O W - W O R T H Y L O O K S F O R F A L L .


24

Elk Monroe and Willow WilsonInspired by childhood nightmares like the Boogie Man, the dark and photo ops with the shopping mall Santa Claus, the designing duo took the industry by storm with their debut collection of edgy gowns that landed a slew of avant-garde editorials. To keep their creativity “pure,” they declined Hamish Bowles’ request for a Vogue profile—which infamously resulted in a year-long ban from the publica-tion—and in 2012 they turned down the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in protest against the industry’s use of fur. Little is known about the designers except both speak with British accents despite having grown up in Connecticut.

Left to right: Primigi studded hi-tops, Truly Scrumptious tee, leggings and tulle

skirt by Old Navy, necklace by Claire’s.Kensie Girl studded combat boots, blazer

by La Miniatura, Stella McCartney Kids tank, leggings by La Loi.

24


25

Palladium canvas boots, Scotch Shrunk tee, La Miniatura vest and

jeans, Children’s Place fedora, stylist’s cuff and socks.

Finn BennettSince shooting his controversial American Apparel campaign in the privacy of his Los Angeles bachelor pad, the lo-thario photographer—nicknamed “Napoleon” for turning each gig into a conquest—has been linked to every Victoria’s Secret model to grace the catwalk in recent memory. But Finn’s roaming eye and kiss-and-tell antics have landed him in hot water with each of them. Ever since an un-named Disney actress revealed to Page Six that he naps with a blankie, Finn hasn’t been seen in public and is said to be seeking guidance from recovering modelizer, John Mayer.


26

Minnetonka moccasins, Tumble ’N Dry tunic, tights

by Je!eries, glasses by Very French Gangsters.

Bailey Montgomery

As the recipient of the “Best Dressed” superlative in school, Bailey left the Midwest to pursue her big city dreams of becoming a fashion designer for Mattel’s Barbie division, but her demanding internship with an infa-mously tan women’s designer has the Parson’s sophomore reconsidering her future and the state of humanity. To release her pent-up frustration, she’s taken an active role in her campus’ support group for overworked, unpaid and underappreciated fashion interns and has cut a deal with the local Starbucks barista to replace said designer’s Venti Skinny Vanilla Lattes with half-and-half milk.


Natalie Carr and Molly Chung

Since meeting at Coachella during a trip sponsored by a designer denim brand, the fashion blog-gers became best friends and now roomies, having recently moved into a shabby chic apart-ment o! Bowery. Lauded for their perfectly disheveled bohemian flair, the bloggers say their nabe’s cobblestone streets are the perfect backdrops for pictorials of their outfits—a mix of vintage finds and freebies from events—which they post to their blog. Natalie is typi-cally photographed while strum-ming her guitar on a stoop, while Molly is known for her wistful gaze. They fund their Organic Avenue addiction by selling their designer swag on eBay.

Left to right: Ralph Lauren knit boots, Lands’ End chunky knit sweater,

tulle skirt by Tutu Du Monde, SpiritHoods necklace, bag by Lucky,

stylist’s feathers. Pazitos boots, Stella McCartney Kids dress and

cardigan, Pale Cloud belt worn as a headband, BabyLegs legwarmers, bracelet by A.Bird.


28

Left to right: K-Swiss sneakers, T-shirt by Stella McCartney Kids, La Miniatura camo jacket and shorts,

zebra socks by Happy Socks, Nineteen 47 baseball cap. Fila hi-top sneakers,

layered tee by Heart N Crush, Anne Kurris skirt, TicTacToe tights, Rubbs bracelet, boombox necklace

by 100% Gumdrop.

Marcus Davis and Gemma Star a.k.a DJs Terrible TwosThe former band geeks turned Lower East Side party king and queen got their big break in the industry while spinning at a Sony Music exec’s son’s Bar Mitzvah. Marcus and Gemma’s unique blend of pop hits and soulful funk give even the most rhythm-less models something to strut to and is a must-have for any designer who wants Rihanna to attend the after party. Since Jay-Z gave them a shout out at his New Year’s Eve concert at the Barclays Center, endorsement deals are pouring in. As the fresh-faced brand ambassadors for a new bubble-gum-flavored energy drink, the night owls rarely make their bedtimes.


29

Hush Puppies glitter flats, dress by I Pinco Pallino,

Trimfit glitter tights, stylist’s necklace.

Georgina Bancroft The Upper East Side “It” girl is a natural at public relations. The goddaughter of Valentino and one of Zac Posen’s charges during his babysitting career, Georgina has hobnobbed with an elite circle of daughters and sons of designers, models, politicians and rock stars from an early age, jetsetting between Paris and New York. Unfazed by celebrity or wealth—she prefers shopping excursions with her Maltipoo Mu!y to the flashing bulbs of paparazzi—the socialite is best known for organizing the Annual Pony Fashion Show at the Bridgehampton Polo grounds, which kicks o! the summer party season in the Hamptons and raises funds for horses to get Brazilian Keratin treatments.

The Socialite

29


30

Michael Kors wedge sneakers, Fendi ribbon-

embellished top, Marni cape, metallic polka dot pants by

La Stupenderia.

Olga Petrossian

With a generous stipend from her caviar tycoon father, the Russian heiress globetrots to each fashion week and is often spotted front row next to whichever starlet the designer may be courting that season. Not one to stay at luxury hotels, Olga made headlines last year by purchasing the most expen-sive apartments New York, London, Paris and Milan had to o!er and installed gilded refrigerators chilled at a perfect 28 degrees for her caviar. Although she was groomed to be the next star of the Russian ballet, Olga refused to give up her 1.75-ounces-of-caviar-a-day habit and is now in talks with La Mer to develop a caviar-based age defying cream.


31

Left to right: Sperry Top-Sider laceless sneakers, Andy and

Evan vest, rugby shirt and pants, stylist’s glasses. Lacoste hi-top

sneakers, blazer by Bleu Comme Gris, Andy and

Evan gingham shirt and tie, Eddie Penn pants.

Wyatt Saxon and Quinn Belvedere

Since bonding over a shared adoration for their prep school navy blazer—and insisting on wearing it even on weekends—Wyatt and Quinn have become Hollywood’s go-to fashion stylists and stars of their own hit Bravo reality show The Refined World of Wyatt and Quinn. Now that red carpet season is over—with many of their clients making it onto Best Dressed lists—the duo is trying their own hands at design with a line of men’s cashmere socks sold exclusively through HSN, because as Quinn has said, “Even regular people should have fancy socks.”

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IN FOCUS LICENSING

FROM MINNIE MOUSE TO HARRY POTTER, KIDS CAN DRESS HEAD TO TOE IN THEIR FAVORITE FRIENDS.

IN CHARACTER

B Y M A R I A B O U S E L L I

Hello Kitty lunch cooler

by Sanrio

Dora the Explorer T-shirt by

Nickelodeon

Barbie rolling suitcase by

Mattel

Desigual long-sleeved Minnie Mouse

tee Disney

Princess light-up sneaker by

Stride Rite

Harry Potter socks from Warner Bros.

Consumer Products

er_06_13_in_focus_02.indd 32 5/14/13 3:22 PM

A look at the hottest children’s properties for 2013.

Puppy Love Glam teams up with the ASPCA to make a difference.

ANALYSTS REPORT IT’S full-steam ahead for the licensing industry. Though it’s too early for numbers on 2012, sales are expected to be just as positive as the previous year. In fact, the licensing industry had a banner year in 2011, according to the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), with an increase of 5 percent from 2010 and approxi-mately $109.3 billion in total revenue.

CHARACTER DRIVENCharacter-related merchandise remains the biggest moneymaker in licensing. In 2011 alone, character-related merchandise totaled approximately $48 billion in retail sales. Marty Brochstein, SVP of industry relations and information at LIMA, says the most important aspect of any licensed merchan-dise is the emotional relationship parents and children have with a character or property.

TIMING IS EVERYTHINGBrochstein notes that getting product out quickly for the current hot property is crucial. “You can find that next hit just about every-where, so speed to market has become an increasingly important factor in the business, particularly with kids,” he says. “Their atten-tion span is so brief, so you have to be ready to jump on something when it’s happening.”

LOOKING AHEADIra Mayer, publisher of the Licensing Letter, points to a few properties to be on the lookout for. “Licensing executives see three up-and-coming properties as ‘hot’ for the preschool market in 2013: Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Sofia the First. All are from Disney,” he notes. “The rapid ramp up of the Disney Junior TV channel is contributing to each character’s strength.”

License to Thrill

WHILE SOME BRANDS use an eye-catching license to boost sales, Priya Mittlemark decided to use it as a way to give back. While suffering from infertility issues, Mittlemark found solace in volunteering to help animals. “It helped my nurturing aspect and made me feel useful,” she says. When she finally did get pregnant she asked

Hot Dogher friends to buy clothes with dogs on them for her little girl, but they couldn’t find such items. So she crafted a logo—a pink puppy wearing a tiara with the phrase “Spoiled and fabulous”—and decided to turn her fashion idea into a reality, founding Puppy Luv Glam last year. But that wasn’t enough for the new mom. “I wanted to give back,” she says.

After researching several animal organiza-tions, Mittlemark decided to reach out to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to bring on the organization as a license for the brand. After going through several interview processes, the ASPCA came on board. “I’m so thankful. And they said they had been looking for the opportunity and the right company to get into more fashion,” she says. The ASPCA logo can be found inside the neckline of each garment and also on the hang tag. For each Puppy Luv Glam shirt or dress sold, $2 will be donated to the organization.

“You really have to pick something you believe in,” Mittlemark advises, adding that brands should not partner with a nonprofit organization just for exposure. “You have to be 150 percent for the cause that you’re part-nering with. When you’re passionate about

er_06_13_in_focus_02.indd 33 5/15/13 4:49 PM

BEHIND THE SEAMS

Retail: Apparel: $13- $50, Footwear: $35-$85

Sizing: Apparel: XS-XL Footwear: 2K-13.5 K, 1-7

AT 64 YEARS young, Adidas may be reaching retirement age, but the introduction of Neo, a teen-centric lifestyle line, has given breath to a more lively, colorful and youthful side of the athletic heritage brand. Neo U.S. Business Unit Director Paul Bowyer explains, “Adidas Neo delivers forward-thinking trends and reflects the teen consumer mind-set of seeking excitement and finding unexpected surprises. It’s the essence of Adidas but younger and carefree.” The comprehensive lifestyle brand includes denim, footwear and accessories for boys and girls between 14 and 19 years old, but the line also appeals to tween-aged trendsetters who outgrow kids’ sizes early.

A rebellious approach to design, or as Bowyer describes, “doing unexpected things and creating imperfect rather than perfect [products],” allows Adidas to key into teens’ ever-changing tastes—and gives some love to a segment of the market that he reports the brand wasn’t addressing. In addition to distinct neon green pack-aging and fashion shows styled by an international pack of teen fashion bloggers, the brand tapped teen idols Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez as brand ambassadors. In Gomez’s case, the Neo team worked closely with the actress/singer to capture her fun fashion sensibility. “This season she was inspired by rock and roll, resulting in an edgy, glam, rock chic collection that features metal-lics, studs and satins,” Bowyer describes. The materials adorn an array of wedge sneakers and mid-cut styles.

“Apparel provides a canvas and opportunity for us to really bring to life Neo’s ‘Live with a Twist’ attitude,” the exec reports. The Fall/Winter ’13 collection is based on four design stories: bold contrasts of color with patterns and animal prints on over-sized silhouettes; galaxy graphics mixed in with transparent layers for a futuristic look; a cozy outdoor theme loaded with houndstooth, Nordic prints and the illusion of textures with pho-tographic prints of fabric; and an ode to nature full of camouflage and Sherpa for guys and winter whites and feathers for girls.

As the “teenager” of the Adidas family, Bowyer says it’s criti-cal that Neo is accessible and affordable. Available to all inter-ested merchants, retail prices range from $13 for apparel to $85 for sneaker wedges. Along with a launch on adidas.com, where shoppers can view full head-to-toe looks complete with beanies and backpacks, the company has also relied on its mature and strong connections with major footwear retailers such as Famous Footwear, Macy’s and Kohl’s to power the line’s big debut. “The feedback since the launch has been really positive and gives us the opportunity to continuously refresh the range and offer the latest trends,” Bowyer adds. —Angela Velasquez

Adidas Neo brings celeb- and street-cred to classic athletic designs.

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er_06_13_behind_03.indd 18 5/16/13 4:09 PM

Rain MakerFrench brand K-Way leads the way with packable rainwear.

Retail: $45- $175

Sizing: 12 months to 14 years

AS THE STORY goes, it was a rainy day in Paris, 1965, when K-Way founder Leon-Claude Duhamel sat near the Eiffel Tower and watched passersby duck for cover beneath bags, newspapers and anything else they could get their hands on to stay dry. Lightning didn’t strike Duhamel, but an idea did: packable, lightweight rain jackets. Flash forward to 2013 and K-Way’s jackets in a pouch are stretching their reach across the Atlantic with sporty and colorful styles for men, women and children size 12 months to 14 years.

Since launching in the U.S. in 2004, the kids’ collection has become the company’s main source of business stateside—boosted by prime real estate in high profile retailers like Crewcuts, says K-Way Brand Manager Matt Feigin. “We started with one design and now design 15 to 20 styles for J.Crew a season,” he says of the brand’s biggest account. In fact, K-Way is the retailer’s larg-est third party vendor.

That placement in Crewcuts, along with more than 600 children’s boutique accounts and a flagship store in New York City (Feigin says more retail plans are in the works), has cemented K-Way as a go-to source for

weatherproof apparel. “Lightweight, pack-able and water-resistant are iconic traits of the brand,” Feigin reports, as well as the rainbow zipper featured throughout the range. A new reversible nylon down jacket is a bestseller for Fall ’13, but a military-inspired jacket is gaining traction, too, he notes. He also sees retailers embracing pops of florescent orange and yellow when paired with deep blues and steel gray. For girls, orange/pink and lavender/dark purple col-orways are hits.

The fall line, which retails from $45 to $175, also includes brand-new revers-ible vests, waterproof pants, coordinating scarves and packable bags that relate back to the men’s and women’s collections. Although the brand does most of its business in big-ger kids’ sizes, Feigin says, “As a European brand, we see a lot of demand for mommy-and-me and daddy-and-me looks, and that theme is carried throughout the line.” Some style elements are lost in translation, he admits. To suit American consumers’ tastes, Feigin says fits need to be reworked and elastics must be removed from wristbands. “It’s a lot easier to cross over adult styles, but kids are a different breed,” he adds. —A.V.

Any way you stack it,

Dallas offers more for kids

Dallas KidsWorld MarketAPPAREL. GIFT. ACCESSORIES. TOY.

June 19-25, 2013August 14-17, 2013

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er_06_13_behind_02.indd 19 5/16/13 3:09 PM

LUCKY KIDS’ FALL ’13 collection brings good news for the brand’s loyal customers. The California casual line is even bigger and better, introducing a layette offering that will include three-piece play sets and one-pieces, says Orly Goldstein, executive vice president of Parigi Group Ltd., the licensee for the popular brand. Coming off a successful debut collection this spring, Goldstein assures the fall line stays true to its adult counterpart’s design aesthetic (contemporary with a boho-twist).

The exec adds that Lucky Brand “has been really involved in everything we do in a great way.” She says, “It’s an amazing collaboration. We’re able to tap into a huge heritage so we’re walking into what’s been the [popular mainstays] for Lucky—whether it’s embroidery, smocking or slubs.”

For fall, the line sticks to its Americana roots, sure to resonate on both coasts. Denim remains a promi-nent fixture, with new washes, including a distressed look, being added to the line. Layering is also a main-stay of the brand, with printed hoodies and jackets giving a variety of outerwear choices. Goldstein

says color is also a focus throughout the collection, with shades of red and pink for girls and mixed tones of blue and burgundy at the fore-front for boys. Even neutral shades are given bright pops for both genders. For girls, the Zoey jeggings and mixed-material pieces featuring crochet and lace are popular items while jeans, soft T-shirts and logo-branded tops are highlights in the boys’ collection.

Goldstein notes that Lucky Kids will be taking on approximately 50 more retailers for fall from its debut season. “I think it’s just [a perfect] time for a new brand to come out, and it’s a dual gender brand that really has a high recognition rate,” she says. She adds that the line is geared to both bigger department stores, such as Lord and Taylor, Dillard’s and Bloomingdale’s, as well as smaller boutiques. “The specialty stores have really been loving it,” she adds. —Maria Bouselli

Wholesale: $8-$40

Sizes: Boys: Infant to size 20, Girls: Infant to size 16.

An Americana favorite expands its fall offerings.Luck of the Kids

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Sugar RushTweens have a craving for Malibu Sugar’s candied color basics.WHAT BEGAN IN 2011 as a straightforward collection of just five basic layering pieces in easy-to-match colorways has since blown out into a range of 60 layering and fashion styles for girls and tweens—and that is just what Malibu Sugar creator Jil Garcia anticipated. After mov-ing on from her children’s T-shirt business, Garcia saw an opportunity to bring simple and comfortable underpinnings for girls and tweens to the market. “It was being done for women and for teens, but not for kids,” she recalls.

Basix!, the range of seamless camisoles and boy shorts for girls size 4 to 14, soon caught the attention of moms and girls who wanted age-appropriate layering pieces. “Moms love it because their girls ages 8 to 11 are looking for an extra layer but don’t necessarily want a bra. Items like the bra cami fill that need and they get to do it in a fun and trendy way,” Garcia explains. Now available in five shades of blue, a kaleidoscope of neon colors, a scope of pretty

pinks and more, the bra camis are a perfect example of how the line has expanded.

Today the Malibu Sugar collection includes racerback tanks, bandeau tops, short- and long-sleeve tees, full-length camisoles and leggings for girls sizes 4 to 14, and this fall will bring more skirts and dresses. True to its California roots, the brand does well with bright colors and free-spirited tie-dyed prints—often worn under a loose sweatshirt or off-the-shoulder sweater—but Garcia says deep purple, burnt orange and charcoal are trending up for fall, as well as cam-ouflage prints and studded details on leggings.

Garcia says the brand fits into a wide range of high-end boutique stores, but a steady dance, gymnastic and cheer business keeps her busy, too. For example, a long-sleeve mesh top is a hit with dancers who layer it over tanks. “The line is soft and comfortable enough to wear at home or to practice,” she adds. “Girls don’t want to take it off.” —A.V.

Wholesale: $4-$18

Sizes: Girls’ 4 to 14

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M AR K ETPLACE

Join Earnshaw’s Marketplace

Earnshaw's Marketplace maximizes small budgets for

emerging infant and toddler companies. Tout

your up-and-coming apparel or juvenile product

collections to retailers looking for new resources

targeting newborns through pre-schoolers.

Call (646) 278-1510 [email protected]

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THE PARTY ISSUE

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

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JULY ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

ROCK ONTake a trip down memory lane in our ’60s-era fashion shoot, featuring plen-ty of nostalgia-inspired party frocks for girls and groovy duds for little dudes.

STAR TURNWhat are Hollywood’s celebrity mamas buying for their kids? In this new column, we profile children’s retailers whose clientele include A-listers like Sarah Jessica Parker and Angelina Jolie, to find out what the stars are snapping up.

GO GO GADGET GIFT GUIDEJust in time for the rebranded NY NOW gift fair, we tinker with some of the most innovative gift items hitting the children’s market.

GIVE BACKWhat can you do to help kids in need? Chris Blake, president of Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), shares how the organization is working with children’s manufacturers and retailers to help children across the globe.

THE FUTURE OF RETAIL IS NOWThanks to iPads and iPhones, retailers are ditching expensive point of sale systems for mobile technology. These new systems may make it easy to ring up customers, but are they reliable?

BABIES ABROADWhat’s trending in Resort

Wear for little ones? Our Fashion Editor Angela Velasquez breaks down the latest looks hitting runways.

SO MUCH MORE…Inspirational and insightful, Earnshaw’s magazine has been the go-to resource for children’s apparel retailers for the past 96 years. With thousands of followers on Facebook and Twitter, in addition to its award-win-ning print publication, Earnshaw’s is an industry leader across a diverse array of media platforms, relied on by buyers and manufacturers for the best in children’s fashion and retail news.

A STEP ABOVEAdvertise 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.

Ad Close: 6/3Materials Close: 6/10

Bonus distribution: NY NOW (International Gift Fair), Atlanta Gift & Home Market, NYC showrooms

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PULLING FROM A rack of trendy toddler togs inspired by styles big sisters and moms pine for, our stylist Liana had no trouble finding exactly what she wanted to wear. Skinny jeans, comfy tops and twirly dresses topped Liana’s list, and she took to the task with the same gusto she brings to the soccer field and her ballet and tap dance classes. Going to the zoo and playing with animals—including her grandmother’s 70-pound gentle giant of a Boxer—are some of Liana’s favorite things to do, but she also loves to try on and model new clothes handpicked by her two proud grandmas. Thankfully for Liana, her Grams have a keen eye for finding hidden gems in sales racks and unconventional places like markets and craft fairs.

—Angela Velasquez

STYLIST: LIANA AGE: 3HOMETOWN: VALLEY STREAM, N.Y.

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1. Dress by DKNY, hair bow by Bows Arts 2. Embroidered top and skinny jeans by Lucky Kids, Puma sneakers, Aidah Jewelry beaded bracelet 3. Lucky Kids top, Candy Hearts jeans, polka dot headband by Bows Arts.

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AUGUST 4.5.6 2013

OCTOBER 6.7.8 20139AM - 6PM SUNDAY & MONDAY . 9AM - 5PM TUESDAYWWW.ENKREGISTRATIONS.COMWWW.ENKSHOWS.COM/CHILDRENSCLUBT.212.759.8055 F.212.758.3403

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EARN_June2013.indd 45 5/15/13 10:48 AM

AVAILABLE IN THESE NEW PRINTS!SILHOUETTE

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PACKAGING

WHY HOTSLINGS

��Guaranteed�WR�RXWVHOO�DQ\� FRPSHWLWRUV�EUDQG�RU�ZH·OO�EX\� \RXU�VWRFN�EDFN��(DVLO\�DGMXVWDEOH��PXOWLSOH� FDUU\LQJ�SRVLWLRQV��6XSHU�OLJKWZHLJKW�DQG�FRPSDFW��4XLFN��HDV\�WR�VOLS�RQ�DQG�RII�

��%R[HV�VWDQG�RU�KDQJ��(DV\�VL]LQJ�LQVWUXFWLRQV�DOORZ�IRU�� D�FXVWRP�ILW��'LDSHU�3RG�KROGV��²��GLDSHUV�� WUDYHO�ZLSHV�FDVH�

Includesa Matching Diaper Pod!

EARN_June2013.indd 46 5/17/13 12:20 PM

AUGUST 4.5.6 2013

OCTOBER 6.7.8 20139AM - 6PM SUNDAY & MONDAY . 9AM - 5PM TUESDAYWWW.ENKREGISTRATIONS.COMWWW.ENKSHOWS.COM/CHILDRENSCLUBT.212.759.8055 F.212.758.3403

PIER 94 NYC

JAVITS CENTER NYC

EARN_June2013.indd 47 5/15/13 11:33 AM

EARN_June2013.indd 48 5/20/13 3:16 PM

Earnshaw's | June 2013

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