It’s A
A Buyer’s Reference Guide
March/April Double Issue 2018 Volume 56
IN DEPTH
With Disney Star Isaak Presley
What’s In Store
Trend Report Company Profile
Teeny Tiny Optics: 25 years of success It’s a Kidsworld | 1
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T2Love.com CoziiUSA.com New York Ilene Oren & Company IleneOrenShop.com (212) 563-5020 Los Angeles Shayna Masino Sales shaynamasinosales.com (213) 689-4950
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From the Publisher
WHAT’S IN STORE
130 Rio Vista Drive, Norwood, NJ 07648 Phone/Fax: 201.969.1600 Email: caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com Publisher/CEO Caryn Salomon Vice President/Controller David Salomon
Dear Readers, In our business, “what’s in store” is the age old question…who’s carrying what? Where are the strongest sales? What can I sell to improve my bottom line? The past few years have proven to be quite a challenge even for industry veterans. Retailers doing whatever possible to make the business, and manufacturers scrambling to supply goods with a strong sell through. How do we create a positive “what’s in store” environment for the present that will translate into sales now? It really is up to us. We all must do our due diligence to find the right products for our customers, the right price points for our profit margins.
editorial intern Shayna Isabelle Salomon Art Direction/Magazine Layout Christine Joy Décary ParallelBranding.com
If you would like to receive a digital copy of It’s A Kidsworld or would like info on how to showcase or be featured in our pages please contact Caryn at caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com
So take a look inside the pages where you will have the chance to find the the most current and hot trends in our new feature “What’s In Store”, where we highlight top picks from several retailers nationwide. Also, don’t miss what the cool crew is wearing, check out our interview with Disney star and fashion trend setter Isaac Presley inside. We also want to give a big shout out to Alice Lando, owner of Teeny Tiny Optics, our friend and longtime partner, who is celebrating 25 years of success in the children’s market. I’m looking forward to seeing “what’s in store” for all of us in the coming year. Happy shopping!
Caryn Salomon Publisher/CEO It’s A Kidsworld
kidsworldmagazine @its_a_kidsworld
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On the cover Brand: TRULY ME DESIGNER: NASI THACH PHOTOGRAPHER: JOANNE KWON
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News
snipits
LANOOSH Puts Neon on Full Display in New Line What started out as a casual conversation on a ski trip in California, has launched into a full-fledged fashion reality in the form of youth-brand LANOOSH. Co-founded by Tina Hartounian and inspired by her daughter Lanna, LANOOSH mixes the playfulness of vivid colors and prints with sophisticated designs girls can feel confident wearing. The result is a perfect balance of modern, whimsical and chic. This season LANOOSH tells the story of two sisters and their first visit to Japan. The new collection called “Magical Safari,” highlights the evolution of the sisters as they transform from city girls to international fashionistas, and doesn’t hold back on the vibrant neon vibes. Design inspirations draw heavily from the soft yet structured lines and shapes of 10 | It’s a Kidsworld
the 1960s, with magnified details, trims and neon accents taking form and function to a truly unique, trendy style. The Fall/Winter 2018-19 season marks the 5th for the growing Los Angeles based brand, which brings each of their collections, including “Magical Safari,” from concept to creation entirely in-house and under one roof. “We pride ourselves on this,” said Hartounian. “From initial inspiration to the sketch, pattern, grading, textile design, production and final shipment, every detail is accounted for and nothing is missed.” Buyers have the opportunity to visit the corporate showroom and experience the new line, while also being able to catch a glimpse at day-to-day operations in action. “It’s the best
feeling seeing what once was a fantasy design in your mind come to life in that showroom,” said LANOOSH designers Zorineh Hovakimian & Nazik Salatyan, “It’s a rarity for a company to have complete control over a product from start to finish, and for that reason we take full pride in designing clothing that kids will feel stylish, comfortable and safe in.” Lanoosh is currently available online at lanoosh.com and in clothing stores across the U.S.
To find a LANOOSH representative near you or set up an appointment to visit the LA showroom please contact: wholesale@lanoosh.com.
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News snipits
REIMAGINED It’s A Kidsworld shares the vision and fresh concept ideas of Shawn Hazan, the new VP Brand Director, UBM Fashion: 2018 Children’s Club ‘reimagined’ represents the discussion of its evolution through a series of soft launches, such as the new Vignettes that were previewed at the January show, new activations that will present a more current educational view, such as the return of petiteTALKS this past January, a panel in partnership with petitePARADE dedicated to discussing the evolving children’s wear market and the beginning of new merchandising perspective on the show floor to make the show easier to shop.
Shawn Hazan VP Brand Director UBM Fashion
The aforementioned Vignettes: CURATE, SPROUT, CONCEPT and FRESH represents how Children’s Club is aiming to reshape and reimagine the future of merchandizing for brands. These were first previewed in January.. Equally, the goal on the show floor throughout 2018 is to assist the brands themselves with their brand presentations and strengthen our relationship with the community of Children’s collections. “We will look to continue to sit with vendors and retailers to gain feedback to help the show better reflect the needs of the market as a whole” states Hazan. A long-term vision is to coalesce the market – adding new areas, bringing new buyers, instilling new energy - and turn the Javits Center into a Children’s Universe on the world stage that projects a kid friendly atmosphere. “We will continue to build upon the educational aspects of the show and amplify digital activations such a influencer programs to the market place, working with all parts of the market to help buyers stay on the forefront of trend while making their stores profitable. As a result, UBM Fashion will create a new narrative for Children’s Trade and offer the market messages that resonate today – little voices / big impact. They say it takes a village and we will build the community,” states Hazan.
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LEA LELO
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Color Trend Report
Spring/Summer 2019
Color Forecast — by Nicole Yee + Ania Witkowski, Trend Editors, Fashion Snoops
Fashionsnoops.com provides practical forecasting and trend information for fashion professionals.
ilovej
MANTRA
Earth, wind, water and fire. In this story, the young truth seeker looks to the four elements to find meaning, purpose, love and knowledge. Deeply personal and meditative, a melodic mantra is often passed from generation to generation offering a calmness in its ancient tradition and enlightenment in its power. Down-to-earth yet astrologically-inclined, the Mantra kid combines sturdy basics like denim and knit items with other-worldly elements like healing crystals, hand-loomed fringe and totemic-themed patterns. Cyclic in nature, Mantra spiritually connects humans not only to the clans before theme but to mother earth. While the clothes may seem simple to the eye, they possess an unassuming wisdom and sacred sensibility. The color palette blends earthy browns and yellows with mystical gemstone purple and blues.
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The Small Gatsby Little Hedonist
Pinco Pallino
Foque Iglo
LOVE BOAT
The ‘60s and ‘70s suburban summer family vacation is re-imagined in the Love Boat as the young vacationers pack their suitcases and head to the high seas. Aboard this luxury cruise liner, the kids will hit the pool, try their hand at shuffleboard and stay up late to watch comedy sketches and crooner acts. Mixing classic prep with casual retro, the ensembles will blend the mid-century mod formal travel uniform (midi skirts, blazers and collared shirts) with updated sporty apres pool looks (tees, sweatshirts and spring bombers). Nautical reds and blues are infused with pinks and corals for a retro update. Fun and Fun
Little Hedonist
Milk and Biscuits
Amaya
Try Beyond
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Color Trend Report Amaya Jose Varon
Oaks of Acorn
Oaks of Acorn
Barcarola
MIRAGE
Transcendental, eclectic and communal, Mirage is inspired by the Symbiosis Gathering, an arts and music festival that takes place in the American West. With an emphasis on community, festival goers embark on a series of collaborative experiments from art installations that one can touch and climb to permaculture workshops that focus on a sustainable lifestyle. Inclusive and outdoorsy, the young festival goer is expressive in their dress yet practical for the desert terrain. Expect bohemian meets outdoor as flowing sundresses, denim jackets and caftans take on an artistic mix of imaginative and active-inspired details. The color palette combines dreamy pastels with vivid sky blues and dusty desert accents.
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Pinco Pallino
Morley
Barcarola
Fun and Fun It’s a Kidsworld | 17
Color Trend Report She Ver
Pinco Pallino
BIOTANICA
Inspired by New York’s Lowline Lab, Biotanica explores the new environments from sterile labs to murky underground vessels where lush gardens are now able to flourish. No longer confined to outdoor gardens, new urban spaces, both indoors and outdoors, can support botanical life as technological advances allow natural sunlight to be captured and distributed. The Biotanica girl combines flora and faunainspired special occasion with techy touches in a color palette that pulls from nature’s vibrant hues and the artificial glow of tech devices. Nylon pleated skirts, lace sweatshirts and windbreakerinspired dresses redefine special occasion as technology continues to change the human approach to nature.
Foque
NV Swimwear 18 | It’s a Kidsworld
Oca Loca
GLEN PARK
Barcarola
A tiny bedroom community for Silicon Valley, this small residential town is where the tech titans spend their outof-office time. In a seamless transition from work to play, the Glen Park boy adapts the new uniform, a curation of every day items that work for any event or activity. Soft materials, tonal pastels and a no-fuss approach to dressing redefines the neo nerd. Intuitive design (hidden tech pockets for hands-free usage) and fabrics (trackers woven into fibers) interact and assimilate with the wearer’s activities and physiological responses creating an indispensable ensemble in which the intricacies lie in the simple design.
Freya Lillie Querida Philippa
Knit Planet
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Shayna’s Shoutout
Kids Kloset —By Shayna Salomon
Hey guys, it’s Shayna and I am back with Isaak Presley, lead actor in Stuck in the Middle. This 15-yearold is a great successful story. Isaak is a rising star in Los Angeles and has a recurring part on the Netflix original, Fuller House. He’s well rounded and spends a lot of his time writing music, playing guitar and singing. He is currently releasing a music album which he wrote himself. His career started on social media, by making YouTube videos and he now has a huge following with over one million dedicated followers and fans. In addition to his obvious talent, Presley is extremely fashionable and spends a lot time making sure his appearance is the best it can be. Lou, his dad, works really hard on helping his image be spot on. With a vintage, classical and modern feel he expresses the way he feels through his outfit choices. We are excited at Kidsworld to have the opportunity to sit down with this triple threat and discuss his awesome sense of style.
Hope you Enjoy. All my love, Shayna Salomon
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Isaak Presley Age: 15 Los Angeles, California
What kind of designer brands do you wear? When I was younger I really didn’t care about designer clothing and accessories but now I love Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Dulce. My dad has definitely impacted the way I like certain items, and designer brands.
Do you read or watch anything fashion related to know what is in style? I stay on social media and like to see what others are wearing and what is trendy, but I do not usually follow along. I deficiently pay attention to it but I like to have my own look and wear what speaks to me.
“...everyone has different taste and you need to stay confident to your style and stay true to your style.” Do you think you influence your fans on what to wear? I really hope so, it is definitely a goal of mine. I really hope that everything I do influences and inspires my fans, for example my style. Do you have a stylist that picks out your clothes? I recently just got a stylist, but my dad is super fashionable, and he does everything a stylist could do. Do you have to wear certain things out in public because of your job? Yes and no! For social media, I like to wear Adidas and Nike because they send me certain things. I like to post on my
social media to sponsor them and say thank you for sending me those gifts. But in public I usually wear what I want to wear. How do you envision your image? My style may fluctuate, I would have to say it is a classic feel with a vintage look, but with a modern spin; also, I sometimes incorporate a hint of everything in between. My style definitely though style fluctuates because of my mood and the event. Does your style off camera reflect what you wear in your Disney roles? For Disney, I definitely have to wear particular brands that are definitely not my style. However, for my role on Fuller House I get to wear my own clothes which was pretty cool because I got to morph in to my character and feel a lot more comfortable. Do you consider yourself a trendsetter? I am not sure if I’m a trendsetter yet but I do, do trendy things. For example, I used to wear Bowler hats, and I wore them everywhere, it was a part of my image. I got a lot of direct messages from fans telling me that they got that hat. I follow certain trends that my fans do follow, like the beanie and glasses look. I definitely aspire to be one but I am not yet there. Do you wear any accessories to vamp up your outfits? I love jewelry, I always wear an accessory with my outfits. It can range from rings to watches to bracelets and to necklaces. I usually pick my shirt first and then the accessories I wear, for example, if I were to wear a black suit I would wear a shiny necklace to make the outfit stand out. What are your favorite stores to shop at? And why? I have a very strong love for thrift shopping because all the clothing has a different story to it and has a different
background. I usually shop at this thrift shop in my area in LA called Waste Land. Since I love vintage clothing thrift shops are a perfect place for me to shop. How often do you go shopping? It really depends, I can go on phases where I shop a good amount of time or there is a time where I do not shop. But what is really cool having a fashionable dad, is that he will come home with arms full of clothes and I will take whatever I love. I am definitely not a huge fan of shopping but I do love clothes.
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What kind of shoes do you wear with your outfits? I love Doc Martins and I usually wear them a lot but I also wear boots, leather boots, beetle boots, Yeezy’s, Louis Vuitton’s, and converse. Do your shoes determine the kind of look you are going for or do you choose the outfit first and then the shoes? The outfits definitely come first I usually pick out the shirt color is then the boots correlate. Do you have any special outfits that you like to wear all the time? I just recently got this retro 90’s look
sweatshirt, that has a hint of blue and lavender. It’s a checkered Puma sweatshirt and I have been wearing this a lot lately. But I like bright blues and Cortez Nike if I am looking for a more casual look. Also, I will wear ripped jeans, bright shirt and Converse if I am just going out in public and looking for a comfortable look.
little for example a dress shirt and tie, or if I am just going out with friends I will dress casual.
Do your outfits change from weekends to weekdays? It definitely differs from weekdays and weekends. On the weekdays, I work so I usually wear Adidas and Nike track suits because I need a more comfortable outfit. But on the weekend, I usually dress up a
What is your go-to outfit? I have always loved wearing suits but I love wearing ripped jeans with a buttondown shirt, jewelry, and a nice jacket. If I stay at home I wear sweatpants and comfortable clothing.
How long does it take for you to decide an outfit? It typically takes 3 minutes because my dad already has my colors mapped out for the event.
“I have a very strong love for thrift shopping because all the clothing has a different story to it and has a different background.” 22 | It’s a Kidsworld
“The main advice I can give to any stylish person is that there isn’t anything wrong with your style.” Has your style increasingly changed over the years? When I was younger I had a more flamboyant look. When I was 9 I wore different prints and vibrant colors. Now that I have matured I have a normal color scheme for example, black grays, and whites. Do you only wear name-brand clothing or will you wear anything? I will wear anything if it is cool, somethings that I wear more often aren’t designer clothing. Really anything cool that I like I will wear. Do you think trends differ from the West Coast to the East Coast? Most definitely, the NYC, demeanor and style, is much different than the West Coast. New York City everyone has their
own thing going for them and wears whatever they want to wear. But on the West Coast it is beachier and “summery.” For example, when I visited NYC I noticed that everyone wears Timberlands but on the West Coast everyone wears converse with a polo shirt. I definitely like the East Coast vibe better than the West Coast. What are the trendy styles that speaks to you right now? There are three main ones! The first one being the typical brand names like Gucci, and Off White. Then there is the style that I like to call “Flower Child” which is the loose jacket, vintage shirts, ripped jeans, this feel is more care free. And the last one is an all-black outfit that is calm grungy look.
What advice can you give to other stylish people like you? The main advice I can give to any stylish person is that there isn’t anything wrong with your style. Style is like art, open to interpretation, everyone has different taste and you need to stay confident to your style and stay true to your style. Never let anyone inhibit your style because you are unique.
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Company Profile
Teeny Tiny Optics —By Shayna Salomon
It’s A Kidsworld sits down with Sunglass Guru Alice Lando to discuss and celebrate her milestone of 25 years of industry success
What year did you launch Teeny Tiny Optics? 1993!! What inspired you to go into this business? I didn’t want to work for anyone else! I have always loved miniature objects. My niece Meghan was born in 1992 and I loved shopping for her. I had never really spent any time in a children’s retail store and when I looked for gifts for Meghan I fell in love with all the tiny clothes and accessories. My boyfriend (who became my husband), owned a sunglass company. I saw a void in the market for eye protection for children. Many of the sunglasses at that time didn’t even provide 100% UV protection. After doing some research and talking to his factory contacts I decided to bring in a small line of baby and toddler glasses. It was very exciting and fun! I am so grateful to have found a career doing what I love and still have passion for 25 years later. What were you doing before? I was a women’s accessory buyer for a chain of clothing stores.
What type of product are you selling? We sell quality sunglasses that offer eye protection against harmful UV rays. Our sunglasses are comfortable to wear. Many styles have flexible temples and we offer five different sizes to choose from, ensuring a proper fit. One of the best parts of my business is bringing new styles in every year to stay current with fashion trends and colors. What size range do you cater to? Baby to teen. What changes have you made to the company and product line over the years?
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What do you for the business in terms of social media? We love Instagram! Social media has allowed us to establish relationships with the parents who purchase our products for their children. We are so deeply appreciative to all the parents who send us amazing images of their kids wearing our sunglasses! It’s so fun for us to see our sunglasses on so many cute little faces!! Please follow us on Instagram @ teenytinyoptics
I started out with only baby and toddler sunglasses. The line grew after my customers asked for bigger sizes. What can you attribute your longtime success to? Staying focused, keeping up with what parents are looking for, customer service, following fashion and color trends. And a little bit luck and good timing. Who are your main customers? Our independent retailers are the heart of our business. We also make up custom designs for Pottery Barn Kids and Hanna Andersson.
Do you plan to expand the business into other categories? No, we are all about sunglasses. I have been asked many times over the years to expand to other related items but we want to stay totally focused on sunglasses. What makes Teeny Tiny Optics stand apart from other children’s sunglass brands? Quality, value, comfort, style and GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Do you sell online? Yes. TeenyTinyOptics.com
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Retail Review
WHAT’S IN STORE
Kidsworld seeks out the best selling products on shelves now Stephanie’s Kloset Larchmont, NY Cool, trendy store that caters to 7-14, Juniors and Womens
Sparkle by Stoopher
Spiritual Gangster
So Nikki Top Trenz
Top Trenz
Applike Couture New York, NY Applike Couture is a unique company specializing in children’s clothing and accessories. The store offers the consumer the opportunity to design their own merchandise, in addition to, purchasing brand name ready to wear. 26 | It’s a Kidsworld
So Nikki custom designed with our unicorn appliqué
Limeapple
VanPauline
VanPauline
Little Trendz Sherman Oaks, CA Established in 2016, having the love for fashion and a background in visual merchandising, styling, Little Trendz was created for moms that want to give their kidz wardrobes a little edge
Adam and Yve
Adam and Yve
ON CLOUD 9 Potomac, MD
iDecoz
On Cloud 9 features the latest fashions and trendy accessories for all ages and budgets. Hottest trends at the moment : reversible sequins, guitar straps for your handbags, camouflage, cold shoulder tops, and anything with stars!
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It’s A
Show Scenes makes the rounds at for January 2018 market
NY Trade Show
photo credit: Jenna Bascom
photo credit: Jenna Bascom
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photo credit: Jenna Bascom
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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
Children’s Club / UBM
Customer Service
Trade Show
212.759.8055
Dallas Market Center
Customer Service
Regional Mart
214.760.2883
Dignity U Wear
Karin Bunell
Non profit charity for kids
888.364.1305
Lanoosh
wholesale@lanoosh.com
Girls 2-14
844.526.6674
Malibu Sugar Inc.
Jil Garcia
Girls 4 - teen
310.883.8385
MOD Active + MOD Girl
Kristina Hastings
Girls 6x-16 Tweens & Teens
480.432.2113
Sara Sara / GBYM Inc
Wayne Lee
Girls dressy dresses 4-14 years
213.248.1777
T2Love
Terri Kuoch
Tween active wear sizes 2-14
818.477.1379
Teeny Tiny Optics
Alice Lando
Children’s Sunglasses
1.888.833.6984
For more information on how to get on the “IT LIST”, please email caryn.kidsworld@gmail.com
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