Earnshaw's | April/May 2012

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INFANTS’, GIRLS’ & BOYS’ WEAR REVIEW

APRIL/MAY 201 2 $5.00

Celebrate

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Designed in Sweden

TO ORDER, PLEASE CONTACT: sales@happysocksnyc.com or 212-391-4134

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Noelle Heffernan Publisher Jennifer Cattaui ;Z_jeh _d 9^_[\ Nancy Campbell 9h[Wj_l[ :_h[Yjeh

APRIL MAY 2012

;:?JEH?7B Angela Velasquez <Wi^_ed ;Z_jeh Mary Avant Lyndsay McGregor 7iieY_Wj[ ;Z_jehi Maria Bouselli 7ii_ijWdj ;Z_jeh 9H;7J?L; Trevett McCandliss 7hj :_h[Yjeh Tim Jones I[d_eh :[i_]d[h 9EDJH?8KJEHI Michel Onofrio Ijob[ :_h[Yjeh 7:L;HJ?I?D= Caroline Diaco =hekf FkXb_i^[h Sarah Sutphin Broglie 7Zl[hj_i_d] CWdW][h Alex Marinacci 7YYekdj ;n[Ykj_l[ Jennifer Craig If[Y_Wb 7YYekdji CWdW][h Maureen Johan 9bWii_\_[Z IWb[i

This page, from left: Anaïs & I floral jumper, Poème & Poésie shirt, socks by Etiquette, Kina booties. Gray dress by Ferd, Babylady cape, TicTacToe knee socks, Siaomimi Mary Janes.

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7:C?D?IJH7J?ED Laurie Guptill FheZkYj_ed CWdW][h Melanie Prescott 9_hYkbWj_ed CWdW][h Mike Hoff M[XcWij[h 9EDJ79J ?D<E Sales/Editorial Offices ), 9eef[h IgkWh[" *j^ \beeh D[m Oeha" DO '&&&) J[b0 ,*, (-.#'++& <Wn0 ,*, (-.#'++) [Z_jeh_Wbh[gk[iji6 /j^h[WZi$Yec Circulation Office (' >_]^bWdZ 9_hYb[ D[[Z^Wc" C7 &(*/* J[b0 .&& /,*#+'+& <Wn0 -.' *+)#/)./ Y_hYkbWj_ed6/j^h[WZi$Yec 9EHFEH7J; /J^h[WZi (,(&( :[jhe_j HeWZ" )&& M[ijbWa[" E> **'*+ J[b0 **& .-'#')&& Xen Zapis" 9^W_hcWd Lee Zapis" Fh[i_Z[dj Rich Bongorno" 9<E

FEATURES 22 Magnificent Milly :[i_]d[h C_Y^[bb[ Ic_j^ Z_i^[i WXekj ^[h o[Wh#ebZ Y^_bZh[d i b_d[" C_bbo C_d_i" WdZ ^[h Yedjh_Xkj_ed je j^[ \kjkh[ e\ \Wi^_ed$ 26

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FASHION

G.F. Earnshaw: Making History 42 =[jj_d] je adem j^[ cWd X[^_dZ j^[ cW]Wp_d[" =[eh][ <h[Z[h_Ya ;Whdi^Wm" WdZ j^[ _dZ[b_Xb[ cWha ^[ cWZ[ ed Y^_bZh[dim[Wh$

30 From Here to Eternity 7 beea Wj j^[ ^_ijeho e\ Y^_bZh[dim[Wh j^hek]^ j^[ b[di e\ Earnshaw's cW]Wp_d[$

Words of Wisdom J^h[[ ^[h_jW][ XhWdZi Z_iYkii j^[ i[Yh[j je ijWo_d] fem[h WdZ m^o j^[_h YecfWd_[i edbo ][j X[jj[h m_j^ W][$

Toys in the Attic 7 ckj[Z fWb[jj[" YWi^c[h[ WdZ meeb i[j j^[ iY[d[ \eh W ief^_ij_YWj[Z i[Wied$

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 20 56 57 58 64

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Cover: Bonnie Young one-piece worn over striped Nui Organics one-piece and Baby Soy gray pants, Etiquette socks. Photography by Cleo Sullivan.

EARNSHAW’S INFANTS, GIRLS AND BOYS WEAR REVIEW ISSN 0161-2786 (USPS-320-090) Vol. 96 Issue 4. The business and fashion magazine of the children’s wear 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 offices. Subscription price for one year: U.S. $48; Rates outside U.S. available upon request. Single price copy, $5. Copyright 2012 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.

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Forever Young Embracing change and loving the industry we’re in is Earnshaw’s secret to remaining vital. PUBLISHER’S LETTER

I HAVE BEEN working at fashion trade magazines for the last 13 years, and while some would consider me a baby in the industry, the fast pace and constant changes in the B2B world have allowed me to develop the skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing needs of our business readers. It’s particularly special to be working at a magazine that has so much longevity in the marketplace. For nearly 100 years, Earnshaw’s has helped manufacturers and retailers grow their companies, and I embrace being a part of that. Whether it’s consulting companies on advertising in print, digital or social media, or introducing our new custom publication division (in which we develop catalogs, lookbooks and more for brands), I’m able to lend a hand and be a part of that success. The last few months have been quite gratifying for both me and the Earnshaw’s staff. We compiled 95 years of industry history, and the experience made us all even more proud to carry on the Earnshaw’s name.

These days, Earnshaw’s isn’t just producing a magazine; it’s also informing and inspiring others through Facebook, Twitter and our app, which was released in 2011 and features bonus content, behind-the-scenes footage of our award-winning photo shoots and more. On April 30, we also begin our nomination process for the Earnies, so don’t forget to cast your votes online for your favorite brands. While 95 years is a milestone and we’ve enjoyed looking back, we are even more excited to look ahead to our next 95 years! Thank you for your support through the years, and enjoy this retrospective edition.

NOELLE HEFFERNAN noelle.heffernan@9threads.com

CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR

9 5 Happy 800.572.5353 info@josmo.com

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Anniversary 95!

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Wiser With Age Get nostalgic with our 95th anniversary celebration.

EDITOR’S LETTER

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SO THIS IS the big month—our 95th anniversary. Anyone who’s talked to me in the past six months knows I’ve been on a quest far and wide to sort through our history here at Earnshaw’s, from uncovering our beginnings and getting to know George Frederick Earnshaw and what made him start this publication, to how it’s evolved over the years. Our pages have seen both World Wars, the Great Depression, the teen revolution of the ’60s, cotton shortages and oil crises, regulation changes and fashion trends. Having sifted through nearly 100 years of world, retail and fashion history, one thing has really struck me—how familiar the pages of Earnshaw’s are. How contemporary and true. How recognizable the techniques, sales drivers and industry challenges through the years read, and how tried-and-true tools of creativity, adaptation and ironclad resilience still apply. We spent this time in the Earnshaw’s office considering staying power in our industry—fashion Darwinism, if you will. We debated what separates brands that are successful from those that are not and the decisions a leader makes to give a company the ability to forge on, grow and blossom beyond his or her years at the helm. George Earnshaw tapped into something in the early 1900s—a concept of commodifying motherhood and, later, childhood. These trends were discussed at length in the sociological works of Dr. Daniel Thomas Cook, associate professor of childhood studies at Rutgers University. A

mother isn’t just a mother, but also a customer, and there’s a softer opportunity to reach her through her matriarchal role. Likewise, a child is not just a child, but, again, a consumer who drives sales, the market acknowledging the unique and special, albeit small, person he or she is. These new slices of the market and key decision makers that Earnshaw identified paved the way for the diverse children’s market we have today, which continues to divide and gel around not only size differentials, but also style psychographics, parental values and the notion of self-identity. And this is a good thing. In March, the Huffington Post hosted opposing views on the necessity of children’s “fashion” and many responded. For me, and I trust for you, the answer is obvious. I celebrate the creative ideas and unique new businesses and fashions that are being generated every day by our industry. I am proud to deliver this issue to you, the retail community, who continues to inspire our pages. This publication started as nothing more than an “experiment” by George F. Earnshaw, but 95 years later, I think it’s safe to say it’s one that has worked. Enjoy,

JENNIFER CATTAUI Editor in Chief, Earnshaw’s

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talking points

CPSIA Update Smiling Faces at March Trade Shows MARCH WAS THE cedj^ \eh jhWZ[ i^emi _d j^[ 8_] 7ffb[" m_j^ FbWoj_c[ D[m Oeha WdZ ;DA 9^_bZh[dÊi 9bkX ZhWm_d] ^kdZh[Zi e\ Y^_bZh[dÊi XhWdZi WdZ Xko[hi _dje j^[ Y_jo$ J^[ FbWoj_c[ D[m Oeha i^em mWi X_]][h j^Wd [l[h" m_j^ -+ [n^_X_jehi j^[ cW`eh_jo e\ m^_Y^ m[h[ Zec[ij_Y XhWdZi WdZ ceh[ j^Wd '")&& f[efb[ _d Wjj[dZWdY[ W + f[hY[dj _dYh[Wi[ el[h j^[ CWhY^ (&'' i^em $ 9bWh[ FeidWYa" j^[ D[m Oeha YedjWYj \eh FbWoj_c[" h[fehji j^Wj j^[ b[l[b e\ ikYY[ii Wj j^[ i^em mWi kdb_a[ Wdoj^_d] i^[Êi [l[h i[[d$ Ç7i j^[ [n^_X_jehi b[\j" j^[o YWc[ kf je c[ WdZ ^k]][Z c[" a_ii[Z c[ WdZ j^Wda[Z c[ \eh Xh_d]_d] j^[c je j^_i i^em"È i^[ h[YWbbi$ I^[ Wjjh_Xkj[i j^[ ikYY[ii je j^[ i^emÊi cWdW][# WXb[ i_p[" m^_Y^ Wbbemi [WY^ XhWdZ je ][j j^[ d[Y[iiWho Wjj[dj_ed \hec Xko[hi WdZ fh[ii$ ÇF[efb[ ZedÊj ][j beij _d hemi WdZ hemi e\ Xeej^i"È FeidWYa dej[i$ Ç7doed[ m^e Yec[i je j^[ i^em i[[i [l[hoed[ Wj j^[ i^em" WdZ j^[h[Êi de ikY^ j^_d] Wi W XWZ beYWj_ed$È 7j j^[ Wbb#[dYecfWii_d] ;DA 9^_bZh[dÊi 9bkX i^emÆZ_h[Yjeh IjWdb[o AWo[ h[fehji j^[ CWhY^ [Z_j_ed iWm --+ [n^_X_jehiÆj^[ h[ikbji m[h[ `kij m^Wj ;DA mWi beea_d] \eh$ ÇJ^[ [n^_X_jehi WdZ j^[ c[hY^WdZ_i[ ed j^[ \beeh ^Wl[ X[Yec[ ie ckY^ X[jj[h WdZ Wff[Wb_d] je W h[jW_b[h"È AWo[ iWoi$ Ç;WY^ i^em ikhfWii[i j^[ fh[l_eki ed[ _d m^Wj m[ ^Wl[ je e\\[h$È ?d ej^[h jhWZ[ i^em Xkpp" W d[m Y^_bZh[dÊi i^em" YWbb[Z A_Zp8_p ?di_]^ji" m_bb ^_j BWi L[]Wi j^_i @kbo$ J^[ i^emÆm^_Y^ m_bb \[Wjkh[ cWj[hd_jo" _d\Wdj WdZ jeZZb[h" WdZ jeo WdZ ]Wc[i YWj[]eh_[iÆ_i _dl_j[#edbo" m_j^ i[b[Yj# [Z fWhj_Y_fWdji h[Y[_l_d] Wbb#_dYbki_l[ ijWoi Wj j^[ Yed\[h[dY[ m^_b[ Wjj[dZ_d] ed[#ed#ed[ Wffe_djc[dji" ][d[hWb i[ii_edi WdZ Yedj_d# k[Z [ZkYWj_ed fhe]hWci$

THE CONSUMER PRODUCT IW\[jo ?cfhel[c[dj 7Yj 9FI?7 ^Wi X[[d _d \kbb [\\[Yj i_dY[ @Wd$ (&'( ed Wbb fheZkYji cWZ[ W\j[h :[Y$ (&''$ J^[ bWm h[gk_h[i j^_hZ# fWhjo j[ij[hi je fhel_Z[ W 9^_bZh[dÊi FheZkYj 9[hj_\_YWj[ 9F9 je h[jW_b[hi ijWj_d] j^Wj j^[ fheZkYj c[[ji 9FI?7 h[]kbWj_edi$ ÇJ^[ 9F9 h[gk_h[c[dji fhel_Z[ WZZ_j_edWb jeebi j^Wj [l[hoed[ _d j^[ ikffbo Y^W_d" _dYbkZ_d] h[jW_b# [hi" YWd ki[ je [dikh[ j^Wj iW\[ WdZ Yecfb_Wdj fheZ# kYji Wh[ WlW_bWXb[ je 7c[h_YWÊi Yedikc[hi"È iWoi FWjjo :Wl_i" ifea[imecWd \eh j^[ 9edikc[h FheZkYj IW\[jo 9ecc_ii_ed 9FI9 $ J^[ ]k_Z[b_d[i _dYbkZ[ b_c_j_d] b[WZ je '&& fWhji f[h c_bb_ed ffc _d if[Y_\_Y Y^_bZh[dÊi fheZkYji WdZ /& ffc _d fW_dj$ KdZ[h j^[ WYj" Y^_bZh[dÊi fheZkYji _dYbkZ[ Wdo eX`[Yj _d m^_Y^ j^[ cWdk\WYjkh[hÊi ijWj[c[dj e\ _dj[dZ[Z ki[ _i Z_h[Yj[Z jemWhZ Y^_bZh[d WdZ fhecej_edi WdZ fWYaW]_d] W\\_hc j^Wj j^[ fheZkYj _i Wffhefh_Wj[ \eh Y^_bZh[d '( o[Whi ebZ WdZ oekd][h$ M^_b[ Zo[Z WdZ kdZo[Z j[nj_b[ ]Whc[dji Wh[ [n[cfj[Z" ej^[h Yecfed[dji ed Ybej^_d]" ikY^ Wi p_ff[hi" idWfi WdZ YebehWdji" ckij X[ _dif[Yj[Z$ ÇIec[ Y^_bZh[dÊi fheZkYji cWo X[ [n[cfj[Z eh [nYki[Z \hec j^[i[ d[m b[WZ b_c_ji _\ W Yecfed[dj fWhj YedjW_d_d] b[WZ _i _dWYY[ii_Xb["È :Wl_i dej[i$ ÇJ^[ Yecc_ii_ed m_bb fhel_Z[ ]k_ZWdY[ Xo hkb[ ed m^Wj Yecfed[dj fWhji Wh[ _dWYY[ii_Xb[ m_j^_d W o[Wh$È IcWbb XWjY^ cWdk\WYjkh[hi cWo X[ [n[cfj[Z \hec j^_hZ fWhjo j[ij_d] _\ j^[_h jejWb ]heii h[l[dk[ \hec bWij o[Wh _i ' c_bb_ed eh b[ii WdZ j^[o ^Wl[ cWdk\WYjkh[Z -"+&& kd_ji eh b[ii e\ j^[ iWc[ fheZkYj _d (&''$ 9[hjW_d fheZkYji" ^em[l[h" _dYbkZ# _d] Yh_Xi WdZ fWY_\_[hi" ckij X[ j[ij[Z$ ?\ W fheZkYj fWii[i _dif[Yj_ed" j^[ j[ij[h _iik[i W 9F9" m^_Y^ _Z[dj_\_[i j^[ j[ij# _d] \WY_b_jo WdZ j^[ ZWj[ e\ j^[ j[ij" j^[ fheZkYj _ji[b\" WdZ m^[h[ WdZ m^[d j^[ fheZkYj mWi cWdk\WYjkh[Z$ J^[ 9F9 ckij X[ f^oi_YWbbo eh [b[Yjhed_YWbbo WYY[i# i_Xb[ m^[d j^[ h[jW_b[h h[Y[_l[i j^[ fheZkYj$ J^[ h[jW_b[h ckij Wbie [dikh[ j^[oÊh[ dej i[bb_d] fheZkYji _d l_ebWj_ed e\ j^[ 9FI?7$ :Wl_i ijWj[i j^Wj h[jW_b[hi ^Wl[ W b[]Wb eXb_]Wj_ed je h[fehj W fheZkYj _\ j^[o ^Wl[ _d\ehcWj_ed j^Wj j^[ eX`[Yj cWo YWki[ _d`kho eh Ze[i dej c[[j iW\[jo h[]kbWj_edi$ ?\ h[jW_b[hi ZedÊj Yecfbo m_j^ j^[i[ ]k_Z[b_d[i" j^[o YekbZ \WY[ W \_d[ eh f[dWbjo$ <eh ceh[ _d\ehcWj_ed l_i_j www.cpsc.gov$ Je h[fehj Wd kdiW\[ fheZkYj" eh je i[[ W b_ij e\ XWdd[Z fheZkYji" ]e je www.saferproducts.gov.

THEY’RE BACK! GET READY FOR THE EARNIE AWARDS THE UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL election isn’t the only race for the ballot going on these days. Starting April 30, retailers can nominate their favorite children’s manufacturers for Earnshaw’s 35th annual Earnie Awards. Retailers have until June 30 to log onto www.earnieawards.com to place their nominations in categories spanning “Best Footwear” to “Best Customer Service.” On August 5, the final ballot will be revealed and votes can be cast. Voting will close on August 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Happy campaigning!

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Neat Stuff ON APRIL 2, K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) reached out to more than 250 deserving families in Florida to give out 4,000 Gerber Childrenswear items. The charity distributed the children’s essentials in Miami at Neat Stuff, an organization founded in 1995 that provides basic everyday products to children in distress. Franklin Monjarrez, executive director of Neat Stuff, says he enjoyed collaborating with the charity and children’s brand. “Making a difference in the quality of lives of atrisk children is our primary goal, and friends like Gerber and K.I.D.S. help us make that possible,” he notes. As K.I.D.S. implements its “Clothes 4 K.I.D.S.” nationwide campaign, Florida residents continue to remain a priority due to the state’s high levels of poverty, unemployment and need. “We are so pleased to be providing these basic Gerber Childrenswear essentials to the population that Neat Stuff serves,” says Dr. Janice Weinman, president of K.I.D.S. Last year, the global charity supplied homeless families in the state with nearly $1 million worth of shoes, clothing and other children’s products.

Fashion Community Supports Kids’ Cancer Organization ON MAY 9, non-profit organization Solving Kids’ Cancer will host its third annual Spring Celebration, the charity’s yearly fundraiser, with proceeds directed toward cancer research. Solving Kids’ Cancer was the brainchild of founders John London and Scott Kennedy, two fathers who met in a hospital when their children were undergoing cancer treatments. In three short years, their vision—that every kid deserves to grow up—has drawn attention from fashion community heavyweights like Donna Karan, Bonnie Young and Helena Christensen. It’s a worthy cause for any retailer or manufacturer looking for a meaningful charity to direct funds or efforts toward. www.solvingkidscancer.org.

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xoxo TicTacToe and United Legwear Unite CHILDREN’S LEGWEAR BRAND TicTacToe signed a deal with BabyUnited—owner of BabyLegs, a division of United Legwear—that will allow TicTacToe to leverage BabyUnited’s far-reaching sales and distribution capabilities. TicTacToe is known for its collection of basic and fashion socks, booties, knee-highs, leggings and tights for infants, children and teens and is sold in more than 2,000 specialty and department stores. “The operational strength of United [Legwear] will be a significant contribution to our mutual market strength,” noted TicTacToe Founder and CEO Vic Mullaire in a press release. “It is very exciting to see the brand continue to grow to the next level and continue to be the innovative leader in children’s legwear.” Isaac Ash, president and CEO of United Legwear, said: “TicTacToe has been a significant supplier to so many childrenswear departments for almost three decades. It’s a consistent go-to resource for buyers. Their strength, particularly in kids’ basic styles, rounds out the BabyUnited portfolio.”

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fresh finds Footwear accessory brand Lacezz allows kids ages 3 and up to customize shoes with ease. Non-toxic PVC charms like smiley faces, rhinestone-encrusted butterflies and light-up skulls clip on to laces to add color and personality without the hassle of untying shoes. Designed to fit all laces, the accessories can be swapped and shared among friends. Retail prices start at $3.50. Visit www.lacezz.com. Australian brand Mischka Aoki takes kids’ couture to a whole new level with a stunning collection of ethereal dresses, layered fabrics and feminine frills for girls aged 12 months to 6 years. The line’s high-fashion designs are adorned with beautiful handmade ornaments like Chanel-inspired chains and pearls, tulle rosettes and Swarovski crystals. Perfect for any occasion, the line retails from $49 to $289. Visit www.mischkaaoki.com.

Miniature Milk presents an eco-friendly range of baby clothes made from a blend of organically grown cotton and milk fiber that’s both nourishing for sensitive skin and anti-bacterial. Sizes range from newXehd je '( cedj^i" WdZ j^[ _d_j_Wb Yebb[Yj_ed _dYbkZ[i ed[#f_[Y[i" \eej_[i" X_Xi" XbWda[ji WdZ W b_d[ e\ bWo[jj[i$ M^eb[iWb[ fh_Y[i hWd][ \hec *$(+ je '/$/+$ Visit www.miniaturemilk.com.

Designed with the same simple elegance of her namesake women’s wear line, Heidi Weisel sizes down her upscale offering to bow an array of cashmere pieces for babies. The result is a sophisticated collection of jewel-tone sweaters, coats, dresses, leggings and caps in sizes newborn to 3 years, crafted from two and four-ply 100 percent cashmere. And for that perfect first baby gift, look no further than the super-soft double-faced blankets in contrasting colorways. Wholesale prices range from $40 to $175. Call 212-594-7714.

Westport, CT-based sportswear manufacturer One Kid introduces Jordon, a series of packable down vests and jackets, to the U.S. market for Fall ’12. Designed for warmth without weight, styles can be compressed and stored in a matching pouch, making them ideal for travel or sudden changes in the weather. Available in seven colors in sizes 2 to 12. Wholesale prices range from $37 to $51. Call 212-947-3443.

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4/17/12 2:01 PM


Drawing inspiration from the enchantment of childhood, Donna Allison created Collection D-Alli, casual and special occasion wear with an international flair for girls’ sizes infant to 10. Mini-fashion mavens will score serious style points in pieces made from dupioni silks, organdies, organzas and more, accented with delicate laces and trims. Wholesale prices range from $31.50 to $80. Visit www.d-alli.com.

For tots in need of earth-friendly travel gear: Think Outside. The sustainable children’s brand offers a range of GOTScertified, fair-trade products, including backpacks and minibackpacks made from recycled polyester and nylon, stainless steel water bottles and water bottle kits with interchangeable tops (nipple, sippy and sport), as well as 100 percent organic cotton terry and velour beach towels. Look for recycled polyester sunguards and organic shorts and rompers for Spring ’13. Wholesale prices for the gear range from $9 to $16. Visit www.think-outside.com.

A modern mix of laidback California style and feel-good fabrics was the idea behind the socially conscious Skylar Luna, an eco-friendly line of sleepwear sets for boys’ and girls’ sizes 12 months to 8 years. Made from yarn-dyed 100 percent organic cotton, the two-piece pajamas combine comfort with contemporary design, while flat interior seams keep kids cozy. Available in eight color combos, each set is sold in a reusable bag and retails for $42. Check out www. skylarluna.com.

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4/19/12 5:16 PM


hot properties

Bon Bébé and Beyond PROJECT RUNWAY ALL-STARS fans and Target shoppers from years past aren’t the only ones getting a piece of the Isaac Mizrahi action. Now babies and infants can get in on the prim and proper fun, too, with a line of newborn and infant apparel and accessories from the Isaac Mizrahi New York brand. The line—which includes a range of sophisticated silhouettes like tweed pleated coats for little ladies, knit pullovers for mini-gentlemen, and bright and cozy layettes for both baby boys and girls—will be available for Fall ’12 at high-end department stores and retailers throughout the country. The brand has also signed an exclusive agreement with designer and wholesaler Bon Bébé, giving the baby brand license to manufacture and distribute Isaac Mizrahi newborn and infant products. René Rofé, president and CEO of Bon Bébé’s parent company, International Intimates, notes: “We are confident that Isaac’s impeccable taste—blending elegance and whimsy—coupled with Bon Bébé’s uncompromising attention to quality and detail will result in baby collections that mothers will love.” For info, contact Erika Stair at EStair@xcelbrands.com.

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4/17/12 2:04 PM


Nat Geo Explores Kids’ Wear NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAY have been to the Arctic, the bottom of the ocean and even to the moon, but now the brand is charting new territory: kids’ apparel and accessories. Teaming up with performance textile and apparel company Trailtex and its subsidiary Earthtec, Nat Geo is set to launch a children’s outerwear and accessories collection this fall that will be available at retail stores across the U.S. Continuing its journey into the children’s market, the brand will also introduce a line of kids’ area rugs based on National Geographic’s photography archive. The collection—which is in partnership with New York-based Concord Global Trading and whose net proceeds will be dedicated to supporting exploration, conservation, research and education programs—will hit North American retailers this fall. For more info about the respective lines, contact Sam Bastioni at sbastioni@earthtec.com or Gulben Aksu-Bulat at gulben@concordglobal.net.

Pajanimals Gets Busy THANKS TO THEIR return to the big screen last year, Muppets are having a heyday. But they’re not the only Jim Henson creations on a roll: The Jim Henson Company recently signed a slew of licensing deals for its increasingly popular Pajanimals preschool brand. Among the new licenses

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are sleepwear by SaraMax Apparel Group, toddler Halloween costumes by California Costumes and illuminated graphic children’s headboards by LightHeaded Beds. For further information, retailers can contact Melissa Segal at (323) 802-1576 or msegal@ henson.com.

Puff Hits the Big 5-0 WHETHER THEY’RE LITTLE children or kid-atheart adults, everyone loves Puff the Magic Dragon. And this year, the fantastical cartoon creature is heading over the hill. To celebrate Puff’s 50th birthday, brand licensing agency Art and Science is partnering with eco-friendly children’s apparel brand Imagine GreenWear for Puff-adorned rompers, layettes, receiving blankets and T-shirts—all made with the brand’s signature 100 percent organic cotton and seaweedbased dye—for children up to four years old. “Friendly dragons are very popular with children, and the illustrations in the Puff the Magic Dragon book are simply adorable and likeable,” notes Mark Fishbein, CEO of Imagine GreenWear. “Consumers respond to licensed products; the license adds value to apparel, and the response so far has been extraordinary.” The line, which will be available this fall and retails for $25 to $30, will appear in better kids’ boutiques, department stores, and gift and book shops. Retailers can contact Mark Fishbein at mark@imaginegreenwear.com with questions.

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Mud Pie bloomers

NINE THINGS

3 MJK Knits striped beanie

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One Posh Kid rosette tank

4 Peaceable Kingdom birthday card

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Jack Rabbit Creations striped tee

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6 Jannuzzi football T-shirt

CafePress pillow

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Celebrate the big day with birthday number clothing, accessories and more. BY MARY AVANT

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Liliputians interstate sign T-shirt

Wilton monster birthday cake

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FOSSIL FUEL 1 onesie by Gerber Childrenswear 2 Imagine GreenWear one-piece 3 North American Bear Co. plush dolls 4 sock set by Me-In-Mind 5 Bon Bébé three-piece outfit 6 long-sleeve T-shirt by Prefresh 7 Zubels knit hat 8 umbrella by Western Chief 9 BabyLegs leg warmers 10 Petit Lem pajama set 11 Robeez pre-walker 12 Funtasia plaid jumper and shirt 13 Kidorable rain boot 14 pajama set by Boker & Laila 15 Lucky Jade twofer and pants

PHOTOGRAPHER: TIM JONES. FASHION EDITOR: ANGELA VELASQUEZ

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ON TREND 3 -D FLOWERS

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PETAL PUSHERS 1 Andrea’s Beau headband 2 Kate Mack dress 3 crochet hat by Couture Clips 4 ZozoBugBaby dress 5 sweater dress by Marili Jean 6 dress by Turó Parc 7 Twirls & Twigs ditzy print dress 8 poncho by Collection D-Alli 9 hair clip by Jamie Rae Hats 10 Penelope Mack dress 11 Pediped Mary Jane 12 Laundry by Shelli Segal dress 13 Lilo tiered dress 14 metallic dress by Donita 15 Kashka by KidCuteTure tunic

( & ' ( 7 F H ? B % C 7O ; 7 H D I > 7M I $ 9 E C 1 7

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ON TREND ECO-FRIENDLY TOYS

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THE PLAYING GREEN 1 Boikido wooden clock 2 soft book by Wee Gallery 3 Haba rattle 4 Anamalz wooden pig 5 truck by Sprig Toys 6 Fournier knit clown doll 7 Wonderworld tea set 8 Imagiplay wooden worm 9 Ecopiggy teether 10 Camden Rose stacking blocks 11 Green Toys jump rope 12 plush bird by Käthe Kruse 13 knit toadstool rattles by Yellow Label Kids 14 tool set by Under the Nile 15 Finn + Emma knit dog 16 Tegu magnetic block car

PHOTOGRAPHER: TIM JONES. FASHION EDITOR: ANGELA VELASQUEZ

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driven by

DATE

PATTERN

NY INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR ®

AUGUST 18 - 22, 2012

JAVITS CENTER - PIERS 92 + 94

design

NEW

new rules. nyigf.com

Magnetic wooden wheels and cars by Tegu, NYIGF Baby & Child exhibitor. © GLM 2012

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SPOTLIGHT APPAREL

Wholesale: $7-$30 Sizing: Newborn-8 years

Boys’ Club Cool-kids’ brand Kapital K spreads its style-loving boys’ clothes and accessories into a new market.

Happy 95th Birthday, Earnshaw’s!

baby and child best new products awards

soft. simple. magnetic. P.917.338.7475 info@magnificentbaby.com www.magnificentbaby.com

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F.917.338.6775 twitter.com/Magnificentbaby facebook.com/Magnificentbaby

FOR MANY FASHION brands—even those that include boys’ and men’s apparel—it’s a girls’ world, in which lots of lovely lace, cute bows and sweet ruffles abound. But little gents’ brand Kapital K, which launched in 2009, sought to steer clear of that path. “We started out because we saw a void in the market. It was so saturated with girls’ lines,” explains Spencer Sujjaporamest, head designer for Kapital K. “We wanted to offer boys’ clothing in a cool way.” Or, more appropriately, in a kool way. “Everything we do is ‘kool’ with a capital K. And everything we do, we do with passion,” Sujjaporamest says. For the kool Kapital K kid, “every day is a different outfit,” he points out, “and the style factor is there every day when he gets up.” This little consumer is high-spirited, outgoing, energetic and “he picks out his own clothes,” all while searching for apparel that’s fashion-forward and versatile, the designer notes. Popular not just here in the U.S., but also in specialty boutiques as far-reaching as Japan and Dubai, Kapital K quenches this thirst for versatility with a full-range collection featuring everything from flannel shirts and outerwear to scarves and trapper hats. For fall, the brand will introduce its biggest collection to date—with more than 50 SKUs—made up of graphic tees with a British punk vibe and dinosaur prints, plaid shorts and shirts, reversible vests, pullovers and its popular faux furtrimmed Mohawk hoodies. “Graphics and textures were on our minds,” Sujjaporamest maintains. “From diamond-quilted jerseys to faux-leather and shiny oil nylon to double-knit, double-stripe jersey, we have just about everything every cool boy could want.” Perhaps most exciting for the brand is the birth of a newborn line for Fall ’12. With almost 20 styles, the collection for babies 0 to 9 months will feature fabrics like corduroy fleece, velour and knit herringbone. “It’s the cool and fun styling that Kapital K is known for shrunk into graphic bodysuits, pull-on pants and coveralls, with a playful yet sophisticated color palette of blues and grays accented with fun florescent greens,” Sujjaporamest says of the new collection. For upcoming seasons, the brand wants to add more shorts, coveralls and accessories like bibs and receiving blankets to the line, he states, adding, “There’s a lot of room to expand in the baby collection.” So with new lines on its mind, does Kapital K see a girls’ collection in the future? “It’s crossed our minds,” Sujjaporamest declares, “but right now we want to stay focused on what we do best without having to add a ruffle or a sequin.” —Mary Avant

4/20/12 2:08 PM


SPOTLIGHT SHOES

Big Fish, Big Pond Japanese footwear and lifestyle brand Miki House aims to capture the world’s attention with cute designs, rich details and perfectly fitting shoes. IT’S AN AGE-OLD conundrum: to be a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond. For Miki House—a Japanese mega-brand that, according to company research, 93 percent of Japanese mothers and 88 percent of the country’s total population recognizes—these aren’t the only options. Instead, Miki House wants to be big everywhere, President of Miki House Americas Yoshi Takeda declares. And the brand is well on its way. With more than 300 boutiques in Japan and 50 locations spanning across major cities like Paris, Milan, Istanbul and Kiev—along with five stores in the U.S.—Miki House is quickly spreading the word about its richly detailed shoes and apparel. Although the brand has been around for more than 40 years, it wasn’t until 2006 that Miki House began dipping its toes into the U.S. market by wholesaling to high-end boutiques in hot spots like Boston, New York and L.A. In 2010, the brand got its big break by bowing a boutique at Bloomingdale’s New York flagship. Miki House now has four Bloomingdale’s shop-in-shops, the most recent of which opened in San Francisco in April. While the brand is most well-known in Japan for its line of bright, playful and happy-go-lucky apparel that features traditional Japanese bunny (“Cabit-Chan”) and bear (“Beans-Kun”) characters and intricate embroidery and graphic detailing, Miki House is making a big splash in the States with a robust line of shoes that kids love just as much as—if not more than—its clothing. When the shoe collection—made up of styles like solid and multicolor embroidered sneakers and jelly rain boots—debuted at the Bloomingdale’s New York location in Fall ’11, Takeda reports that 20 percent of the

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Wholesale: $21-$69 Sizing: 5-13

shop’s total sales came strictly from footwear. Although the shoes retail for $49 to $119 and may seem pricey at first glance, Director of Communications Sachie Hirayama points out that a price of around $60 for the brand’s line of basic shoes is “not a bad price for an import brand” and falls within the market average for high-quality footwear. But whether they think the price is steep or reasonable, Takeda says parents have no choice when it comes to buying Miki House shoes: Their kids are absolutely demanding the comfortable, fun-loving footwear. “Once they have our shoes, then the children don’t want to wear others,” he maintains. What makes Miki House shoes such a hit? Takeda cites five ingredients that go into the recipe for a perfect pair. First, each shoe comes with a roomy, rounded toe box that gives little toes room to spread out and allows children to walk correctly. Next, turned-up toes prevent kids—especially those just learning to walk—from stumbling and tumbling. The brand’s signature “Flex Joint” provides flexibility and a natural, barefoot feel, while a snug heel counter offers full support and prevents disorders like pronated (inward-leaning) feet. Finally, the brand makes shoes in half-centimeter increments to ensure the “best fit function” for every Miki House kid. This fall, Miki House is introducing a line of sports styles for the older, active kid. The shoes, which Takeda says are more sophisticated than the playful styles typically offered, will feature a new nylon mesh material and fresh color ways like black and metallic multicolor. But no matter the style or color, Takeda says fun is always top priority: “The design should always entertain the kids.” —M.A.

dallasmarketcenter.com | 214.744.7444

4/20/12 3:39 PM


Chic styles spanning the first year of Milly Minis. 22

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Mad About Milly Earnshaw’s caught up with Michelle Smith and got the skinny on the first year of her childrenswear offshoot, Milly Minis, and her role as a critic for FIT’s end-of-year fashion show. By Jennifer Cattaui STUDENTS ARE SNIPPING, sewing, buttoncontinued her studies in Paris at ESMOD, a ing and embellishing up a storm when Michelle prestigious design school, and interned at several Smith, known by the fashion world as Milly, stops other luxury houses. “Each experience was spein to check on their progress. The 39-year-old cial and assured me that I was making the right critic for the Fashion Institute of Technology’s choice,” Smith says. “I’d highlight my time intern(FIT) final show says she’s invigorated every time ing at Christian Dior Haute Couture in Paris as she watches a new crop of designers show their the moment I knew I’d be a designer,” she recalls. creativity through cloth at her alma mater. Smith Her European stint involved combing through was a critic last year for the ready-to-wear prothe archives of European textile mills, something gram, but—apropos to her recent foray into kids’ she notes made her appreciate working with clothing through her spinsome of the finest fabrics in off label, Milly Minis, that the world. Her retail expelaunched last year—she’s rience, she adds, gave her been guiding the school’s better insight into the mind childrenswear program stuof the luxury customer, and dents through the process she took time to study what of designing a collection this factors influenced their purseason. chase decisions. The childrenswear crew Her women’s line has a was pretty nervous to meet Park-Avenue-meets-Palmsuch a huge fashion star, Beach feel, but it’s her reports Barbara Seggio, children’s line that’s turnchildrenswear professor at ing heads at private school FIT. But fears were quickly interviews and parties these allayed: Student Alyssa days. We chatted with Smith Arcieri notes, “She was so to hear a bit more about how cool, down to earth and relatshe approached Milly Minis able. She could be at a fabric and her perspective on the mill in Italy or France, and future of fashion. Michelle Smith with daughter Sophia. it’s amazing that she’s here, making time to be with us.” What is the trick to From the initial sketches designing childrenswear? and the muslin prototypes to actual fabric selecChildrenswear designers have to channel the tion and construction, Smith gives advice and, child within. They have to keep an open mind and in some cases, tips for sourcing resources. The youthful spirit to create clothes for kids. And most designs selected by a panel of judges will be disof all, they have to have fun. played on the catwalk on May 2 during the annual “The Future of Fashion” show at FIT. Of her expeWhat inspired you to create a childrenswear rience as a critic, Smith says, “It’s such an honor. I collection? love being able to give back to the institution that My daughter Sophia was my true inspiration for helped cultivate my skills as a designer.” the collection. She was even a fit model. Overall, it Milly (a childhood nickname for Smith) earned was a natural progression to translate Milly’s sigher chops working in luxury fashion as a sales nature bold prints and feminine-chic aesthetic to associate at Hermès and was, notably, the first playful dresses for young Milly aspirants. American intern at Hermès in Paris. Later, she Sophia loves fashion: When I get ready to go

Milly designer Michelle Smith (right) coaches a student with professor Barbara Seggio at FIT.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, KITTENWALK An inside look at FIT’s final fashion show. “Oohs” and “aahs” abound during the FIT “The Future of Fashion” show, but it’s the childrenswear designers who get the most “awws.” Graduating seniors in design at the school are required to create three looks as part of their senior project. Fashion designer critics help them through the process and members of the fashion media judge two of their creations, determining which looks are ultimately shown in the grand end-of-year fashion show. Leading up to the big day, the class of childrenswear students painstakingly constructs their garments and meets with their critic, Michelle Smith, on no less than four separate occasions. Smith guides them through the process, providing input and constructive criticism on their prospective looks and reviewing their sketchbooks, possible fabrics, silhouettes, color ways and details. Prior to the show, Smith can preselect the garments that will be evaluated by the panel of judges. The judges then review all of the entrants to the fashion show and select the looks that will ultimately make it to the runway. Although no student is guaranteed a spot, most get one garment in the show, and a lucky few get two. Earnshaw’s got a preview of the latest crop of childrenswear students that are making their way through the process and can say with certainty— between the Suri Cruise-inspired formal wear, fanciful tulle-and-ribbon ensembles, demure polka dot playsuits, printed floral dresses coupled with bright jackets, and sophisticated leather and floral dress wear—that the judges’ task will be a doozy. (&'( 7FH?B%C7O ;7HDI>7MI$9EC 23

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out at night, she is always playing dress-up in my closet. She’ll often visit our showroom and draw in my office while I’m sketching. Sophia is now 5. I also have a son, Will, who is 2. Do you have a favorite garment in your fall collection? It’s hard to pick a favorite because I love them all, of course. However, there is a bold lace print from the runway that I adapted into Milly Minis styles—my daughter wore the dress at my fall show. What specific challenges have you faced going into the children’s market? Perfecting the fit was a challenge. Besides that, it was a pretty seamless venture. What do you think children need in fashion? How do your women and children’s lines relate? Colors and prints! They should be able to express themselves through style, just like adults. Our children’s collection is created by adapting my ready-towear pieces into girls’ styles. The collection is created from the same couture fabrics and uses a lot of the same techniques [as the women’s line], and it’s also produced in the same factories as my women’s collections. You’ve been in the market for more than 10 years—what have you learned during that time? What does it mean to be a premium global brand? I take each collection at a time and learn with every new experience. It’s very important to maintain a consistent brand identity around the globe. I want my customers in Japan, Europe and beyond to receive the same Milly experience as they do in the U.S. You design and produce the Milly kids’ line. Of course, a lot of brands turn to licensing firms to create their children’s lines—would you ever think of licensing it out? I don’t think I would ever license out the collection. I’ve

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worked hard to create something I really believe in and want to see in every little girl’s closet. What’s the key to a successful fashion brand? I think it’s important to stay true to your brand while evolving with the times. I am dedicated to making clothes for smart, sexy, feminine women and have built a loyal following. Now I am offering my clients more

OFF THE CUFF Favorite movie: Love Story. Ali MacGraw was such an iconic character, as well as a style inspiration for me. Songs that get you in work mode: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Mary J Blige are some of my favorite artists. Favorite vacation spot: I love Italy, especially along the Mediterranean coast. I love the people, the food, the beautiful landscapes and the rich history. Luxury indulgence: My Hermès Kelly bag. It goes with everything! Tech gadget you can’t live without: My iPhone, loaded up with my favorite songs.

options with swimwear, handbags, accessories and clothing for their daughters. I look forward to continuing the successful momentum. What’s the most exciting part of your business these days for you personally? I am approaching the one-year anniversary of my flagship boutique on Madison Avenue. I love seeing my collections merchandised in the shop—it’s an extension of my personal style and interests. It’s really a special place, and I want my Milly customers to feel as if I’m welcoming them into my living room when they shop here. •

4/19/12 4:27 PM


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By Jennifer Cattaui

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WATERTOWN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

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This page: The Earnshaw Knitting Company factory in Newton, MA; opposite page: G.F. Earnshaw. (&'( 7FH?B%C7O ;7HDI>7MI$9EC 27

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Inside Earnshaw Knitting Mills

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Earnshaw Knitting Mills color lab.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WATERTOWN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

which were afforded patent protection, like a child’s sleeping garment (patented _d '/'- WdZ W fbWoik_j fWj[dj[Z _d '/)( j^Wj mWi YhW\j[Z m_j^ ZeYjehiÊ Ykhh[dj m_iZec _d c_dZÆj^Wj ZW_bo ikd XWj^i m[h[ ^[Wbj^o \eh _d\Wdji$ With a commitment to helping grow ^_i h[jW_b Yb_[djiÊ Xki_d[ii[i" _d '/'-" ;Whdi^Wm X[]Wd je fheZkY[ m^Wj mWi je X[ ^_i ceij bWij_d] b[]WYo0 W cW]Wzine called The Infants’ Department, a ceh[ [bWXehWj[ _j[hWj_ed e\ W fWcf^b[j ;Whdi^Wm Ad_jj_d] 9ecfWdo Z_ijh_Xkj[Z YWbb[Z Ç8_]][h 8ki_d[ii"È j^Wj mWi intended as a free exchange of ideas WdZ j[Y^d_gk[i Wced]ij _d\WdjiÊ m[Wh retailers. He said it was an experiment ed _dYh[Wi_d] Xki_d[ii WdZ ][jj_d] mothers’ trade. He tapped veteran retailer Flora AhWkY^ Wi [Z_jeh WdZ Xk_bj W ijW\\ j^Wj _dYbkZ[Z [Z_jehi" mh_j[hi WdZ c[hY^WdZ_i[ [nf[hji" [dikh_d] j^Wj j^[ cW]Wzine’s voice was peer-to-peer. Earnshaw was so committed to improving the _d\Wdj h[jW_b Xki_d[ii j^Wj _d [Whbo '/'. W\j[h ^[ ^WZ ZekXb[Z j^[ cWdk\WYjkh_d] YWfWY_jo e\ LWdjW Y^_bZh[dim[Wh " ^[ [l[d fkXb_Y_p[Z j^Wj ^_i ]eWb mWi je ZekXb[ Xki_d[ii _d Z[fWhjc[dj ijeh[iÊ infant wear sections. He also offered je fkj kf W XedZ je ^[bf h[jW_b[hi jWa[ advantage of their growth plan, which Z_Z dej _dYbkZ[ Wdo eXb_]Wj_ed je ijeYa LWdjW XWXo fheZkYji$ The Infants’ Department was osteni_Xbo W Ykijec fkXb_YWj_ed _d j^[ [Whbo o[Whi" e\\[h_d] WZl_Y[ \eh iWb[i WdZ h[jW_b ijhWj[]_[i" jh[dZi WdZ j_fi" WdZ ^kceheki WdZ iec[j_c[i fW_d\kbbo ^ed[ij fei_j_edi ed j^[ _d\WdjiÊ h[jW_b Xki_d[ii" WbmWoi WYYecfWd_[Z Xo LWdjW fheZkYj advertisements. Within the pages of the Xeea" ;Whdi^Wm YWcfW_]d[Z je i[fWrate infants’ and children’s goods from

WZkbjiÊ _d Z[fWhjc[dj ijeh[i" Wh]king that compiling all child-related goods in one place mekbZ i[hl[ j^[ Yb_[dj WdZ Zh_l[ Xki_ness to the store. ?d CWo '/('" The Infants’ Department took its first advertising pages, and ;Whdi^Wm Z[YbWh[Z0 ÇJ^[ cW]Wp_d[ _i h[WZ cedj^bo Xo /"&&& mec[d m^e cWdW][ j^[ ?d\WdjiÊ WdZ 9^_bZh[dÊi M[Wh departments of the leading department ijeh[i e\ j^[ Yekdjho" Wi m[bb Wi Xo c[hY^WdZ_i[ cWdW][hi WdZ ^kdZh[Zi e\ salespeople who find its pages practical ik]][ij_edi \eh _dYh[Wi_d] j^[ Xki_d[ii e\ j^[ :[fWhjc[dj$È BWj[h" _d '/((" ;Whdi^Wm cel[Z j^[ ;Whdi^Wm Ad_jj_d] 9ecfWdo \hec Chicago to Newton, MA, not far from ^_i Y^_bZ^eeZ ^ec[$ J^[ cWdk\WYjkh_d] Xki_d[ii j^Wj X[]Wd m_j^ W ^WdZ\kb of workers in Chicago had grown to ceh[ j^Wd '"&&& [cfbeo[[i$ ?d '/(." ^[ h[i_]d[Z Wi fh[i_Z[dj e\ j^[ cWdk\WYjkh_d] YecfWdo$ On the editorial side, Earnshaw _Z[dj_\_[Z WdZ Xhea[ Zemd _iik[i j^Wj affected his readers. For instance, m^[d h[iekhY[i b_a[ meeb m[h[ iYWhY[ Wj j^[ [dZ e\ MehbZ MWh ?" The Infants’ Department Z[jW_b[Z j^[ ijWjki e\ j^[ meeb _dZkijhoÆ_bbkijhWj_d] j^[ _iik[ Xo Ze_d] j^[ cWj^ ed WlW_bWXb[ i^[[f _d j^[ Kd_j[Z IjWj[iÆie h[jW_b[hi kdZ[hijeeZ [nWYjbo m^o fh_Y[i m[h[ [iYWbWj_d]" [dWXb_d] j^[c je [nfbW_d j^[i[ j^_d]i je j^[_h Yb_[dji ceh[ [\\[Yj_l[bo$ ?d CWo '/)'" m^_b[ h[jW_b[hi m[h[ h[[b_d] \hec the Great Depression, Earnshaw advised j^Wj i^efa[[f[hi i^ekbZdÊj Z_iYekdj _d\WdjiÊ ]eeZi jee ^[Wl_bo kdb[ii j^[ [dZ h[ikbj mWi _dYh[Wi[Z lebkc[$ Je Earnshaw, mothers were practical and Z_Z dej Xko _j[ci `kij X[YWki[ j^[o m[h[ marked down. Earnshaw’s opinions were e\j[d cWia[Z _d ^kceh0 ?d ed[ _iik[" ^[ gk_ff[Z WXekj j^[ K$I$ FeijWb I[hl_Y[" dej_d] _j _dWZl_iWXb[ je i[dZ Wd _d\Wdj l_W cW_b" Wi Xo j^[ j_c[ ^[ mekbZ Whh_l[ je ^_i Z[ij_dWj_ed" ^[Êi b_a[bo je X[ \kbb grown. ;Whdi^WmÊi [dj^ki_Wic \eh _dYh[Wi_d] WffWh[b h[jW_b[hiÊ Xejjec b_d[i d[l[h

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E A R N S H AW ’S M A G A Z I N E

Earnie Awards

! For 35 years, Earnshaw’s has recognized outstanding companies

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

VOTING CATEGORIES Best Denim Best Licensed Apparel Best Swimwear Best Hosiery Best Footwear Best Accessories & Jewelry

Best Special Occasion Wear Best Infants’ Collection

Best Tween Collection

Best Swim Collection

Best Gift Item

Best Outerwear Collection

Best Girls’ Collection

Best New Company (1-3 years)

Best Boys’ Collection

Best Company for Good

“It” Item of the Year

Best International Collection

Company of the Year

Best Brand Rep

Nominations begin April 30, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EST and end on June 30, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Go to www.earnieawards.com to cast your vote.

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FROM HERE

TO ETERNITY Follow Earnshaw’s footsteps through 95 years in the childrenswear business.

1929 Difficult Times, New Fashions The stock market crashes on Black Tuesday and the Great Depression begins. As more Americans can’t afford French fashion, domestic designers become popular and many children wear family hand-me-downs. There is a rise in casual clothing, sportswear and tennis shoes, and comfort is in the forefront for kids. Retailers stock more rugged goods in quality fabrics that stand up to weather and wear. During this time, children’s wardrobes expand to sport, play, sun and snow clothes.

1928 Mickey Mouse hits popular culture, and bubble gum and sliced bread are all the rage.

1917 The Beginning Earnshaw’s begins as a publication called The Infants’ Department. George Frederick Earnshaw launches his magazine “experiment” to assist retailers in growing their childrenswear businesses and urges a free exchange of ideas. As president of Earnshaw Knitting Company in Chicago, G.F. Earnshaw crafts the magazine as a custom publication, while also marketing its LWdjW#XhWdZ[Z ]eeZi$ 7i MM? Yedj_dk[i" retailers struggle as sales are lean and fabric shortages are plenty. À la mode are kneelength dresses for girls and winter shorts for boys, which cut fabric expenses. Vanta is the name in childrenswear, even earning a showcase spot in the National Museum in Washington, DC, for exemplary design. ?dj[h[ij_d]bo" The Infants’ Department reports that boys of the time are wearing pink—a healthy, strong color—while girls are donning shades of blue.

1921 Strength in Numbers The Infants’ Department hits its mark and, according to j^[ fkXb_YWj_ed" d[Whbo /"&&& _dZkijho f[efb[ h[WZ j^[ monthly magazine. By demand, it begins taking outside advertising. G.F. Earnshaw declares that the staff is choosy about advertisers, ensuring that each touts products that are on-point and add value to an infants’ department.

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1939 1930s Shirley’s Style The children’s fashion plate _i I^_hb[o J[cfb[$ ;b[]Wdj \Wi^_ed jh[dZi _dif_h[Z Xo j^[ star include collared and saque Zh[ii[i m_j^ h_XXedi" iceYa_d]" jkYa_d]" fb[Wj_d]" f_f_d] and, of course, sweaters (due to j^[ bWYa e\ Y[djhWb ^[Wj Zkh_d] j^[ :[fh[ii_ed $ Ijhed]" m[WhWXb[ cWj[h_Wbi h[cW_d fefkbWh \WXh_Yi" [if[Y_Wbbo m_j^ j^[ _djheZkYj_ed e\ dobed Zkh_d] j^_i Z[YWZ[$

1931 Mother Knows Best ;Whdi^Wm Yedj_dk[i je fkXb_Y_p[ ÇCej^[hYhW\j ;ZkYWj_ed"È Wd [ZkYWj_edWb fhe]hWc j^Wj Yedi_iji e\ W i[h_[i e\ YbWii[i _d cej^[h^eeZ WdZ ^em je i[bb je cej^[hi$ J^[ cW]Wp_d[ [dYekhW][i iWb[if[efb[ je X[Yec[ Y[hj_Ó[Z _d Cej^[hYhW\j" WdZ Yedikc[h WZi kh][ Ykijec[hi je Wia WXekj ikY^ Y[hj_ÓYWj_edi$ Dkhi[i Wh[ Wbie e\j[d \ekdZ _d _d\WdjiÊ Z[fWhjc[dji Wi d[kjhWb iekhY[i e\ _d\ehcWj_ed ed Y^_bZYWh[ WdZ ^[Wbj^$ LWdjW X[]_di cWa_d] ikd WdZ XWj^_d] ]Whc[dji" m^_Y^ are patented in 1932, due to docjehiÊ h[Yecc[dZWj_edi e\ ZW_bo ikd XWj^i \eh XWX_[i$

To the Rescue I[l[hWb fefkbWh Yec_Y Xeeai Wh[ h[b[Wi[Z" _dYbkZ_d] ed[i j^Wj feature a caped crusader called 8WjcWd$

1938 New Ideas ;Whdi^Wm Ad_jj_d] 9ecfWdo h[b[Wi[i _ji emd d[m iodj^[j_Y cWj[h_Wb YWbb[Z LWdjWb_d" W c_njkh[ e\ b_d[d WdZ Yejjed$ ÇDWj_edWb 9^_bZh[dÊi M[[aÈ Yecc[dY[i Wi W mWo je ^[bf _dYh[Wi[ ifh_d] i[Wied iWb[i$ J^[ 9edjhebb[Z 9_hYkbWj_ed 7kZ_j 9$9$7$ X[]_di to audit Earnshaw’s cW]Wp_d[$

1937

The Good and the Bad :_id[o YbWii_Y Snow White is released j^_i o[Wh1 j^[ >_dZ[dX[h] [nfbeZ[i$

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1940s Emergency Issues

1940 Hudson Takes the Helm =[eh][ <$ ;Whdi^Wm Z_[i ed EYjeX[h '" '/*&$ 7\j[h i[l[hWb kdWjjh_Xkj[Z _iik[i" MWbj[h J$ >kZiedÆ\ehc[hbo j^[ [Wij[hd h[fh[i[djWj_l[ _d iWb[iÆYec[i ed Wi [Z_jeh$ >[ b[WZi j^[ cW]Wp_d[ WdZ [d^WdY[i ;Whdi^WmÊi l_i_ed$

MM?? jWa[i j^[ ij[Wc ekj e\ \Wi^_ed WdZ h[ikbji _d Yejjed hWj_ed_d] WdZ fheZkYj i^ehjW][i$ :[d_c el[hWbbi" `[Wdi" iWZZb[ i^e[i WdZ ceh[ YWikWb Ybej^_d] Wh[ j^[ \WZi e\ j^[ Z[YWZ[$ Earnshaw’s _i j^[ edbo fh[ii YWbb[Z je ^[Wh W h[fh[i[djWj_l[ \hec j^[ DWj_edWb :[\[di[ 9ecc_ii_ed if[Wa Wj W H[jW_b[hiÊ 7Zl_ieho 9ecc_jj[[ bkdY^[ed$ J^[ fkXb_YWj_ed Z_iYkii[i ikY^ ^ej jef_Yi Wi j^[ 8bWYa CWha[j" hWj_ed_d]" j^[ [\\[Yj e\ ]el[hdc[dj ikhfbki[i WdZ mWh XedZi$ J^[ ijW\\ Wj Earnshaw’s [l[d Yecc_ji je Xko_d] XedZi WdZ ijWcfi [l[ho fWoZWo$

1948 Sold!

Buyers Who Brunch

1945 MM?? [dZi" WdZ j^[ Ib_dao _i Z[cedijhWj[Z Wj =_cX[bi Z[fWhjc[dj ijeh[ _d F^_bWZ[bf^_W$

7ffhen_cWj[bo *&& Xko[hi Wjj[dZ Earnshaw’s jhWZ[ i^em bkdY^[ed Wj j^[ H_jp 9Whbjed >ej[b _d D[m Oeha 9_jo _d @WdkWho$ C_Y^[bb[ Ckhf^o" ikf[hl_ieh e\ j^[ [ZkYWj_edWb Z_l_i_ed Wj j^[ 8heeabod Cki[kc" ^eiji j^[ [l[dj j_jb[Z" Ç9[djkho e\ @kl[d_b[ <Wi^_ed$È

MWbj[h >kZied WdZ 7bX[hj H_[Z[bb fkhY^Wi[ W +'# f[hY[dj ijeYa i^Wh[ e\ Earnshaw’s \hec j^[ [ijWj[ e\ ;hd[ij 8$ :Wd[" X[Yec_d] j^[ h_]^j\kb emd[hi e\ j^[ fkXb_YWj_ed$

1947 J^ecWi >kZied `e_di Earnshaw’s WdZ mehai kdZ[h ^_i \Wj^[h" MWbj[h >kZied$

ILLUSTRATIONS BY McCANDLISS AND CAMPBELL

1941

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1950s Fashion Flurry F[W YeWji" fb[Wji" ;Wij[h Zh[ii[i" XeoiÊ i^ehj ik_ji" ad[[#b[d]j^ Yejjed Zh[ii[i" YWhZ_]Wdi WdZ ^ec[#ad_j im[Wj[hi Wh[ jh[dZ_d]$ J^ek]^ j^[h[ _i b_c_j[Z Y^e_Y[ WdZ _dZ_l_ZkWb_jo _d h[]WhZi je \Wi^_ed" j^[ Z[YWZ[ cWhai W j_c[ e\ feij#mWh W\Ôk[dY[$

1950 1957 Rock ‘n’ Roll ;bl_i" American Bandstand WdZ 8kZZo >ebbo [dj[hjW_d j^[ oekd] WdZ oekd]# Wj#^[Whj$

Charge It J^[ ceZ[hd Yh[Z_j YWhZ" ademd Wi j^[ :_d[hi 9bkX 9WhZ" ^_ji j^[ iY[d[$ J^[ >kZiedi X[]_d [nfWdZ_d] j^[_h \eejfh_dj _d jhWZ[" WdZ Earnshaw’s bWkdY^[i Small World cW]Wp_d[" m^_Y^ _i Z[Z_YWj[Z je j^[ Y^_bZh[dÊi \khd_jkh[ WdZ ][Wh _dZkijh_[i$

LATE ’60S

Retail Revolution

1960

Pre-teen Power D[Whbo ^Wb\ e\ j^[ K$I$ fefkbWj_ed _i kdZ[h '.$ CeZ WdZ ^_ff_[ beeai Wh[ Wbb j^[ hW][" hWd]_d] \hec Yedi[hlWj_l[ je h[X[bb_eki$ Earnshaw’s fkXb_i^[i W ikffb[c[dj WZZh[ii_d] W Xkh][ed_d] \Wi^_ed i[]c[dj" ZkXX[Z ikX#j[[di jeZWoÊi fh[#j[[di " iWo_d]" ÇI^[Êi W i_h[d _d W i^[[h dobed ib[[fi[j ¾ b_d_d] kf ^[h ijk\\[Z Wd_cWbi ed j^[ X[Z$È J^[ fkXb_YWj_ed h[fehji j^Wj j^[h[ Wh[ Wd [ij_cWj[Z .$+ c_bb_ed ikX#j[[di _d j^[ K$I$ J^[ ÇA[dd[Zo [\\[YjÈ _i Wbie _d \kbb im_d]" _dif_h_d] cej^[hiÊ Ybei[ji [l[hom^[h[ WdZ XeoiÊ i^ehj fWdjik_ji$

Earnshaw’s fh_dji i[l[hWb Ç>em je I[bbÈ ]k_Z[i" jhW_d_d] cWdkWbi \eh h[jW_b ijW\\ mh_jj[d Xo CkhhWo HWf^[b$ HWf^[b Z[l[befi ^_i ,&&#igkWh[#\eej =ehZedÊi Oekj^ I^ef _d 7jbWdj_Y 9_jo" D@" _dje =ehZedÊi 7bbo" W ckbj_#c_bb_ed# ZebbWh Xki_d[ii WdZ i^eff_d] Yecfb[n m_j^ dkc[heki h[jW_b j[dWdji$ 7d [nf[hj cWha[j[h" ^[ \Wcekibo _dl_j[Z 9bWhWX[bb[ j^[ 9bemd WdZ C_dd_[ Ceki[ je ^_i ijeh[ je ckY^ beYWb \Wd\Wh[$

1969

7bceij ^Wb\ W c_bb_ed f[efb[ Wjj[dZ MeeZijeYa$

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1970s Screen Stars Miniskirts, floral dresses, flared jeans and peasantstyle shirts enter the market. Friendship bracelets and running shoes from brands like Adidas are also big hits during the disco era. Crowds line up to see blockbuster movies like Star Wars and Jaws. Happy Days and The Brady Bunch are popular television shows.

1970 Captain Planet The first Earth Day is held in April. Also, flammability standards come into effect for children’s sleepwear. Earnshaw’s devotes several supplements to this issue throughout the decade that discuss flame-retardant fabrics and “how to answer your customers’ questions about flammability.”

1976 AwardWinning

1975

The Vietnam War ends.

The first “Earnie Awards” honor children’s retailers in various categories from shoes to dress wear. The publication also i[dZi ekj ("&&& surveys to mothers in order to better understand consumer habits.

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1980s The ’80s Club 7Y_Z#mWi^ Z[d_c" Yheff[Z `[Wdi" bWY[ WdZ ijh[jY^o W[heX_Y#ijob[ Ybej^_d] Wh[ Wbb j^[ hW][$ 8h_]^j" d[ed Yebehi cWa[ j^[_h mWo _dje [l[hoZWo mWhZheX[i" WdZ ;khef[ beeai je j^[ K$I$ \eh j^[ bWj[ij jh[dZi$ 8hWdZi b_a[ HWbf^ BWkh[d WdZ 9Wbl_d Ab[_d ]W_d fefkbWh_jo$ J^_i Z[YWZ[ \[Wjkh[i Ç8hWj FWYaÈ Óbci ikY^ Wi Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club$

1981 CJL ^_ji j^[ W_hmWl[i" Y^Wd]_d] j^[ cki_Y iY[d[ \eh[l[h$

1983 What a Doll J^[ _d\Wceki 9WXXW][ FWjY^ A_Zi YhWp[ ]_l[i d[m c[Wd_d] je j^[ f^hWi[ Ç^eb_ZWo i^eff_d]$È Ed[ 9Wb_\ehd_W ijeh[ emd[h ^Wi *. Zebbi Wj ijeh[ ef[d_d]" m^_Y^ Wh[ idWff[Z kf m_j^_d )& c_dkj[i$

1989

Jec >kZied Ih$ fWii[i WmWo" b[Wl_d] Jec >kZied @h$ Wj j^[ cW]Wp_d[Êi ^[bc$

1986 Coming to America 7i h[jW_b \eh[_]d _cfehji X[]_d je _dYh[Wi[" Earnshaw’s fkji ekj W ikffb[c[dj j_jb[Z Ç7c[h_YW \eh A_Zi"È kh]_d] K$I$ cWdk\WYjkh[hi je a[[f fheZkY_d] ]eeZi Wj ^ec[$ Mh_j[hi Wbie Wh]k[ j^Wj gkWb_jo WdZ Yeij Wh[ X[jj[h cW_djW_d[Z _d Zec[ij_Y fheZkYji WdZ j^Wj Xko_d] \eh[_]d _i edbo ^khj_d] j^[ Y^_bZh[dim[Wh Xki_d[ii WdZ \[bbem Y_j_p[di$ ÇJ^Wj ekj e\ meha" Xbk[ YebbWh Yedikc[h _i j^[ f[hied m^e ik\\[hi ceij"È j^[ fkXb_YWj_ed ijWj[i$

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1990s “Whatever” The disheveled grunge look is in, as well as colorful baggy jeans, oversized T-shirts, flare pants and flannel shirts. The schoolgirl look, inspired by the movie Clueless, is also popular, and platforms and chunky shoes like Dr. Martens are in vogue.

1990 Movers and Shakers Tom Hudson Jr. further expands the company’s portfolio with Footwear Plus magazine, a trade publication covering the footwear industry. West Coast stores and brands feel aftershocks from the ’89 earthquake, which causes transportation to ^Wbj WdZ Z[bWoi Z[b_l[h_[i$ J^[ 9^_bZh[dÊi FbWY[ ef[di _ji Óhij ikf[hijeh[ _d DO9$

1994 Retail and Beyond American brands like OshKosh B’Gosh open their own stores in Europe. Children’s retailers incorporate other services, such as haircuts, into their businesses.

1991 1992

Hip-hop fashion filters into boys’ apparel.

Mind the Gap More designers and stores chase after the “Gap look.” Children’s hats are a new craze.

1993

Label Maker More trade shows are developing, such as the Children’s Trade Show ;nfe" J^[ ?dj[hdWj_edWb Kids Fashion Show and The Super Show _d 7jbWdjW$ Be]ei Wh[ becoming an important element in sportswear. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is passed. 3 6 ; 7 H D I > 7M I $ 9 E C 7 F H ? B % C 7O ( & ' (

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2000s Mixing it Up Urban styles from brands like Mecca, Fubu and Timberland Wh[ fefkbWh$ <eh Xeoi" bWo[h_d] hoodies and plaid shirts with W ]hkd][ jm_ij _i j^[ \WZ$ =_hbi m[Wh Z_ijh[ii[Z `[Wdi" 9^Wd[b# _dif_h[Z jm[[Z WdZ Xe^e#Y^_Y beeai$ Eh]Wd_Y WdZ [Ye#\h_[dZ# ly materials are on the rise, as m[bb Wi c_n_d] fWjj[hdi WdZ YWfh_ fWdji$ 9heYi X[Yec[ W ckij#^Wl[$

2005 A Helping Hand >khh_YWd[ AWjh_dW heYai j^[ =kb\ 9eWij$ Eh]Wd_pWj_edi b_a[ A_Zi _d :_ijh[ii[Z I_jkWj_edi A$?$:$I$ ceX_b_p[ je Yebb[Yj Ybej^_d] WdZ ]eeZi \hec j^[ Y^_bZh[dÊi _dZkijho je WZZh[ii j^[ d[[Zi e\ \Wc_b_[i _d j^[ h[]_ed$ ?d WZ# Z_j_ed" fh_lWj[ [gk_jo Óhc PWf_i 9Wf_jWb fkhY^Wi[i Earnshaw’s \hec j^[ >kZied \Wc_bo$ Earnshaw’s and Footwear Plus `e_d W bWh][h fehj\eb_e e\ jhWZ[ cW]Wp_d[i that includes Musical Merchandise Review and School Band and Orchestra$

2008 A New Dawn Earnshaw’s launches the 9^_bZh[dÊi 7ffWh[b H[jW_b 7iieY_Wj_ed 9$7$H$7$ " W jhWZ[ eh]Wd_pWj_ed j^Wj e\\[hi Yeij#iWl_d] WZlWd# jW][i" d[jmeha_d] effeh# tunities and educational Ykhh_Ykbkci je h[jW_b[hi$ 8WhWYa EXWcW _i [b[Yj[Z fh[i_Z[dj$

2009

2012

Earnshaw’s celebrates its 95th anniversary!

Law and Order J^[ 9edikc[h FheZkYji IW\[jo ?cfhel[c[dj 7Yj 9FI?7 jWa[i [\\[Yj" m^_Y^ [d\ehY[i cWdZWjeho j[ij_d] of certain substance levels, such as lead and phthalates, _d Wdo Y^_bZh[dÊi fheZkYji" _dYbkZ_d] Xeeai" WffWh[b WdZ jeoi" WdZ Y[hj_Ó[Z fhee\ j^Wj j^[ j[ij ^Wi X[[d YedZkYj[Z$ ?\ ikffb_[hi ZedÊj Yeef[hWj[ m_j^ j^[i[ ]k_Z[b_d[i" j^[o Wh[ Ód[Z eh YekbZ i[hl[ j_c[ _d `W_b$ J^[h[ Wh[ be]_ij_YWb fheXb[ci m_j^ j^[ ]k_Z[b_d[i X[YWki[ e\ i^ehj j_c[b_d[i allotted to test products and the retroactive nature of j^[ WYj$ J^[ bWm ^Wi W d[]Wj_l[ [\\[Yj ed h[jW_b[hi" YWki_d] iec[ ijeh[ emd[hi je bei[ j^[_h Xki_d[ii[i$ ?d @WdkWho (&'(" _j jWa[i \kbb [\\[Yj" j^ek]^ iec[ YbWh_ÓYWj_edi h[cW_d ekjijWdZ_d]$ ( & ' ( 7 F H ? B % C 7O ; 7 H D I > 7M I $ 9 E C 3 7

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Stride Rite ads through the years

WORDS OF

WISDOM

A new generation of childrenswear leaders profits from the past. By Lyndsay McGregor

WHILE MANY BRANDS are here today and gone tomorrow, a select few have stood the test of time, through new leadership, initiatives and strategies, trends, and economic ups and downs. “Heritage brands tend to evoke a simpler time,” says Allison Cenna, senior strategist at Omnicom Group’s global advertising agency, DDB Chicago. These “heritage brands” separate themselves not only through their goods,

but also through their longevity in the market, having laid roots in a different era. But what is the secret to their staying power? How did they flourish when others failed? 7i 9[ddW [nfbW_di" _j ]e[i X[oedZ jWff_d] _dje W ][d[hWj_ed0 Ç?jÊi about updating styles but keeping that classic look and staying true to the brand’s roots and origins,” she says. Of course, for retailers and manufacturers, staying power also requires making good brand-first choices along the way, staying lean and pruning in order to focus on what matters most. We spoke to three power players who have learned to survive and thrive, maintaining their identities and growing their sales volumes, despite the shifting sands of time.

Think Thrifty

Not many companies can say they got their business off the ground without relying on financial backers to help fund operations, but that’s [nWYjbo m^Wj @WYa 7i^ Z_Z _d '/,+ m^[d ^[ \ekdZ[Z 7bcWh IWb[i =hekf$ Back in those days, the small family-owned company manufactured ]_hbiÊ ^W_h Xemi kdZ[h j^[ XhWdZ dWc[ B_jjb[ B_dZW$ JeZWo" kdZ[h j^[ b[WZ[hi^_f e\ 7i^Êi iedi WdZ ]hWdZiedi" _j ^Wi ceh[ j^Wd )"&&& IAKi to its name, from hair accessories and cosmetics to princess costumes, and its customers range from specialty boutiques to international mass merchants. “My grandfather was a very big believer in not borrowing,” says L_Y[ Fh[i_Z[dj e\ IWb[i 7bb[d 7i^$ Ç>[ d[l[h \[bj _j mWi EA je ]e je W XWda WdZ Wia \eh ced[o$ ?\ m[ YekbZdÊj W\\ehZ je Ze iec[j^_d] eh Xko iec[j^_d]" m[ Z_ZdÊj Ze _j$ ?\ CWYoÊi YWc[ je ki WdZ jh_[Z je ]_l[ ki a program that was beyond our capabilities, we would have to turn it down.” While that thrifty attitude might seem stubborn to some, it’s ed[ j^WjÊi ^[bf[Z j^[ D[m Oeha#XWi[Z YecfWdo m[Wj^[h cWdo W ijehc el[h _ji *+#fbki o[Whi WdZ" Wi 7i^ fe_dji ekj" Ç;l[hoj^_d] oek emd" oek own on your own.” M^[d j^[ [Yedeco m[dj iekj^ _d Ê&." j^[ Xki_d[ii j[[j[h[Z ed j^[ brink of collapse, but Ash had a vision: Return to the basics. Rather than chase new brands and add new licenses, the wholesaler decided to focus everything on reinvigorating Expressions hair accessories, its longest-standing brand. “When things get tough and the economy ][ji Z_\\_Ykbj" j^_d]i ^Wl[ je h[i[j$ F[efb[ ^Wl[ je ijWhj el[h W]W_d"È ^[ says, arguing that regardless of how much pocket money little girls get, “they’re spending it no matter what.” And thanks to technology, these ever-fickle and trend-savvy shoppers hold more power than ever,

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Above: Vintage ads and women working at Woolrich woolen mills

knowing what’s in and what’s out at the click of a mouse and making buy[hiÊ `eXi j^Wj ckY^ jh_Ya_[h$ ÇJ[d o[Whi W]e" [l[hoj^_d] mWi WXekj \Wi^_ed WdZ jh[dZi$ 7dZ _\ oek were carrying inventory in a business like ours, you could not be trendy and you were a dinosaur,” he says, noting that inventory takes a long time je fheZkY[ WdZ e\j[d i_ji _d ijehW][ \eh cedj^i Wj W j_c[$ Ç?\ oek ^Wl[ iec[j^_d] _d W mWh[^eki[" _jÊi o[ij[hZWo"È ^[ WZZi$ In an effort to appease its clientele, the wholesaler decided to take a uniquely flexible approach to product and introduce close-to-need buy_d]$ J^[ YedY[fj Wbbemi Xko[hi je X[ icWhj[h WXekj jh[dZi" h[ifedZ je Ykijec[h d[[Zi WdZ i[bb [nWYjbo m^Wj j^[o mWdj" m^[d j^[o mWdj _j$ ?j Wbie ]_l[i 7bcWh j^[ Y^WdY[ je X[ ceh[ ed jh[dZ$ ÇH[jW_b[hi Wh[ Ykjj_d] XWYa and saying ‘I’m not willing to put my money into a trend that could be ekj jecehhem"ÊÈ 7i^ iWoi$ 7dZ _jÊi W j^[eho j^Wj mehai0 J^[ Xki_d[ii ^Wi ZekXb[Z _d i_p[ i_dY[ (&'&$ 7bcWhÊi i[Yh[j \eh XhWdZ bed][l_jo _i i_cfb[0 Ij_Ya m_j^ m^Wj oek adem$ ;Y^e_d] ^_i ]hWdZ\Wj^[h" 7i^ cW_djW_di" ÇM^[d oek Ze j^Wj" oekÊh[ dej counting what you don’t have; you’re making sure that you continue with m^Wj oek Ze ^Wl[$È

Grow With the Perfect Partner

M^[d @e^d H_Y^ \_hij X[]Wd ^Wma_d] \WXh_Y" ieYai" Yel[hb[ji WdZ oWhd from his mule cart in 1830, he couldn’t have imagined he was paving the fWj^ \eh j^[ b[]WYo dem ademd Wi Meebh_Y^$ JeZWo" j^[ F[ddioblWd_W# XWi[Z XhWdZ hkdi ed[ e\ j^[ ebZ[ij meha_d] meeb[d c_bbi _d j^[ K$I$ ÇM[Êl[ Xk_bj W Yecckd_jo WhekdZ j^_i XhWdZÆb_j[hWbbo"È iWoi Fh[i_Z[dj D_Ya 8hWojed" W i[l[dj^#][d[hWj_ed Z[iY[dZ[dj e\ H_Y^" m^e jeea YeccWdZ e\ j^[ YecfWdo [Whb_[h j^_i o[Wh$ ?d '/*+" H_Y^ [nfWdZ[Z j^[ c_bb WdZ cel[Z _j je m^Wj _i dem ademd Wi Meebh_Y^" F7$ Ç8[_d] WXb[ to appreciate American history as it’s evolved has given us the ability je Wffh[Y_Wj[ WdZ kdZ[hijWdZ j^[ [lebkj_ed e\ ekh Ykijec[h"È 8hWojed [nfbW_di$ Ademd \eh _ji _Yed_Y h[Z#WdZ#XbWYa Xk\\Wbe#Y^[Ya WdZ hk]][Z outdoor wear and blankets, the company has been led by generations of \Wc_bo c[cX[hi el[h j^[ o[Whi" iec[j^_d] j^Wj" Wi 8hWojed fe_dji ekj" has allowed it to maintain unity among its employees and shareholders WdZ Çj[bb W Yedi_ij[dj XhWdZ ijeho j^hek]^ekj$È 8kj b_d[W][ YWd edbo Ze ie ckY^$ ÇEd[ e\ j^[ j^_d]i m[ fh_Z[ ekhi[bl[i ed _i Wb_]d_d] m_j^ ijhed] f[efb["È iWoi 8hWojed" h[\[hh_d] je 8ebe]dW" ?jWbo#XWi[Z M$F$ BWleh_" j^[ YecfWdoÊi ;khef[Wd fWhjd[h \eh (+#fbki

Left to right: Jack Ash, founder of Almar Sales Group; Expressions hair accessories.

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Woolrich woolen mills sales inventory ledger

years that produces the Woolrich John Rich and Bros. and Woolrich Woolen Mills apparel collections. “Not compromising the brand in any way has helped give us a lot of staying power.” This holds true for Woolrich’s most recent foray into boys’ apparel. Woolrich execs tapped Weeplay Kids to bring the heritage brand into the children’s arena when Isaac Maleh, Weeplay Kids’ vice president, reached out after noticing nostalgia-driven looks for adults on the streets and Woolrich jackets and parkas in cool downtown stores like Earnest Sewn. “We had a lot of appreciation for [Weeplay’s] knowledge of taking brands to market and the success rate they’ve had for doing so,” reveals Brayton, adding that the childrenswear company understands how to sell a brand’s story with the right product and taste level, evidenced by its work with century-and-a-half old brand Carters Watch the Wear and Sanrio’s Hello Kitty apparel. Woolrich Kids hit the trade show circuit this past January, with boys’ sportswear, outerwear and sleepwear in sizes newborn to 20. Come this August, the Fall ’12 collection will be carried everywhere from upscale department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Saks to outdoor stores like Cabela’s. As Maleh puts it, “You can decide to choose the quick-money machine that says ‘Let’s make the brand and we’ll sell $100 million in two years’—but maybe 80 percent of that is off-price. Or you can decide to partner up with good companies that are going to treat the brand as if it’s their own and build it through the right customer channels and keep the quality right.”

Listen to Your Target Market

“As a brand, you don’t necessarily own every aspect of yourself. The people that love and regard you as a special part of their lives expect certain things from you,” says Sharon John, president of Stride Rite Children’s Group. For the past 92 years, moms have protected kids’ feet with Stride Rite, thanks to its well-fitting, quality shoes. And the footwear favorite has come a long way since starting life in a converted stable in Boston. Back then, it was known as Green Shoe Manufacturing Company and specialized in making stitch-down shoes. Today, its portfolio of brands, available in more than 30 countries worldwide, has expanded beyond its own bread-and-butter line to include leather slip-on shoes and booties by Robeez; licensing deals with Disney Princess, Marvel, Sesame Street and Star Wars; and takedowns of Saucony, Sperry Top-Sider and Jessica Simpson. But while today’s shoes look a little different, the company hasn’t strayed too far from expectations.

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“Moms today still want the same things for their kids that they mWdj[Z m^[d m[ \_hij ijWhj[Z"È ijWj[i @e^d" W l[j[hWd e\ >WiXhe WdZ CWjj[b" m^ei[ emd Y^_bZ^eeZ fW_h e\ Ijh_Z[ H_j[i kd[Whj^[Z \hec her parents’ attic when she was granted the helm in 2009) take pride _d ^[h e\\_Y[ jeZWo$ J^[ Yehd[hijed[ e\ @e^dÊi b[WZ[hi^_f ^Wi X[[d j^[ YecfWdoÊi XhWdZ[Z#i^e[ i[b[Yj_ed I$J$;$F$ IY_[dj_\_YWbbo J[ij[Z ;l[hoZWo Fhel[d " W j^h[[#fWhj _d#ijeh[ fhe]hWc bWkdY^[Z _d (&'& je ^[bf parents select shoes for every key development stage of their child’s b_\[$ ÇM[Êh[ j^[ XhWdZ j^Wj a_Zi bel[ WdZ ceci jhkij$ <_dZ_d] j^[ cWhh_W][ WdZ XWbWdY[ X[jm[[d j^[ jme _i l[ho _cfehjWdj je ki"È i^[ says, adding that parents associate shoes with landmark occasions b_a[ \_hij ij[fi _d j^[_h Y^_bZh[dÊi b_l[i WdZ j^WjÊi Çm^Wj cWa[i Ijh_Z[ H_j[ if[Y_Wb$È Ç?d cWdo h[if[Yji m[Êl[ Y^Wd][Z _d mWoi j^[ Ykijec[h mekbZdÊj d[Y[iiWh_bo i[[" \hec j^[ j[Y^debe]o m[ ki[" je cWa_d] ikh[ m[ ][j the right shoes to the right places at the right time, to the concept e\ fh[i[dj_d] X_] ijeh_[i Wi effei[Z je `kij i[bb_d] i^e[i"È i^[ iWoi$ <eYki_d] ed j^[ XhWdZÊi Yeh[ WdZ Z[b_l[h_d] m^Wj j^[ Ykijec[hi Z[cWdZ a[[f Ijh_Z[ H_j[ h_]^j ed jhWYa" m^_b[ _cfhel_d] fheZkYj Xo [cXhWY_d] j[Y^debe]o WdZ cWha[j_d] effehjkd_j_[i ^Wi ]_l[d _j ]h[Wj[h h[WY^$ @e^d ^Wi Wbie _dl_j[Z j^[ Yb_[dj _dje j^[ XhWdZ ijeho j^hek]^ Wl[dk[i b_a[ <WY[Xeea$ <Wdi Wh[ [dYekhW][Z je i^Wh[ f^e# tos of their little ones and to connect with other moms, while also ][jj_d] [nYbki_l[ Yedj[dj WdZ Yekfedi$ ?d j^_i ceZ[hd fbWo_d] \_[bZ" @e^d kdZ[hijWdZi" ÇM[ ^Wl[ je X[ m^[h[ Qj^[ Ykijec[hS _i" _d j^[ \ehc i^[ mWdji je i[[ ki WdZ _d j^[ bWd]kW][" jed[ WdZ cWdd[h j^Wj i^[Êi h[WZo je h[Y[_l[ ki$È

Woolrich hosiery factory

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Ralph Lauren cardigan, Knot blouse.

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A classic fall palette and whimsical accents underscore the old-world charm of childrenswear.

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Dress by Le Vestiaire de Jeanne, Bit´z Kids polka dot blouse, Esp No. 1 cardigan, tights by Little Paul & Joe, Frye boots.

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Blazer and sweater vest by Andy & Evan, Ana誰s & I pants worn over Siaomimi check leggings, Kina booties. 45

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On him: Neve+Hawk cardigan, Fore!! Axel & Hudson flannel shirt, Ralph Lauren jodhpurs, Frye boots. On her: Ralph Lauren tweed blazer, Bit´z Kids dress, Mayoral leggings, Siaomimi boots.

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Vest by Bit'z Kids, Angel Dear sweater and leggings, Etiquette socks, booties by Kina.

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Denim dress by Anthem of the Ants, Le Vestiaire de Jeanne jacket, leggings and boots by Siaomimi.

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Fore!! Axel & Hudson blazer and plaid pants, cardigan by Ferd, Esp No.1 denim shirt.

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Left: Babylady check blouse, bloomers by Wheat, tights by Little Warrior, Siaomimi Mary Janes. Right: Ferd cardigan, Ralph Lauren button-down shirt, Sweven shorts, Little Warrior leggings, boots by Siaomimi. 51

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Dress with lace collar by Knot, Siaomimi plaid leggings and shoes. Opposite: Babylady cape. 53

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Bonnie Young henley and leggings, scarf by Le Vestiaire de Jeanne, boots by Siaomimi. Opposite: Appaman flannel, Esp No.1 cardigan, Bit’z Kids henley and pants, Frye boots. Style Director: Michel Onofrio Fashion Editor: Angela Velasquez Hair and Makeup: Stephen Ramsey

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THIS QUIZ, ORIGINALLY printed in a 1941 issue of Earnshaw’s, was developed by NYU professor Irving Goldenthal. At the time, the country was experiencing a major post-war baby boom, and the children’s market had a lot of potential. This quiz sought to keep retailers sharp, encouraging them to keep an eye on the numbers. The rules of the quiz were simple: Start with 100 points and take 10 away for every question you miss to reach a final score. We’ve removed the question on gross margin for an average infants’ department, as we thought it was dated by now (the answer was 38.5%), but have reproduced the other questions for you to try your hand. Answers will be posted on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/earnshawsmagazine. Good luck!

1. A cancellation of markup has the same effect as a markdown on the cumulative initial markup of a department. a. The statement is true. b. The statement is false.

2. Oek h[Y[_l[ Wd invoice amounting to +&& Yeij ed m^_Y^ you must pay an express charge of $5. ?\ oek Z[i_h[ je eXjW_d a markup of 38%, you ckij h[jW_b j^[ X_bb Wj approximately:

WHAT IS YOUR RETAILING REPRINTED FROM EARNSHAW’S 1941

IQ?

PD-1923

a. $806 b. $814 c. $852 d. $690

3. D[j iWb[i +"&&&1 gross cost of sales )"&&&1 YWi^ Z_iYekdji [Whd[Z '+&1 Wbj[hWj_ed Yeiji -+1 ef[hWj_d] [nf[di[i '"+&&$ J^[ net operating profit is: a. $625 b. $725 c. $820 d. $575

4. =eeZi Xek]^j Çed consignment� while they are in the stock of the retailer, legally are the property of: a. the vendor b. the retailer

5. J^[ fkhY^Wi[i \eh W f[h_eZ m[h[ '&"&&& Yeij WdZ '."&&& h[jW_b $ :kh_d] j^[ period, markdowns and shortages on these purchases amounted je ("&&& h[jW_b $ J^[ maintained markup on the purchases was: a. 38.5% b. 42.3% c. 37.5% d. 39%

6. ?\ j^[h[ _i de [hheh made in stock-taking, Xeeaa[[f_d] eh \_]kh_d]" j^[ Xeea _dl[djeho and the physical invenjeho m_bb X[ [gkWb$ a. The statement is true. b. The statement is false.

7. Ed CWo '" j^[ Ykcklative initial markup in your department is )- $ J^[ X[]_dd_d] stock plus purchases and additional markups _i ,&"&&& h[jW_b WdZ )-".&& Yeij $ FbWdd[Z purchases for May are +"&&& h[jW_b $ M^Wj markup must you eXjW_d ed CWo fkhY^Wi[i je Xh_d] j^[ YkckbWtive initial markup for the period up to 37.5%?

8. J^[ Ybei_d] _dl[djeho _i '&"&&& h[jW_b $ J^[ YkckbWj_l[ _d_j_Wb markup for the period is 36.5%. Markdown for j^[ f[h_eZ _i ++&$ J^[ cost value of the closing inventory is: a. $6,000 b. $6,350 c. $6,699 d. $6,500

9. J^[ fkhY^Wi[i \eh W f[h_eZ Wh[ '("&&& Yeij WdZ '/"&&& h[jW_b $ JhWdi\[hi _dje the department are +&& Yeij WdZ -+& h[jW_b $ 9Wi^ Z_iYekdji [Whd[Z Wcekdj je ),&$ J^[ _d_j_Wb cWhakf f[hY[djW][i" XWi[Z ed these figures, is: a. 38.5% b. 40.2% c. 36.7% To find out how you scored log on to www.facebook.com/ earnshawsmagazine

a. 43.5% b. 39% c. 42% d. 38.6%

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RETAIL-TO-GO

spring cleaning

How to Create a Summer-Ready Space Pat Fitzpatrick, president of Atlanta Retail Consulting, shares his top tips for getting your store, merchandise and associates in tip-top shape for the summer season. Separate the Old from the New. Make a distinction between last season’s apparel and accessories and new items you’re putting out for summer by placing them on separate hWYai eh _d Z_\\[h[dj Wh[Wi e\ j^[ ijeh[$ J^_i helps de-clutter the floor and creates an eas_bo kdZ[hijWdZWXb[ bWoekj$ Slash Prices on Old Items. “Mark them down aggressively to get rid of them and free up cash for new seasonal items,” Fitzpatrick suggests, noting that the old idea of packing away goods and using them next year no lon][h h_d]i jhk[$ Ç=[j Wi ckY^ YWi^ Wi oek YWd now, which provides you with a greater mar]_d Wj j^[ [dZ e\ j^[ ]Wc["È ^[ fe_dji ekj$ Calculate Your Open-to-Buy. 9hkdY^_d] these numbers helps you determine how much money to invest going forward during the summer season and ensures that you medÊj el[h#Xko$

Store areas to clean (stock room, register, sales floor, etc.):_________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Past seasonal items to mark down for summer:__________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Brands and items to promote for summer:_____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Ideas for in-store seasonal promotions:________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Best-selling brands and items to re-order for summer:____________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Incorporate an Inventory Control System. J^_i Wbbemi oek je Yedj_dkekibo \ebbem inventory returns, as well as keep track of m^_Y^ _j[ci Wh[ cel_d] WdZ m^_Y^ Wh[ dej$ EdY[ oek _Z[dj_\o ibem[h#je#cel[ _j[ci" Fitzpatrick advises to aggressively mark j^[c Zemd$ ÇA[[f oekh _dl[djeho fheZkYj_l["È ^[ iWoi$ Make Clear Sales Goals. 9h[Wj_d] WdZ executing well-defined sales goals will allow oekh [dj_h[ i[Wied je hkd ceh[ iceej^bo$ Fitzpatrick suggests sharing goals and daily performance with each employee so there’s a clear understanding of where the business _i WdZ m^Wj oek d[[Z je Ze cel_d] \ehmWhZ$

Ideas for summer season window displays:_____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Season sales goals for store and associates:____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

S PO N SO R E D BY (&'( 7FH?B%C7O ;7HDI>7MI$9EC 57 https://wholesale.mud-pie.com

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CALENDAR

MARKET DATES & EVENTS

JUNE 10

PLUSH Vibiana Los Angeles, CA (310) 248-0160 www.plushshow.com

20-26

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center Dallas, TX (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

28-30

11-14

LA Kids Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3683 www.californiamarketcenter.com

17-18

Bubble London Business Design Centre Islington, London + 44 (0)1484 846069 www.bubblelondon.com

21-24

KidsWorld Dallas Children’s Apparel & Accessories Market Dallas Market Center Dallas, TX (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Pitti Bimbo June 28-30 Florence, Italy

11-18

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart Atlanta, GA (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

15-17

Pitti Bimbo Forteza da Basso Florence, Italy www.pittimmagine.com

KidzBiz Insights The Hotel at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, NV (603) 785-5510 www.kidzbizinsights.com

JULY 7-9

AUGUST 4-6

Playtime Paris Parc Floral de Paris, L’Espace Evenements Paris, France +33(0) 14372 7537 www.playtimeparis.com

Playtime New York 82 Mercer St. New York, NY (213) 563-7301 www.playtimenewyork.com

Here’s to growing up. At pediped® footwear we believe it is essential that kids’ shoes be both comfortable and adorable. That is why pediped® offers more than 100 adorable styles of flexible footwear up to size EU 33 (US 2 youth). www.pediped.com

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CALENDAR

MARKET DATES & EVENTS

5-7

9-12

ENK Children’s Club Pier 94, 55th St. @ 12th Ave. New York, NY (212) 759-8055 www.enkshows.com

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CIFFKIDS) Bella Center Copenhagen, Denmark www.ciffkids.dk

6-9

9-13

LA Kids Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3683 www.californiamarketcenter.com

Atlanta Apparel Market AmericasMart Atlanta, GA (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com St. Louis Gift Show August 12-13 St. Charles, MI

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10-14

North Branch Children’s Show 1229 N. North Branch, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL www.northbranchkids.com

11-13

Kidz at Stylemax 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza 7th Floor Market Suites Chicago, IL (312) 527-7570 www.kidzatstylemax.com

12-13

NW Kids Show DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle, WA www.nwkidsshow.com

12-13

St. Louis Gift Show St. Charles Convention Center St. Charles, MI (513) 861-1139 www.stlouisgiftshow.com

12-14

The Children’s Great Event Shoe Show The Marriott Teaneck at Glenpointe Teaneck, NJ (718) 769-4251 www.tcgess.com

13-15

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

4/23/12 10:48 AM


CALENDAR

MARKET DATES & EVENTS

16-19

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market Dallas Market Center Dallas, TX (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com KIDShow August 20-22 Las Vegas, NV

17-21

Columbus MarketPlace Gift Show Columbus MarketPlace Dublin, OH (614) 339-5100 www.thecolumbusmarketplace.com

18-21

The Children’s Show at Deerfield Embassy Suites Deerfield, IL (248) 478-1732 www.midwestchildrens apparelgroup.com

19-22

New York International Gift Fair Piers 92 & 94, Javits Center New York, NY (800) 272-7469 www.nyigf.com

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20-22

KIDShow Bally’s Hotel Las Vegas, NV (908) 232-0867 www.kidshow.cc

21-22

Playground The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV (213) 622-7039 www.playgroundtradeshow.com

28-30

Playtime Tokyo Belle Salle Shibuya First Tokyo, Japan +81 3 3793 0057 www.playtimetokyo.com

SEPTEMBER 8-10

Dallas Total Gift & Home Market Dallas Market Center Dallas, TX (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

9-11

Michigan Children’s Show Glen Oaks Country Club 30124 W. 13 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI (847) 415-2156

9-12

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

4/23/12 10:48 AM


CALENDAR

MARKET DATES & EVENTS

13-16

15-18

Kind + Jugend Koelnmesse GmbH Cologne, Germany +49 (0) 1805 117017 www.kindundjugend.com

LA Kids Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3683 www.californiamarketcenter.com

OCTOBER 10

19-23

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

14-17

ABC Kids Expo Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, KY (210) 691-4848 www.theabcshow.com

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North Branch Children’s Show 1229 N. North Branch, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL www.northbranchkids.com NW Kids Show October 20-22 Seattle, WA

20-22

NW Kids Show DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle, WA www.nwkidsshow.com

20-23

Kidz at Stylemax 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza 7th Floor Market Suites Chicago, IL (312) 527-7570 www.kidzatstylemax.com

21-24

United Boston Children’s Wear Show 75 McNeil Way Dedham, MA 02026 (781) 407-0055 www.unitedbostonchildrenswear.com

Editor’s Note: Show details are subject to change. Please call the phone numbers or visit the show websites for up-to-date schedules. Show sponsors may send updates to editorialrequests@9threads.com.

20-23

The Children’s Show at Deerfield Embassy Suites Deerfield, IL (248) 478-1732 www.midwestchildrens apparelgroup.com

Net TULLE Tricot www.tutufabric.com Fashion Fabrics

4/23/12 10:48 AM


M ARKETPLACE

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4/20/12 9:54 AM


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 Alexandra.Marinacci@9threads.com

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4/20/12 9:54 AM


REMIX Boy + Girl romper, Charm It! by High IntenCity necklace and bracelet.

STYLIST: SAOIRSE AGE: 3 HOMETOWN: MAHOPAC, NY Nineties supermodel Linda Evangelista once infamously said she wouldn’t get out of bed for a modeling gig that paid less than $10,000. Luckily for us, our stylist/model this month, Saoirse, was lured in with the simple promise of cold chocolate milk. Stocked with an eclectic assortment of vibrant dresses, print leggings and a treasure trove of hair accessories and baubles, there was no shortage of ultra-girly looks that Saoirse said “made her even prettier.” She liked everything about a pink Twirls & Twigs dress, naming the ruffles, bows, buttons and flower embellishments as favorite parts. Saoirse even tapped into an array of funny alter egos inspired by her ensembles during the shoot—a “munchkin from The Wizard of Oz” in a green star print dress and a “mom” in a chambray romper. However, she wished there were more clothes in yellow, her favorite color. Afterwards, with her entourage (a.k.a. her mom and cousin) in tow, Saoirse claimed her sweet reward at a downtown diner, where she retold her exciting day as a supermodel. —Angela Velasquez

Twirls & Twigs dress, leggings by TwirlyGirl.

Printed dress by Winter Water Factory, TwirlyGirl leggings, Bows Arts headband, stylist’s own shoes. Twirls & Twigs dress, Pink Pewter headband.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY CAMPBELL.

City Threads hoodie, Intakt polo and pants.

64 ;7HDI>7MI$9EC 7FH?B%C7O (&'(

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4/17/12 2:07 PM


EARN_COV3 COV3

4/17/12 3:33:06 PM


For babies only Extraordinary garments for young sprouts! www.snopeawear.com

a e P o n S

SnoPea logo and “tag line” are registered trademarks of SnoPea, Inc. © 2012 SnoPea, Inc.

®

EARN_COV4 COV4

4/17/12 3:33:15 PM


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