Itsakidsworld janfeb2016 (3)

It’s A

A Buyer’s Reference Guide

January/February 2016 Volume 47

Tween Scene Special Report Trade Show Calendar INSIDE

Head to Toe

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From the Publisher

130 Rio Vista Drive, Norwood, NJ 07648 Phone/Fax: 201.969.1600 Email: caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com

Dear Readers,

I’d like to start the year by giving all of our readers and advertising partners a huge THANK YOU! The outpouring of positive comments and excitement celebrating over 10 years of It’s A Kidsworld has been nothing less than amazing. It’s like a shot of adrenaline for me to continue to build the magazine for years to come and create an even bigger and better vehicle for the industry. We can’t wait for you all to take this journey with us and see what’s down the pike with It’s A Kidsworld, bringing you more great stories, fashion, and all things vital in the children’s market.

The January / February double issue starts the year strong with special market features on the ever growing tween market as well as our Head to Toe feature showcasing everything accessories. Flip through the pages to see what’s new and compelling for this selling season and what the “must have it” products are.

Publisher/CEO Caryn Salomon Vice President/Controller David Salomon European Contributing Editor Janet A. Jacobs Trend Reporting/Color Forecasting Fashion Snoops Art Direction/Magazine Layout Christine Joy Décary www.parallelbranding.com

Thanks again to all of you who have helped us become what we are today. We truly appreciate your support and friendship in this most amazing industry.

Happy Shopping!

Caryn Salomon Publisher/CEO It’s A Kidsworld For information on how to showcase or be featured in It’s A Kidsworld please contact caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/kidsworldmagazine

Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/its_a_kidsworld

If you would like to receive a digital copy of It’s A Kidsworld please email me at caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com

6 | It’s a Kidsworld

On the cover Outfit & bow tie: Bound by the Crown Couture Designed by: Susanna Paliotta Photography: Dani Geddes Styled by: Susanna Paliotta

It’s a Kidsworld | 7

8 | It’s a Kidsworld

Gain mArCH 2011 Volume 28

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News

snipits

Nöruk’s World

On the search for a baby and kids fashionable line designed with children’s comfort in mind? Nöruk collection is what you are looking for! Nöruk may be new to the US market but it has been dressing Canadian and European kids under the name Nanö collection for over 10 years. The line offers everything you need for any occasion!

With it’s durable and colorful outerwear able to take any challenge Mother Nature has to offer, big or small, to its refreshing swimwear that kids will not want to store away once the cold days sets in, without forgetting an extensive sportswear line covering anything from special occasions to everyday wear.

Children can also sleep safe and sound in their Nöruk pajamas with their funny characters and glow in the dark details.

The Fall 2016 line with themes like 0-gravity and Winter Garden will catch your attention with its various fabrics (always stretchable for extra comfort), cute prints and European inspired color palette. Nöruk takes pride offering designs children will love to play in and easy to care garments parents can just throw in the washer and dryer.

The brand, being specialized in such a wide range of items and with it’s competitive price point, will fill any client’s needs for kids aged 0- 12 years!

For more information please visit www.norukcollection.com or www.nanocollection.com

10 | It’s a Kidsworld

News snipits

Kissy Kissy Launches Sophie la girafe Layette for Spring/ Summer 2016

This beloved baby brand has signed an exclusive licensing deal to produce a Peruvian Pima cotton clothing collection featuring the iconic baby gift character.

Starting Spring/Summer 2016, parents and gift-givers will have an exciting new way to welcome new arrivals thanks to the launch of Sophie la girafe by Kissy Kissy layette. The delightful pairing is the result of a 2-year licensing deal between parent companies Deliso S.A.S. and Tatiana & Company, which gives Kissy Kissy the exclusive U.S. rights to produce and sell baby clothes with the iconic character. The collection, which will hit stores in June, will include more than 100 pieces, including footies, bodysuits, converter gowns, pajamas and accessories. And each garment will feature the signature softness and durability that Kissy Kissy’s Peruvian Pima cotton provides.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Deliso!

Sophie la girafe is a baby registry staple—one that moms love to get and give. And Kissy Kissy fans have a similar devotion to our brand, so together Kissy Kissy and Sophie la girafe will make an irresistible baby gift,” says Kissy Kissy founder and owner Roxana Castillo. “We can’t wait to provide shoppers with a new way to pamper their babies and embrace both brands.”

Sophie la girafe by Kissy Kissy will be distributed to better stores, specifically focusing on retailers that currently carry Kissy Kissy and welcoming many Sophie la girafe shops as well. The collection will include traditional layette pieces as well as towels and pajamas up to size 2. The groupings will include two prints as well as Kissy Premier pieces featuring hand embroidery, covering girls, boys and unisex.

For more information please visit www.kissykissyonline.com

It’s a Kidsworld | 11

News

snipits

Beyond Creations

Their creations aren’t just good, they go beyond where classic and fashion meet!!

In 1997, armed with a determination to produce a quality product and a talent for creative design, Claudia Johnson decided to start a business of her own and Beyond Creations® was born. In the beginning, she specialized in braided headbands and eventually began adding hair bows.

When her husband Gary joined the business, they were able to expand the company. They currently have two corporate showrooms to fully showcase their wares. With their eye on quality and design, all their products work together. MIX, MATCH, STACK, and COMBINE!!! All products are handcrafted in the USA with superior quality materials by trained artisans with quick turnaround.

Within the last 2 years Beyond Creations has exploded with new products. In addition to their hair bows in virtually every style, color, and size imaginable, ribbon belts, fabric flowers and countless other novelty bows such as princesses and cartoon characters, they have now added something for the little boys; Bow Ties from size infant to adult and suspenders. The difference between their ties and others’ is their soft elastic adjustable neckband made with baby’s soft skin in mind and to keep the boys and dads happy because they aren’t so stiff.

Their commitment to quality, price, and service as well as the latest in styles and trends is what makes Beyond Creations® stand out among their competitors. Thanks to their loyal customers who have allowed them to service their large and small businesses, Beyond Creations® has emerged as one of the top lines for girls’ accessories and now expanding their line to include the finishing touches for boys.

For more information please visit www.beyondcreations.com

12 | It’s a Kidsworld

News snipits

Andy & Evan Industries, Inc. Appoints New Executive Vice President of Sales & Merchandising

New York City, November 2015- Andy & Evan Industries, Inc. announced that Isaac Maleh has joined the company to further develop their growing portfolio of wholesale accounts, cultivate new product categories and explore licensing opportunities. Isaac Maleh comes with a wealth of experience within the children’s apparel industry. Isaac spent over 10 years at Weeplay, a NYC based leader in children’s apparel, as Vice President managing both licensed brands such as Woolrich, Hello Kitty, Penguin, And Carters, as well as several owned and private label brands. Most recently he was the President of Flyers Group USA; a subsidiary of the London based childrenswear company, Flyers Group PLC, overseeing the development and growth of the Ben Sherman and French Connection brands for all of North, Central, and South America.

Isaac joins Andy & Evan Industries, Inc. as an Executive Vice President of Sales & Merchandising to build-upon Andy & Evan’s success as a manufacturer in the children’s apparel industry. Isaac

comments “As someone who’s been in the wholesale kid’s arena for over 15 years, I’ve watched and admired how Andy and Evan Industries has grown organically, and really carved out their own unique segment in the ever challenging children’s business. I couldn’t be more excited to finally join their dynamic team, and I look forward to using my experience to compliment and add value to the amazing business they’ve created thus far.”

Evan Hakalir, Partner & Co-Founder said “Expanding our presence in the children’s apparel market is a natural step for our company, which serves as a childrenswear supplier for many major retailers, e-tailers, specialty stores, and boutiques. Isaac is a really talented guy with a lot of vision, and know-how. He’s the full, and somewhat rare, package in our industry having both a deep rooted expertise in sales, marketing, merchandising, licensing, sourcing and production, while being nimble, tech savvy, and ready to challenge the status quo [a philosophy he shares with the company founders]. We couldn’t be more excited about having him join our dynamic team and help lead our company, and the entire retail landscape for that matter, to the next frontier.” Jonathan Perl, Partner & Co-Founder also commented ”We’re very excited about the future of this company. We have had a lot of success thus far, and with Isaac on board we are poised to do even greater things and expand upon our capabilities. The best team in the children’s apparel arena, just got even better.”

For more information please visit http://www.andyandevan.com/pages/about-us

It’s a Kidsworld | 13

Camp Gear

CAMP CONNECTION staci-nary This new camp season of 2016 will be the biggest and best one ever for STACINARY. Lots of new and fun products like chapstick, fuzzy blankets, crooks, headbands with camp personalized name or just for color war. Great new designs for stationery and 12 new large cards from home. The designs will make you smile.

Happy Summer- we live 10 months for 2! stacinary@gmail.com

Malibu Sugar Malibu Sugar introduces something spectacular each season, and for the upcoming camp season, they do not disappoint! Malibu Sugar has collaborated with Corey Paige Designs whose incredible unique camp artwork is #trending all over social media. Her leggings and pillows have already become every girl going away to camp’s “must have” items and they want it now, months before they are packing their trunks. Malibu Sugar will offer Corey Paige Designs on fashion apparel, towels, drawstring bags, pillowcases and much more. This collaboration is sure to be at the top of “what’s hot” for camp this year! malibusugar.com

14 | It’s a Kidsworld

top trenz Top Trenz carries a complete line of trendy fashion accessories ranging from bags, fashion jewelry, hair accessories and camp products for girls ages 7-17. If it’s hot and in demand, they carry it! toptrenz.com

IT’S A KIDSWORLD BUILDS YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your brand for a more PROFITABLE 2016

March 2016 DOUBLE ISSUE Fall / Winter Back to School Eurowatch Outerwear Trend Report

August 2016 DOUBLE ISSUE Spring / Summer Preview Accessory Hotline Footwear Report Swimwear

October 2016 DOUBLE ISSUE Spring / Summer Special Occasion Trend Report

Tween Feature

Bonus distribution at all major trade shows and marts Reach key buyers and over 25,000 consumer hits with our digital magazine For more information please contact caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com

It’s a Kidsworld | 15

Trend Report

Spring/Summer 2017

| By Ania Witkowski and Nicole Yee, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops

> Infant/Toddler Girls Spring Meadow

Classic summertime pieces play with breezy chambray or denim for a fresh feel. Vintage stripes update overalls while rope straps add an unexpected touch to denim dresses. Playful prints gather inspiration from outdoor scenes, pairing cartoon graphics with subtle windowpane plaid.

Nikolia

Knot

Tinycottons

Prim + Proper

Infused with feminine touches, Prim + Proper plays with quilted details and sophisticated trims.

Exaggerated bibs feature decorative quilting and ruffled edges on chambray rompers. Subtle details include raised flowers on linen tops and crocheted trims along pieced panels on summer onesies.

Anais

and

I

Knot

Yellow

Pelota

Island Fiesta

Vibrant prints come to life in La Isla. Bursts of color reinvigorate everyday designs while playful tassels decorate sleeves and necklines.

Textured materials add depth to lightweight cotton overalls as decorative embroidery looks sophisticated on dresses.

Anais 16 | It’s a Kidsworld

and

I

dded

No A

Sugar

Play

Up

Fashion Snoops provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals. Log onto www.Fashionsnoops.com to learn more.

R

R

Solo International Inc. 112 W. 34th St, Suite 912 New York, NY 10120 (212) 221-1611 Info@solonyinc.com It’s a Kidsworld | 17

Trend Report

Spring/Summer 2017

| By Ania Witkowski and Nicole Yee, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops

> Infant/Toddler Boys Caddy Shack

Vintage athletic influences infuse easy-to-wear pieces with a Gatsby-twist, adding bold hues to knit polos or onesies. Intarsia designs pair icy blues with bright navys while sweater vests pop in bright yellow. Striped one-pieces look sweet paired with crisp woven tops for a golfer-ready look.

Aravore

Knot

dded

No A

Sugar

Athleisure

Futuristic styles carry into baby boys’ SS16 assortments, focusing on minimalist designs in active-inspired silhouettes. Sweatshirt jersey emerges as a must-have material, appearing on joggers and sweatshirts while sporty tees take on boxy silhouettes. Oversized patches appear in geometric shapes on bottoms while pop trims update striped tanks.

Apunktchen

Huxababy

of Oaks

Acorn

Mix No Match

Mix No Match features a quirky medley of prints and colors for baby boys. Playing with exaggerated prints, designers stick to a primary color palette for a circus-inspired take on the SS16 trend.

Pieced constructions are key, appearing across classifications as a must-have update.

Raspberry 18 | It’s a Kidsworld

Plum

Talc

Wheres

that

bear

Fashion Snoops provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals. Log onto www.Fashionsnoops.com to learn more.

It’s a Kidsworld | 19

Trend Report

Spring/Summer 2017

| By Ania Witkowski and Nicole Yee, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops

> 4-6x Girls Hammock Swing

The simple country life is conjured as chambray, ditsy florals and sun-washed linen create timeless pieces for spring/summer. Tie-waist denim shirts, faded denim overalls and flowy woven sundresses are essential for long summer days. Nature motifs like insects and florals are key with humble, homespun details like crochet, lace and frayed hems on simple silhouettes that capture this story’s bucolic charm.

un

Caffelatteacolazione

NV

Fun F

Kitsch Charm

An eclectic homage to the ‘50s and ‘60s, this story combines quirky prints, bright colors and vintageinspired silhouettes. Sweet dresses with Peter Pan collars, A-line skirts and sundresses are updated with quirky pattern mixing and whimsical details like appliques, plastic buttons and bows. Fun themes like kittens, flowers and fruits combine nostalgia with newness.

RADA

E LA P

IZ D HA RU AGAT

Boboli

uc

Tuc T

Mix No Match

Interjected with humor, playfulness and thoughtful design, this print-driven story plays with proportion and color—using print mixing and color blocking to create eye-catching ensembles. Every day essentials from denim to sweatshirts are re-imagined as classic patterns like stripes and dots are tweaked for bold statements.

-Margherita Bimbounae 20 | It’s a Kidsworld

Kids

Manila

Grace

Manila

Grace

Fashion Snoops provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals. Log onto www.Fashionsnoops.com to learn more.

It’s a Kidsworld | 21

Trend Report

Spring/Summer 2017

| By Ania Witkowski and Nicole Yee, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops

> 4-6x Boys Color Tech

Inspired by the pulsating brightness illustrated in Men’s S/S 16 runway, Color Tech explores bold colors and graphics on activewear silhouettes. Bright primary colors mesh with larger-than-life graphics from aliens to bold stripes to animal prints. Color blocking is key as are graphics inspired by children’s doodles and street art.

LI

BOBO

RAL MAYO

Desigual

Havana Cool

Combining relaxed island looks with tailored dapper silhouettes, Havana Cool highlights tropical prints on crisp blazers, polos and woven button-up shirts.

Paired with laid-back striped linen pants, printed tanks and drawstring sweat shorts, this story captures the pulsating, rhythmic swag of the islands.

Dearkids

-Burlon

un

Fun F

Losan

Regatta

Clean, classic and polished, the nautical story for S/S 16 returns to its heritage with preppy silhouettes, stripes and a red, white and blue color palette. From striped tees to linen blazers to relaxed twill pants, this story showcases summer’s essential items.

JOSE 22 | It’s a Kidsworld

N VARO

Mayoral

Grevi

Slow

Wood

Fashion Snoops provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals. Log onto www.Fashionsnoops.com to learn more.

It’s a Kidsworld | 23

Trend Report

Spring/Summer 2017

| By Ania Witkowski and Nicole Yee, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops

> Tween Girls Futurist

Sporty influences are taken to new sophisticated heights as chic silhouettes combine with athletic fabrics—sheer maxi skirts feature sporty striped hems, jersey rompers go strapless and track short onesies sport cut-outs. Color combinations meld neutrals with bold bursts and graphics move away from literal sport themes for a more minimal aesthetic.

un

un

Fun F

Fun F

RAL MAYO

Nomad

Boho goes glam for S/S 16 in a neutral color palette led by white and cream. Fringe and pom poms add hippie flair to casual jersey dresses and tops while loose-fiting rompers, shorts and caftans create a Zen-like, ethereal aesthetic. Lace, eyelet and delicate embroidery add a luxe touch to this romantic and free-spirited story.

of Oaks

n Acor

OCA

LOCA

YCLU

La Isla Girl

In rhythm with the pulsating beat of the Caribbean, La Isla infuses flair, color and culture to summer ensembles. Sportier silhouettes are key as silk baseball jackets, joggers and jersey rompers are updated in island-inspired prints from bold palm prints to oversized tropical fruits. Embellishments are limited as designers opted to focus more on inspiring color combinations and updated prints that capture this Afro-Latin story.

IM

LI SW

BOBO 24 | It’s a Kidsworld

ual

Desig

un

Fun F

Fashion Snoops provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals. Log onto www.Fashionsnoops.com to learn more.

T2Love.com

CoziiUSA.com New York Ilene Oren & Company · IleneOrenShop.com · (212) 563-5020 Los Angeles Shayna Masino Sales · shaynamasinosales.com · (213) 689-4950 It’s a Kidsworld | 25

Trend Report

Spring/Summer 2017

| By Ania Witkowski and Nicole Yee, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops

> Tween Boys Surf Street

Tropical prints with an edge pop on sporty tanks, tees and sweatsuits. Neon hues embolden raglan tees, sweat shorts with kangaroo pockets and textured jersey zip-ups. Prints and graphics are mutually inspired by island and surf culture on brash and bold ensembles that scream with attitude.

y XS

Funk

Japan

Rugs

Super

Rebel

Futurist

Sporty influences are taken to new sophisticated heights as chic silhouettes combine with athletic fabrics—mesh paneled sweatshirts, updated hoodies and jersey joggers. Color combinations meld neutrals with bold bursts and graphics move away from literal sport themes for a more minimal aesthetic.

orato

ny M

Antho

g Macchla

n Heach Silvia

Desert Road

The open highways beckon in this story that is inspired by the free-spirited travels around America—from the winding roads of the Pacific Northwest to the dusty trails of New Mexico.

Heritage-inspired denim melds with American culture from bandana prints to graphics of cacti.

Items are classic and durable and include faded denim shirts, graphic tees, utility jackets and cargo pants—perfect for life on the road.

nt

echa

M Chat 26 | It’s a Kidsworld

un

Fun F

r

ultie

Jr Ga

Fashion Snoops provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals. Log onto www.Fashionsnoops.com to learn more.

It’s a Kidsworld | 27

Hot Topic

The Tween Scene

By Janet A. Jacobs

Today’s young fashion followers know exactly what they want, and are not shy about asking for it!

Not once, but again and again, as parents know only too well. They have a mind of their own, especially when it comes to having the latest fashions their friends are wearing or the styles sported by their idols in the world of music, movies and television. And who but a tween can crave an item so much and then go cold on it so fast?

Designers, sales reps and retailers must stay on their toes and respond quickly to the fastest-breaking trends and interpret them in ways that appeal to both girls and their parents. It’s A Kidsworld interviewed key industry experts to discover how they stay on top and adapt to this fast paced, high energy and ultimately rewarding niche market.

Marcia’s Attic for Kids Marcia’s Attic for Kids, a long established kid’s wear boutique in Englewood, New Jersey, is a popular destination for up-to-the-minute, trend-right fashion that tween-age girls desire. The challenge to have exactly the right merchandise for this discerning yet fickle customer is astutely met by owner Trang Lio and buyer Susan Silverstein.“The tween market is a big part of our business, especially for girls,” says Susan.“The girls are much more fashion conscious, while boys are mostly just into sports labels as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour etc. For the girls it’s a really, really fickle market. They are very independent, influenced by what their friends wear and what the stars are wearing in Los Angeles. They come into our store knowing what they want, which makes this business very fast moving and volatile. You can’t cover just one

28 | It’s a Kidsworld

Susan Silverstein, Trang Lio and Lisa Littman, Marcia’s Attic

trend in a big way, things are always changing quickly.”

Susan explains that the tween range is actually divided into two segments: one for the eight to twelve year old girls and another for pre-teens up to size 16. The most particularly challenging area that Marcia’s Attic focuses on is the tweens from age 12 and up.“They like to dress provocatively,” says Susan.

Understandably the mothers of the girls often have other ideas, and buyers face the extremely difficult task of appealing to both. One trend that all agree on is the preference for extra comfortable clothes made of super soft fabrics. A company aptly named Butter is a big success for the store.

“Their clothes are very comfortable which make them really popular with this age group,” says Susan. Butter offers “stone” appliqués which are in style for younger girls, while the older girls currently prefer printed, non-

embellished styles. So Nikki is another vendor that successfully picks up on new trends quickly, managing to wait until the last minute to show their line which ensures nothing new is missed.

Vintage Havana has a strong following as an item-based business, while Zara Terez started its own wildly popular trend with printed leggings.“Everyone copied their printed leggings, so they moved on to expand their offerings to dance dresses, sweat clothes and active-inspired street wear, all incorporating her exclusive prints,” says Susan. The sign of a true trend setter!

What styles are most important for this age group? At Marcia’s Attic, tops make up about 70% of the business. Comfort in this category is of upmost importance, and soft, fuzzy fabrics such as hacchi are particularly sought after since gaining exposure from Wildfox. Whatever the fabric, all shirts simply must have thumbholes, which give sleeves a slouchy, cozy look while leaving thumbs always ready for texting! Denim jeans have not been a strong category for girls recently, with the exception of fabrics that look like denim but are actually soft, stretchy knits. Girls in this age group are still wearing leggings, and although Marcia’s Attic took a stand with fashion-forward, rayon 70’s styled bell bottoms, Susan found them to have “action but not traction”. Onepiece styles such as rompers and jumpsuits are very popular in a range of fabrics and styles; from casual to dressy enough for special occasions and parties. A currently hot trend in both teen and tween is an activeinfluenced look that melds exercise

“Rompers, Rompers! For Spring/ Summer 2016, some of our top sellers were rompers with big floral prints, and ethnic or Aztec prints.”

—Amy Chang, Truly Me

Marcia’s Attic attire with street wear. Tight fitting tops and leggings include inserts of power mesh fabrics in sporty styles, either solid colors (especially black) or covered with digital prints. Resort season attire such as swimwear and beach cover-ups are also embracing this athletic look, showing swim suit tops that look like sports bras, but a bit longer in length. Both Susan and Trang are constantly challenged by need to be on their toes and right on time with the newest, hottest trends.“When a trend’s done, it’s done” says Trang.“We’re in Bergen County, New Jersey—a very sophisticated market. These kids know what they want!”And chances are excellent they’ll be able to find it at the always trend-wise Marcia’s Attic boutique. https://instagram.com/ marciasatticforkids

Ilene Oren & Company A pioneer specialist in the tween market, Ilene Oren has truly earned her unofficial title: “Queen of Tween”.

Starting as a road rep in 1995 and opening her first showroom in 1998, Ilene always gravitated towards this specific age group.“I came from the junior market,” explains Ilene.“In that business we showed something new every month. At that time kid’s wear companies were showing only four seasons a year. I wondered, what happens if something fabulous happens between the markets?” Ilene was soon “discovered” by several forward-thinking companies with vision to predict the need for a niche in this tween market.“My first line was called Atetudes. They came to me, and it was the right line at the

right time. That’s how it started… I was fortunate because you need a break at the beginning!”Tractr, another of Ilene’s original lines, is still an important collection for the showroom.

“We’ve been together for eighteen years, since my road days,” Ilene says.

Other long-lasting relationships with manufacturers include Kiddo (about ten years), T2Love, Erge and Miss Behave. These companies all have the ability to quickly jump on the trendiest looks, keeping them viable players in this fast-changing business.

Today Ilene Oren & Company is widely known as a tween showroom destination, with 95% of their collections sized for 7-16 girls. Says Ilene,”We have stayed true to our niche since opening the showroom in 1998. I think our vendors have cornered the market and have gotten tween down to a science. We also

as seamless as it used to be—there are many factors the stores face on a daily basis. It’s important to see the stores in person too, keeping in touch on their playing fields.” One of the biggest challenges for stores today is internet shopping, where almost anything can be found and purchased, often at lower prices.“I believe the customer is a bit more fickle, less loyal than they used to be. They will do their shopping in many different places and not just one store, leaving the neighborhood store to compete on so many levels. More and more, the customer has a ‘buy now, wear now’ mentality. They like to buy less per visit and to shop more often, to go many places and buy when it hits them!” Social media and the media in general exert a huge fashion influence on the tween girl customer.

Celebrities such as Dakota Fanning, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and others set the “must have” styles, and manufacturers must be quick to respond with the right look of the moment.

“Anyone they see wearing anything they like, they mimic really well,” Ilene says.“Our kids are into fast fashion. There’s no ‘forever’… these kids do Ilene Oren ‘NOW’! They’d rather spend less and have more. They’re have a Young Contemporary division, not into investment pieces— they’re which is vendor-connected to our into having many pieces.” tween division. We interpret trends, Some of the “NOW-est” trends for silhouettes, reorder styles and take Spring/Summer 2016 include: peasant them down to the tween market as blouses, lots of crochet and little floral soon as they happen. Always trying prints with a bohemian vibe; feminine to stay current, we want to react girly looks using lace and crochet as immediately and not wait until next inserts and trim; deconstructed looks, season. We do some 4-6x sizes which seen as fraying, unfinished hems, are a direct take-down from our tween different fabric washes such as vintage, collections. We’ll do some special cuts mineral and over-dyed. There’s lots in the smaller sizes for our retailers, of fringe and layered pieces, often in but it’s always taken from a tween sheer fabrics that girls wear over a perspective with the trendier vibe.” bra-let or tank top for a pop of color.

Ilene balances a full schedule of Navy is getting a big play for spring, trade shows, showroom sales, social also watery shades of coral, salmon and media and e-commerce, while never mint. For summer, Ilene anticipates neglecting her specialty store clients. bright pop colors such as pop pink, “I like to protect our specialty stores. yellow, blue and orange—all of which We’re always talking to them about the work well with white. Athletic-inspired challenges they face. Business is not styling featuring shorts and crop

It’s a Kidsworld | 29

Hot Topic tops (always cut age-appropriately), verbiage tee shirts, muscle tee shirts and lots of cut-outs are important new looks, thus inspiring the new term “athleisure” wear. Whatever is trending must have the “comfy factor”, whether it be in fabrics used or translated into styling, she isn’t giving that up!

When asked for her predictions of the tween market’s evolution in coming years, Ilene said “I see department stores getting more involved with private label and being less brand-driven within their departments. I am hopeful this will open the doors for our specialty store family to jump on all the wonderful brands the market has to offer. I know the tween market will continue to grow, and we all know kids need new clothes each year as they grow. These girls are very savvy and we need to stay on top of our game, shopping the market and bringing the right trends to our buyers on a constant basis. We Kiddo also need to be very conscious of the price needs of the market, as it will become more competitive.

In order to continue growing,

Tractr

competitive pricing will be a big factor in the tween market.” Ilene Oren & Company will surely continue to meet every new challenge with enthusiasm and savvy, as her

30 | It’s a Kidsworld

company’s motto states: “One Piece at a Time”. www.ileneorenshop.com

Les Tout Petits For anyone who’s ever fantasized about being a fashion designer… or just plain loves fashion, a visit to the design workshop of Les Tout Petits is a dream come true. Countless bolts of colorful, printed and glittering fabrics fill the shelves, pictures from fabulous photo shoots adorn the walls, and an abundant selection of garment samples fill row after row of tightly packed racks. Lois Letz, designer and founder of Les Tout Petits, took time out from this creative whirl to discuss her company’s special place in the tween fashion universe.

Lois started Les Tout Petits in 1985 after a previous career as fashion editor for Seventeen magazine. From the beginning, the company specialized in stylish girl’s clothes for sizes 7-16 and tween. While they’ve always been known to cut patterns on a European scale which especially suits thin to average sized girls, Lois makes sure to include styles that look good on all body types. In swim wear, they even offer one size higher than 16. Because the tween sizes comprise a full 75% of Les Tout Petits’ business, Lois is an expert in anticipating what trends this fashion-savvy group will be wanting each season.“We’re known for the

tween business… It’s the older girl that goes for our look. I’m all about fashion but I have to be careful on what and how I translate for this age group.

However, today you can’t always figure it out so easily. These girls know what they want!”

Lois gets many of her best design inspirations from travel.“Luckily I travel a lot! Also I find Instagram to be a designer’s best friend. Where else can you sit down with your cup of coffee and see what everyone’s wearing around the world?”All of Les Tout Petits’ garments are produced domestically, which helps with quicker timing. The amazing selection of fabrics used in the line adds to the creative scope of the collection. Says Lois,“If I love a fabric I find a place to use it.

I don’t limit myself because of pricing if it’s really special.”

Although all of the seasonal collections are important, Lois particularly enjoys designing the cruise/resort collection.“My first ideas start to come through for this season,” she says.“I just love it because I’m all about vacations. Who’s not having fun at this time? It’s a real feel-good season to me. It all starts here….then spring is eight weeks later. It’s like one big, long season.” For this year’s cruise wear, Les Tout Petits showed lots of neutral shades in the line. For swim there are plenty of bikinis, two-pieced

“Although our prints are always super popular across all of our channels, one of the biggest trends we have seen for our Spring/Summer 2016 collection has been our Girl’s Activewear Leggings.

We have designed a sleek yet bold line of leggings that are perfect for the tween looking to go from school, to dance class, to a night out with their friends - all while feeling awesome. We have taken the concept of the basic black legging and added fun trims and details to make every girl who puts them on feel special. That is our main goal at Zara Terez: for every one of our customers to feel free to express themselves through fashion and to be confident in their own skin.”

—Amanda Schabes, Zara Terez

suits, and a new silhouette which has a halter-like or bandeau top.“I call it a halter-kini”, says Lois.“It offers another option for those who don’t want a bikini. But our bikinis are tried and true. And anything with fringe is always something the girls gravitate towards.” Matching cover-ups are available for most of the swimsuits, while kaftans and maxi dresses offer an easy/glam way of dressing for this vacation season.

For spring, dresses are naturally important for the many special occasions that occur at this time.

While pastel colors are popular for the younger girls, Lois feels that the older girls prefer tried and true basic shades as black, neutrals and navy and white, which is especially strong this season.

Lois designed some dresses with threequarter length sleeves and bell sleeves for the February/March deliveries, although in general most buyers prefer sleeveless dresses for a more chic look.

Lois adds,“I do cardigans to match all of my dresses”, so going sleeveless is never a problem. This works especially well when it comes to the category of Bar and Bat Mitzvah dressing. One of the big trends in dresses is the use of illusion fabrics and lace, especially where there are cut-out sections such as side-inserts on the dress.

“We try to give the girls what they want, but in a discreet way,” Lois says.

“There is lots of white and ivory for graduations, also neutrals, black and pastels.” Les Tout Petits included many variations of rompers and jumpsuits as alternatives to dresses, a trend which started for cruise and continues into spring. Another key trend for spring is athletic-inspired styles with a “yoga” wear look, including some innovative

Les Tout Petits

Lois Letz

new stretch fabrics made of two-toned yarns.“The kids are really active,” says Lois.

“They’re into dance, cheer, hip-hop….so many of my Instagram followers are into dance, it’s really important.”

Off the shoulder,“seventies” looks are part of the spring trend, as are athletic striped pants similar to an adult design by Chloe. And what better trim to respond to movement than fringe?

“Fringe is always good for me. I’m sort of known for it! Our signature fringe dress instantly became a classic.

The fringe dress was the piece that originally put us on the map, especially with new stores not familiar with the line. I do a version of the fringe dress in new fabrics each season, and it’s consistently a best-selling item.”

Designing for the tween market requires finding the right balance between what the girls like, what they can wear to school, and what parents approve of. Lois designs crop tops that are a little bit longer than true crop to avoid any such problems.

This sensibility combined with the wide range the line offers each season appeals to many segments of the tween market. With a devoted NY/LA based celebrity clientele where they often attend “red carpet” events, the styles have to be extra special and paparazzi worthy to stand out. Striving for “wearable yet glamorous” fashion, Les Tout Petit offers a wide range of ultracreative designs to satisfy discerning, stylish tween girls everywhere. www.instagram.com/lestoutpetits

“Our biggest trend at the moment for T2Love Spring 2016, is our Bohemian Black and White printed fabric. It is available in a wide range of styles and adds a real nice flair to our more basic pieces. The print is on a soft gauze fabric, making it airy and light; perfect for the hotter temperatures in the Spring/ Summer months.”

—T2Love

“Our favorite spring story is always “camp” related as we wish we still went! We also had fun taking it back to our childhood days filled with splatter paint and neon’s and our customers agreed with us.”

—Lauren Miglis & Marissa Senzon, Agree2Disagree

It’s a Kidsworld | 31

32 | It’s a Kidsworld

It’s a Kidsworld | 33

Style Watch

Head to Toe —By Janet A. Jacobs

From hats to hair bows, sunglasses to shoes: it’s the accessories that can make or break an ensemble.

These functional but oh-so-fashionable accessories offer kids a way to express themselves and create a look that’s uniquely their own. Industry experts give their insights into what’s needed to succeed in their markets, which begins by designing products to match fashion’s most current big trends.

ABG Accessories Celebrating its fiftieth year in business, this family-owned company continues to enjoy a steady expansion from its humble roots as a small company in Brooklyn making simple knit hats for kids, to its current Hillel status as one of the biggest Kirschner players in the world of children’s accessories. Key player Hillel Kirschner, Senior Vice President and Creative Director of ABG Accessories says,“This company is driven by creativity. In the last twenty years we’ve become known as the most trend-right source for accessories because we always bring newness to our main product categories.” Hillel’s background in fashion design, advertising and art direction gives him the insight to understand what appeals to the customers, and the expertise to successfully direct his team from design conception to ABG Accessories finished product.

“We started to work with licensed characters around twenty years ago. My motto is: you 34 | It’s a Kidsworld

start with something fashionable even if it’s licensed hats. Lots of companies mass produce and slap things together.

That’s not how we do it here.” Hillel says that today’s biggest trend across the board has become the “novelty”— it may be just a hat, but something lights up on it, or moves, or glows in the dark and can play music.“Novelty in headwear is the biggest change in accessories, as well as influencing fashion. Now it’s all about fur, the trimmings, the yarns…chunky yarns are especially popular this winter.

As a company we do more trend shopping than anyone else in our business. I get inspiration from everything I see.” He finds inspiration not just in stores but by scouting the streets to discover individualized style that’s fresh, vibrant and new: “It’s important to look outside of your category to avoid a limiting tunnel vision. At ABG we try to look outside of what we do and see how to apply it to our products.”

Today headwear is still the most important product category for ABG Accessories, encompassing all types of hats for girls and boys of every age as well as women’s hats. The second biggest category is what Hillel refers to as “cold weather items” such as hats, ear muffs, shoes—anything and everything that’s cold weather related. Rainwear items including

ABG Accessories

umbrellas, ponchos, slickers and boots are an important area too, and the company also offers a wide-ranging selection of belts, suspenders, bags and wallets.

As if that weren’t enough,“Our baby division is huge, especially footwear for babies,” says Hillel.“We also do baby hosiery such as tights and socks, novelty bibs and lots of ‘gifting’ -- which is one of our biggest growth areas.” Cute sets that people use as shower gifts, packaged gift sets featuring items such as matching hats, bibs and booties, anything that says “My First…”; and special holiday and dress up items are just some of the extensive list of ABG’s baby products. Whatever the item, all have

that inspired extra-creative touch to make them stand out from the rest.

Holiday-specific accessories are an important niche market, including hats related to Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July and even Saint Patrick’s Day. Since whimsical “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” are extremely popular, it’s naturally created a big demand for “Ugly Christmas Accessories” which have become a huge trend.

The licensed area of products is currently enjoying a big surge in popularity. Hillel sees a returning taste for classics such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, vintage characters with a nostalgic feel and contemporary appeal. Animal themed products such a “Critter hats” for kids continue to be best-sellers, while the strong trend for faux fur is doing very well across the board in all age categories.

Looking forward, ABG Accessories is gearing up for continued innovation and growth in 2016.“We’re confident and excited about the coming seasons,” says Hillel.“We have new patented items and seasonal accessories, and we anticipate a big growth in the gifting area. Accessories are like the icing on the cake… so it has to be fun!

We’re always pushing the envelope.

Keeping it fresh is the key in this crazy industry.”A cake needs frosting for the sweet appeal that turns it into a luxury dessert. ABG Accessories provides the “icing on the cake” that tops off fashion, transforming it into high style. www.elegantheadwear.com

business located near St. Louis, Missouri. The current owners, Miles and Gina Faust, acquired Wee Ones from the original founders five years ago. As a first time entrepreneur, Miles says,“Our backgrounds were in sales and marketing, so we knew that owning a great brand like Wee Ones was a unique opportunity. Retailers and consumers loved the brand and products, so our mission was to nurture and expand upon the warm relationship that already existed.”While the company now offers accessories for girls of all ages, from infants to teens, Miles says,“The sweet spot for Wee Ones, our flagship brand, is traditionally girls ages 4-8.

We see a definite trend in hair bows toward bigger sizes – and older girls are wearing more bows than ever.”

When designing accessories, it’s of upmost importance to be in synch with the most up-to-the-minute fashion trends, ensuring that all items coordinate to the girl’s present wardrobe so they can be worn daily.

When asked about finding design inspiration, Gina says,“Inspiration is all around us… we’re inspired through beautiful color palettes and patterns in nature, facades, artwork, beauty products and even home décor. Fabrics, textures, trims and ribbons play an important role as

Wee Ones For nearly forty years, Wee Ones has been one of the best known names for fashionable hand-crafted girl’s hair accessories. Clients have come to rely on the brand’s strong reputation for high quality—which in the case of hair bows, places a top priority on no frayed edges on the ribbon bows!

Each and every bow is hand tied, demonstrating the exacting care and individual attention given to the hair bows at every stage of manufacturing and beyond. All designs are unique and original to Wee Ones.

Wee Ones is a family owned

Wee Ones

Wee Ones

well. Obviously, interpreting the children’s apparel trends each season is very important for us, so we spend a lot of time studying children’s and women’s seasonal trends, and runway shows from all over the world.

Inspiration is an everyday occurrence for us, and comes in all different shapes and forms.”

For Spring/Summer 2016, the Wee Ones collections include an amazing variety of items, styles and variants of accessories that range from classic designs to super-trendy. Says Gina,“In our business, we want to accessorize the trend, not always match the trend.

In our line this season, you will see bright, tropical colors and patterns, as well as soft hues, ombré and watercolors. Retro graphics and photoreal prints are big in the industry right now, so we have incorporated a number of these popular styles into our line, too. Crochet, burlap and jute continue to draw attention, so we’ve designed bows and headbands to complement this trend. From tiny to big bows, we offer over 300 new styles this season. There’s definitely something to accessorize or match any apparel line!”

Looking ahead, Wee Ones is developing and introducing several new additions to the company’s family of brands.“We are continually pursuing opportunities to expand our brands into new sectors. This season we are launching an expanded line of It’s a Kidsworld | 35

Style Watch Teeny Tiny Optics Wee Ones

sun hats under the Wee Ones® brand, and also launching a new line of sublimation-printed socks under our newest label, Sublime Designs™.” Utilizing the innovative process of sublimation printing allows Wee Ones to print any image on all sorts of products and materials using unlimited colors. This opens up unlimited possibilities for design creativity, fast turn-around time and the option of creating custom designs for retailers, schools and athletic teams. With this newest addition to their existing lines, Wee Ones will continue to offer some of the most exciting, creative accessories for today’s fashion-conscious girls. www.weeones.com

Teeny Tiny Optics Alice Lando, owner of Teeny Tiny Optics, has always loved anything miniature; collectibles, children’s versions of adult fashions and, most importantly, kids and babies themselves! “Early in my career I was an accessory buyer for a large chain of stores, but I always wanted to be on the wholesale end, to have creative control.” So, twenty two years ago, inspired by her husband’s eyewear business, Alice began customizing some of his children’s samples and boldly began taking orders. At that time sunglasses for kids were considered low-end toys and certainly didn’t offer much, if any, protection against the sun. Today Alice’s “teeny tiny” idea has grown into a full-sized success story. Alice says,“It’s been a learning curve for the consumer. We’ve been providing eye protection for over twenty years--we’re all about fashion 36 | It’s a Kidsworld

and protection.” Clients are now starting to really appreciate the importance of protecting children’s eyes from the sun’s potentially harmful rays, while looking fashionable at the same time.

Teeny Tiny Optics sunglasses are now available in an awesome array of styles and colors for babies, toddlers, girls, boys and teenagers.

Alice finds that today’s styling is definitely driven by adult market trends.“It’s the Mini-Me effect,” she says.“We have parents sending us photos of their kids wearing our sunglasses and we see what the kids are wearing: torn jeans, lots of black, retro-styled fashion that their parents are wearing also. Things have really changed over the years. We used to sell pink, pink and more pink. Now people want colors like turquoise, black and gray—even for the littlest ones.”

Keeping current with fashion’s retro trend, Teeny Tiny Optics offers looks inspired by the classic Wayfarer style.

These scaled down versions of a classic are especially popular as they’re the perfect accessory for graphic tee shirt and jean ensembles. Celebrity sells, and many of the company’s bestselling designs are inspired by pop culture icons and superstars that both kids and their parents admire. Says Alice, “The Los Angeles client is definitely celebrity-driven, and two of our very best territories are Los Angeles and New York City.”As part of the retro story, an extremely successful design feature is colored mirror lenses, a hot trend taken down directly from adult Teeny Tiny Optics

versions. These colorful lenses are so popular that they’re offered in every size, including babies.

Looking ahead comes naturally to Teeny Tiny Optics, which will be offering a whole new size category for their even-tinier customer, starting as young as under one-year-old. Alice recommends that the first time parents put sunglasses on a baby it should be done outside in the sunshine.

Even very young children seem to instinctively make the connection that sunglasses are a comfort against the glare of the sun.“You put sunglasses on them and it becomes a habit. The first eighteen years of kids’ lives are when the most damage occurs. Parents today insist their kids wear sun block when they’re playing outside. It should be the same thing for sunglasses.”

Offering a unique combination of eye safety and adorable, trendy fashion makes Teeny Tiny Optics an indispensable, irresistible accessory. www.teenytinyoptics.com

Ben Sherman Kids

LJP International Never a company that does things in a small way, LJP International has added to their already established family of brands, not one, but three winning new licensed lines: Baretraps Kids, Ben Sherman Kids, and Limited Too. Each new line has a distinctive personality and design esthetic which brings something uniquely fresh to parent company LJP, who provides the backbone of expertise in sourcing, production and sales distribution.

Baretraps Kids launched with its Spring 2016 line and is now previewing Fall 2016. The collection has an outdoors, casual lifestyle feel featuring muted, earthy colors and comfortable yet fashionable styling.

Company president and CEO Larry Paparo says,“Baretraps is a twentyfive-year-old company, but this is the first time they’re doing kids shoes.

We have a new brand logo and new packaging.

Baretraps has always been a well-

Limited Too

rounded line and now it’s expanding even more.”Although most materials used in the collection are synthetic, they masterfully mimic the characteristics of real leather and suede, enhanced by burnished, distressed,“high and low” finishes.

Always strong in the boot area, Baretraps Kids has been especially successful with fringe-trimmed styles such as the tonally colored “waterfall fringe” boot.

They also offer a Western-styled boot similar to a riding boot, but with Western feel and braided trim; boots mixing leather with denimlike fabric or zig-zag-striped fabric; and boots trimmed with fur cuffs and fur pom-poms.

All Baretraps Kids designs aim to be multi-functional and versatile enough to be worn day in and day out: to school, for after-school play, and then on to a party. This versatility and blending of style and function make Baretraps Kids a fun, affordable addition to any girl’s wardrobe.

The often neglected area of stylish shoes for boys now has an exciting new option, as LJP International débuts the Ben Sherman Original Kids collection. Closely following the super fashionable designs of this United Kingdom’s men’s line, the boy’s versions offer a very high quality look and sophisticated designs.

“There’s lots of mixed media and pop colors for kids here,” says Larry.“We bring in the brand heritage by using recognizable prints and add the label’s Union Jack logo embossed onto shoes and boots.”An elegant oxford shoe combining faux leather with a textured menswear fabric is a perfect example of the mixed media look. The rich color palette of the collection comes directly from Ben Sherman’s adult line, featuring “Victoria Blue”, and a dark burgundy called “Cherry Brandy”.

A gray suede boot offers the added punch of lime green soles and topstitching, while sneakers made of hounds tooth print fabric

Bare Trap Kids

combine classic and sporty features in a fresh new way.

For the girl who loves glamour and glitz with a touch of nostalgia, LJP has revived the Limited Too label. Larry Paparo says,“The millennium woman is our customer for Limited Too. She grew up shopping in the stores, and there’s an emotional element attached to the brand. The first thing is for the kid to say ‘I want to have it’…then the mom will recognize the Limited Too name and get emotional. She grew up with the brand and now she’s passing on those memories to her daughter.”

Themed collections such as “Glitzy Girl Glam”,“Shoot for the Stars”,“Pucker Up” and “Girl Power” include lots of super-fun styles such as high-topped sneakers piecing patent leather with a vivid print; boots that join fuchsia suede with fuchsia glitter fabric; and utterly irresistible, multi-colored faux fur slippers decorated with an appliqué of the classic Limited Too logo flower.

Larry says,“Our goal for the new collection is to develop the same excitement that the brand has come to represent. It’s that kind of emotion of spirit that will happen at retail.” www.ljpintl.com

It’s a Kidsworld | 37

trade show calendar January-July 2016 January 2016 January 10-12 CHILDREN’S CLUB Pier 92, 12th Ave at 55th Street New York City 212.759.8055 www.enkshows.com/childrens January 18-20 United Boston Children’s Wear Show 75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA (781) 407-0055 www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com January 18-21 LA Kids Market 110 East 9th Street 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90079 213.630.3600 californiamarketcenter.com/kids January 21-23 Pitti Immagine Bimbo Fortezza da Basso viale F. Strozzi 1, Florence www.pittimmagine.com January 22-24 FIMI Valencia, Spain www.fimi.es January 24-26 KIDZ at STYLEMAX 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza - Suite 470 Chicago, IL 60654 312-527-7759 www.kidzatstylemax.com

38 | It’s a Kidsworld

January 24-26 PLAYTIME PARIS Paris, FRANCE Organizer PICAFLOR SARL +33 1 43 72 75 37 www.playtimeparis.com January 27-30 Dallas KidsWorld Market 2100 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 214.744.7444 www.dallasmarketcenter.com January 30 - February 3 New York International Gift Show NY NOW Jacob K. Javits Convention Center / Pier 94 800-272-SHOW (7469) www.nynow.com January 31 - February 1 Bubble London Business Design Centre 52 Upper Street, Islington London N1 0QH +44 (0)1484 846069 www.bubblelondon.com

February 2016 February 4-8 Atlanta Apparel Market AmericasMart Atlanta, GA (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com February 7-10 United Boston Children’s Wear Show 75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA (781) 407-0055 www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

February 9-10 The Children’s Great Event Shoe Show The Marriott Teaneck Teaneck, NJ (718) 769-4251 www.tcgess.com February 9-10 Mid-Atlantic Children’s Apparel Sales Organization (MACASO) Doubletree Suites Hotel Plymouth Meeting, PA 215-782-9853 TheMACASOShow@aol.com February 14-16 Playtime New York Metropolitan Pavilion 125 W 18th Street, NY playtimenewyork.com February 13-16 Toy Fair Jacob Javits Convention Center New York www.toyfairny.com February 15-17 KIDShow Las Vegas Bally’s Las Vegas 908.232.0867 www.kidshow.cc February 16-18 MAGIC PLAYGROUND Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV magiconline.com/playground February 16-18 FN PLATFORM Las Vegas, NV magiconline.com/fn-platform (continued next spread)

It’s a Kidsworld | 39

Trade Show Calendar February 16-18 MAGIC Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV Tel: 818-593-5000 www.magiconli February 20-23 The Children’s Show At Deerfield Embassy Suites Deerfield, IL (248) 478 1732 www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

February 23-25 PLAYTIME TOKYO Belle Salle Shibuya Garden Tokyo, Japan Organizer PICAFLOR JAPAN CO. LTD +81 (0)3 3793 0057 February 23-25 Mid-Atlantic Children’s Apparel Sales Organization (MACASO) Embassy Suites - BWI Linthicum, MD 215-782-9853 TheMACASOShow@aol.com February 27-29 Northwest Kids Show Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Seattle, WA www.nwkidsshow.com February 28-29 NORTHBRANCH KIDS Ohio Show: Embassy Suites Hotel 2700 Corporate Exchange Dr Columbus, OH 43231 www.northbranchkids.com

March 2016 March 6-8 Midwest Children’s Apparel Group: The Livonia Children’s Show Embassy Suites, Livonia, MI 847.945.4500 www.midwestchildrensapprelgroup.com

March 6-8 NORTHBRANCH KIDS Michigan Show Embassy Suites Hotel Ballroom 19525 Victor Pkwy Livonia, MI 48152 www.northbranchkids.com March 6-9 United Boston Children’s Wear Show 75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA (781) 407-0055 www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

March 30 - April 2 Dallas KidsWorld Market 2100 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 214.744.7444 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

April 2016 April 2-4 The Children’s Show At Deerfield Embassy Suites Deerfield, IL (248) 478 1732 www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

March 13-15 CHILDREN’S CLUB Javits Center New York City 212.759.8055 www.enkshows.com/childrens March 10-11 Midwest Children’s Apparel Group: The Indy Children’s Show Embassy Suites North, Indianapolis, IN 847.945.4500 www.midwestchildrensapprelgroup.com

April 2-5 KIDZ at STYLEMAX 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 470 Chicago, IL 60654 312-527-7759 www.kidzatstylemax.com April 5-9 North Branch Kids Show 1229 N. North Branch St.-3rd Floor Chicago, IL www.northbranchkids.com

March 14-17 LA Kids Market 110 East 9th Street 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90079 213.630.3600 californiamarketcenter.com/kids

April 7-11 Atlanta Apparel Market AmericasMart Atlanta, GA (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

March 16-19 United Boston Children’s Wear Show 75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA (781) 407-0055 www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

April 11-12 United Boston Children’s Wear Show 75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA (781) 407-0055 www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

March 17-18 EIMI Bucaramanga, Colombia 305.374.3144 www.proexport.com.co

April 20-22 PERU MODA Lima – Peru buyer@perumoda.com www.perumoda.com (continued next spread)

40 | It’s a Kidsworld

It’s a Kidsworld | 41

Trade Show Calendar

MaY 2016 May 10-12 All Baby & Child Spring Educational Conference Tampa, FL Allbabyandchildsec.com

June 2016 June 2-5 Atlanta Apparel Market AmericasMart Atlanta, GA (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com June 6-9 LA Kids Market 110 East 9th Street 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90079 213.630.3600 californiamarketcenter.com/kids

42 | It’s a Kidsworld

June 8-11 Dallas KidsWorld Market 2100 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 214.744.7444 www.dallasmarketcenter.com June 21-23 Licensing International Las Vegas www.licensingexpo.com

July 2016 July 16-19 Swim Show Miami Beach Convention Center Miami, FL Tel: 305-262-4556 www.swimshow.com

To submit trade show information please email caryn@markitdirect.com

Show dates for all listings are subject to change

It’s a Kidsworld | 43

Show Scenes

on the scene at

CHILDREN’S CLUB NYC

Gaining Exposure

44 | It’s a Kidsworld

Working it!

It’s A Kidsworld Connects

Networking

It’s a Kidsworld | 45

The “IT” List

Where to find it Brand

Contact

Size Range / Product

Phone

ABC Children’s Show

Sarah Kokernot

Baby & Kids Trade Show

210.691.4848

Adams & Company Realty

David Levy

Premier Children’s Building

212.679.5500

Agree2Disagree

Marissa Senzon / Lauren Miglis

Girls 7-14

646.422.7500

Andy & Evan

info@andyandevan.com

Boys 0-7 years

212.967.7908

Beyond Creations LLC

Claudia and Gary Johnson

Accessories from head to toe! Newborn to Adult

877.843.1269

Bound by the Crown Couture

Victoria or Toni

High-end girls lifestyle

401.301.5480

Butterflies & Zebras

Shari Horowitz

Girls dresses and lifestyle

914.330.3056

Children’s Club / ENK

Stanley Kaye

Trade Show

212.759.8055

Dallas Market Center

Meredith Hite

Regional Mart

214.760.2883

Dignity U Wear

Karin Bunell

Non profit charity for kids

888.364.1305

Great Event Shoe Show

Allen Blub

Children’s footwear trade show

718.769.4251

Harriet & Violet / Solo International

Solomon Bailey

Layette, playette, play wear — newborn/infant boy and girl

212.221.1611

Hibou Clothing

Janna Page

3 months - 7 years

714.960.4522

Isobella and Chloe / Best of Chums

Emily Fong

Newborn-16, dresses, infant gifts

626.457.8823

KidShow - Las Vegas

Denise Raeside

Childen’s trade show

908.232.0867

Kissy Kissy / Tatianna & Co

Beth Campanella

Peruvian Pima Cotton baby clothing & accessories preemie - 4T

732.345.5073

Les Importations N&N

Cloee Lamarre

Baby & kids sportswear, outwear, swimwear & pj’s 0-12 years

418.878.9555

Malibu Sugar Inc.

Jil Garcia

Girls 4 - teen

310.883.8385

UBM Fashion Group – Childrens Club, Playground

Lee Rosenbaum, Director

Children’s Trade Show

212.600.3223

Pulla Bulla

Brittney Niquette / Ericka Peña

Boys / Girls sizes 0-16

800.805.0294

T2Love

Terri Kuoch

Tween active wear sizes 2-14

818.477.1379

Teeny Tiny Optics

Alice Lando

Children’s sunglasses 0-12 years

1.888.833.6984

Tractr

Shari Horowitz

Tween girl trendy tops

914.330.3056

Wee Ones

Miles Faust

Premium hair bows, headbands, clips and other fashionable accessories / babies - teens

1.800.258.9996

For more information on how to get on the “IT LIST”, please email caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com

46 | It’s a Kidsworld

It’s a Kidsworld | 47

48 | It’s a Kidsworld