Earnshaw's Magazine | December 2022

Thank you to all of our wonderful retail partners. We are honored and humbled to be chosen for this prestigious award.

Greenlife,

12 Profiles in Excellence

Meet the 22 winning companies, the industry’s crème de la crème, who have received the coveted Earnie Award. It’s our annual tradition, more than 60 years strong.

36 Retailer of the Year

Discover the secret sauce in this Southern Florida curated concept shop that brings together classes, upscale clothing and a space for building community.

the big small show

www.iloveplaytime.comwww.gotokidshub.com

WINNING RESOLUTIONS

IT’S OUR LAST issue of the year, the one that honors design excellence in childrenswear. For more than six decades, hundreds of companies representing the crème de la crème have earned a coveted Earnie Award. The excitement starts with the announcement of the nominees and builds until the winners are declared. We recognize the hard work, passion and dedication of all the nominees, who have emerged from today’s challenging business environment to soar to impressive new heights of success. We applaud our 22 winning manufacturers and our Retailer of the Year, State of Kid. Once you receive an Earnie, your company is forever an award-winning one.

Among all the winners, one common thread is that they each set a goal to become in the best in their category. Little Lady Products aimed to be the best in the non-toxic beauty world. Naturino’s goal was to improve children’s well-being through footwear. Three Hearts focused on European-inspired teethers and accessories, which gained them thousands of new accounts including placement in Nordstrom. From a host of first-timers to

many repeat performers, I hope you will love our special Profiles in Excellence beginning on page 12.

In December, as we reflect on the previous year and think about what we want to achieve in the next one, it’s time to create resolutions. Take stock of where your business has been and where you want it to go. What did your business do well this year, and in what areas could you improve it? Where are the gaps in the market, and how can you meet that need? Envision, manifest, conduct competitive analyses — whatever method you may use — set your goals, and then create a concrete plan to achieve them.

I’m truly excited to see where 2023 takes the childrenswear industry. Here at Earnshaw’s , we’re resolved to make 2023 our best year ever with more incredible fashion stories from our award-winning creative team, more compelling features about unique retailers and manufacturers and a more robust social media presence.

But we also need you to help us reach new goals of editorial excellence. How is your business adapting to meet the market’s ever-changing needs? Do you have a new retail account or a trend you’d like to share with our community? Please drop me a line at michele.silver@wainscotmedia. com. As Editor in Chief, my ongoing resolution is to help bring your story to our pages and show off to the industry how you are the best.

Earnshaw’s wishes you and your families a most happy and especially healthy New Year.

Michele Silver Editor in Chief

KEEP CALM AND CARRY YAARN

Fueled by their love of children’s playthings and passion for ethical sourcing and sustainable fair trade, Anne Nuijens and her daughter Hannelore partnered with a manufacturer in India that employs women artisans to build their Belgiumbased company Yaarn Handmade.

The women of the Indian-based Godavari

Co-Operative Society use the time-honored craft of crocheting to create precious, detail- oriented toys and accessories, with a special emphasis on playful fruit and vegetables. Yaarn Handmade’s items make great gifts and have the beautiful bonus of supporting some of the poorest populations in the world.

DATA MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR ECOMMERCE

With consumer spending forecasted to be significantly lower as we move into 2023 and a potential recession, companies need to be nimbler and more creative in terms of how they can sell their excess children’s inventory. The first step is having accurate data to make better decisions, a second step is moving labor intensive tasks to an automated process and the last step is having the ability to expand their digital channels quickly which Syndic8’s Data Management and Syndication platform can provide these services. “The silver lining is that these recessional cycles can present opportunities for children’s apparel and accessory companies to optimize their sales and maximize margins, said Chris John, CEO, and Co-founder of Syndic8.

In addition, Syndic8’s Verification Service includes core, seasonal and on-demand validation that monitors product status across digital trading partner destinations. It utilizes inventory feeds to confirm that products are listed accurately, summarizes product statuses, delivers weekly tracking reports to ensure continual availability throughout the selling season, and allows sales teams to rapidly deploy their latest sales strategies. Therefore, you can protect your children’s brand across your trading partner network.

Yaarn Handmade

TOTALLY TOILE

Designed by New York-based artist and print designer Lauren Bisaccio, who hails from Ralph Lauren, has created a six-piece capsule collection for Ann + Reeves Kids featuring toile fabric. The handmade design was crafted from watercolor techniques to create the perfect toile fabric; toile is a popular decorating element and now has made its way into the fashion world.

Lauren Bisaccio for Ann + Reeves

DELIVERING GOOD RAISES A RECORD

$2.1M

National nonprofit Delivering Good celebrated its annual fundraising last month, raising a record-breaking $2.1M from sponsors and attendees, including $203,000 from the auction and fund-a-need appeal. More than 500 guests gathered at the historical Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, and the event highlighted leadership and excellence in fashion, finance and philanthropy with a program that focused on purpose, recognition and entertainment.

The 2022 Evening of Delivering Good opened with a roaring performance by The Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program, a youth marching band and dance line that was also the 2022 Grand Marshal at the 49th NYC Village Halloween Parade just days prior. Delivering Good Board Member and Creative Director of Halston, Ken Downing, served as the host and emcee of the evening. Several women who had been recipients of new clothing and essentials for themselves and their children spoke about how this seemingly simple gesture dramatically shifted their self-esteem—and eventually, their lives.

ORDER UP!

The Playtime and Kid’s Hub Marketplace now uses B2B platform Orderwizz, which has improved features and a new visual identity dedicated exclusively to the children’s market. This platform tool users access to a community of 200 curated brands and 6,300 qualified retailers. In addition to full CRM and international exposure, manufacturers can work with a specialist to build a virtual showroom and further assist with the entire process of establishing your brand in the market.

BLUEY MERCH ROLLS OUT

Following its balloon debut at last month’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bluey, the popular preschool character with an eponymous hit show on Disney, has a host of new merchandise. Distributor and licensor BBC Studios has added the following manufacturers to its roster: Bendon, Inc., Ground Up, Little Kids, Megatoys, Point Zero, PTI, Spirit Halloween, Springs Creative, Sun-Staches, Swimways, Tin Box Company, and Unique. The newest category-leading companies have started to roll out products across the U.S. and Canada and will continue into 2023.

Disney’s Bluey

An Evening with Delivering Good

Left to right: Cli ord Fischer,Board Chair, Tackle Tomorrow, Chairman and CEO, Fischer; Nicole Pullen Ross, Partner, NY Private Wealth Management Region Head, Head of Sports & Entertainment Solutions, Goldman Sachs; Charles Haley, President, Tackle Tomorrow; Todd Kahn,Chief Executive O cer & Brand President Coach; Steve Sadove, Retired Chairman & Chief Executive O cer, Saks Incorporated.

JEWELRY LOVERS REJOICE

Accessories brand BaubleBar launched its first-ever children’s jewelry and accessories collection that includes earrings, necklaces, hair accessories, blankets, and children’s placemats in fun styles such as florals, rainbows, hearts, and donuts. All earrings are clip ons while the assortment of necklaces come with magnetic closures. Each item in the Minibar collection comes in a box with iridescent sequins and range in price from $10 - $30 for jewelry and $78 for blankets. Co-Founder Amy Jain, a mother of two daughters, had always had the vision of bringing this offering to market and is thrilled that her dream has come to fruition.

ON TREND

Summer Squeeze

Sweet and bold, orange sets the scene for citrus-inspired swimsuits, dresses and accessories—ideal for the last drops of sun-drenched days.

Molo

Pink Chicken

dummy

Dear Georgie

MIA New York

Flap Happy

Shade Critters

Magnetic Me

Congratulations to this year’s recipients in 22 categories for the most coveted accolade in the childrenswear industry! These winners, the cream of the crop, exemplify the pinnacle of design excellence and as such, are the true north for specialty retailers across the country.

Profiles in Excellence • 2022

GIRLS’ APPAREL MOLO

Urban, funky, colorful designs with a humorous twist and a clean, “raw” Scandanavian look—this is Molo. Molo’s journey began out of a passion to boost the color quotient in children’s fashion.

Since its conception in 2003, the Copenhagen-based Molo views itself as a brand that provides “favorites” for every child’s closet and allows kids to express their creativity and personality through their clothes.

In 2008, Andy Perl and Evan Hakalir left corporate America to search for and learn the secrets of designing and producing high-quality garments. With their newfound knowledge and a desire to change the status quo, the pair infused innovation and a fresh approach. The Andy & Evan brand has established a distinctive voice in the industry with product design, functionality, and wearability, along with the trust and approval of Moms and Dads everywhere.

BABY/TODDLER ANGEL DEAR

Angel Dear’s sweetly luxurious clothing embodies a level of sophistication without being too serious. For baby’s first months and years, Angel Dear offers beautiful quality, lasting value and affordability. Designer Kim Perrin honors this San-Francisco based company’s commitment to quality with every piece. Exceptional softness is the cornerstone of this brand.

CRIB SHOES STRIDE RITE

Since 1919, Stride Rite has designed innovative children’s footwear based on current trends and the latest knowledge behind healthy foot development. The brand’s expert-approved, comfortable shoes are fueled by imagination and built for life’s adventures. In addition to looking adorable, Stride Rite shoes help build strength, coordination and confidence through every step of fun, messy, challenging, and inspiring childhood.

Every fun hue of American-made Little Lady nail polish has its own distinct scent while being perfectly safe for children. President and mom Arda Tashdjian has thoughtfully produced a beauty line that’s vegan, animal cruelty-free and missing the harmful toxins typically found in this category. Each bottle has a bow ring that can be worn, adding a bit of extra delight for mini-cures.

Since 2002, Debbie Naren has been crafting ethically produced activewear to celebrate the inherent kindness that is in every girl.

Limeapple’s premium quality, high-performance fabrics, vibrant colors and exclusive prints are desined to appeal to and move with girls on the go. Naren has elevated Limeapple’s mission, which has evolved into a more impactful social initiative–for every item sold, the company donates five meals to children in need.

ACTIVEWEAR LIMEAPPLE

CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR NATURINO

For more than 40 years, Naturino’s footwear experts have been working to develop safe, comfortable, high-quality, and trend-right shoes. Parent company Falc was established in an artisan’s workshop in 1974 in Civitanova Marche, Italy, with a single goal: to improve children’s well-being through footwear. Parents will appreciate Naturino’s technical features while fashion-conscious kids will jump for joy to wear them.

A refined sense of style defines the Southern charming Beaufort Bonnet Company, founded in 2012 when Markey Hutchinson of Beaufort, S.C., fell in love with an heirloom bonnet pattern. The Beaufort Bonnet is more than just timeless and sweet in design–it’s washable, practical and a stylish way to shade precious baby skin. The collection evolved into children’s apparel and giftables that include hair bows, bow ties and precious doll clothes, and this year, makes its Earnie debut.

BEAUFORT BONNET COMPANY

MOMMY, DADDY & ME POSH PEANUT

Born in 2011, Posh Peanut serves up fashion-forward, high-quality children’s clothing and accessories. Founder Fiona Sahakian, together with designer Alexander DeAngelis, produce reliably chic and adorable pieces for peanuts and their parents. In the winning category of Mommy/Daddy & Me; grownsup and their mini-mes can embrace the fun in creating matching family looks for special occasions or any day of the week.

“Lev” means heart in Hebrew, and everything the company creates stems from that love. Liat Levy, Lev’s founder and mom of five, uses sustainable bamboo to create the softest garments. Her passion comes through every single pattern, which is carefully designed based on a holiday, season or core memory. The winner of the 2021 Earnie for New Brand, Lev Baby proves its staying power this year.

NEWBORN LEV BABY

CHILDREN’S SLEEP WEAR ESME

Esme launched its basic comforts collection for loungewear/sleepwear in 2003 with just four pieces. Those pieces, designed by co-founder Sara Oh, performed so well that retailers demanded more, and the line exponentially grew into more styles, colors, and prints for infants, toddler and girls. Oh delights in creating new, fun prints that children and moms alike will love.

Launched by parent company Little Monsters,the Poppet & Fox brand is created in India for boys and girls ages 2 to 16. Described as a combination of of Free People and Anthropologie with subtle influences from the company’s other labels, Vignette and Me & Henry, the brand uses siliconwashed fabrics using tiedye and hand-block prints.

SWIMWEAR SHADE CRITTERS

Shade Critters emerged out of a personal need for sun safety for Maureen Schmidt’s small children after the family moved to sunny Florida. Since 2016, she and her husband, Fred, produce swimwear with a dress-up element that’s not to be overshadowed by UPF50+ sun protection. Launched with just a handful of rashguards and swim sets, Shade Critters now offers several hundred styles of swimwear, cover ups and resort wear.

TEETHERS/PACIFIERS THREE HEARTS

After having her first child, Linda Trieu saw a void in the market for fun and cute accessories for boys. Inspired by chic-yet-simple European design, she began to sell her own toys, bibs and clips on Etsy. That led to pop- up markets and a small brick and mortar.

Then during a buying trip to Dallas Market, a retailer suggested that Trieu start a wholesale business. And in 2017, she did just that. Five years later, two-time Earnie winner is now in more than 3,500 retailers, including more than 35 Nordstrom locations.

SLEEPWEAR INFANTS KICKEE PANTS

While on bed rest with her second son, Aerin Nicole had a vision for KicKee Pants–quite literally as her newborn was a kicker! Nicole designs clothing that honors the whimsy of childhood while also putting first their comfort and safety. The KicKee Pants footie made from ultra-soft, lightweight and sustainable bamboo remains the company’s No. 1 best seller. The company has legit bragging rights; it has earned more than a decade’s worth of Earnies in this category.

The trendy and unique Copper Pearl collection includes super-soft swaddle blankets, drool-absorbing bandana bibs, playful accessories, and other sweetly designed gear. In the few short years since the birth of the brand, the company has blossomed into a small but mighty team focused on exceptional baby products at a great value.

ACCESSORIES LILIES & ROSES

Lilies & Roses NY was created 15 years ago by Lilian Moura, who started with children’s clothing, but later fell in love with the wonderful world of accessories and its possibilities Handmade in Brazil using highquality acrylic, the charming and colorful hair clips, headbands, rings, bracelets, and necklaces in cute, fun designs add the right amount of extra for kids of all ages.

OUTERWEAR APPAMAN

Launched in 2003, Appaman is named after and inspired by the childhood companion—a corduroy ape—of founder and designer Harald Husum who grew up in Norway. Appaman has a unique Scandinavian perspective on Ameripop iconic imagery. Husum finds inspiration on the streets of New York City and translates it into his ever-changing palette of vibrant garments. Every season, this seventime Earnie winner creates new pieces and updates the tried-and-true favorites

UNDERGARMENTS

KICKEE PANTS

What’s more important than the first layer of clothing on a child’s skin? According to KicKee Pants founder Aerin Nicole, nothing! The company takes its comittment to comfort seriously, designing super soft undergarments in a variety of solids and adorable prints for its little customers. For the past two years, KicKee Pants has won Earnies in two categories, dominating the sleepwear and undergarment space.

TWEEN MIA NEW YORK

Designer and founder Jamie Szramowski drew inspiration from the streets of New York City when she created MIA New York. Colorful, bold, iconic clothing is the name of the game when it comes to this exceptionally stylish kids’ clothing brand. Within the MIA New York collection, there’s everything from rompers and dresses to jackets and separates on the cutting-edge of design trends.

SUSTAINABLE SNAPPER ROCK

Snapper Rock, based in New Zealand, launched in the U.S. in 2003 in one of America’s great sailing capitals, Annapolis, MD. Founder/CEO Liz Eglinton saw the need for fun, fresh and functional protective gear for kids on the water. Its two-year old Sustainable Swimwear Collection uses fully recycled materials to reduce its carbon footprint in the hopes that this and future generations of children can enjoy the world’s beaches and oceans. Snapper Rock swimwear is rated UPF50+, blocking 98% of all UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays), and the sun protection comes from the weave of the fabric without the addition of nasty chemicals.

SPECIAL OCCASION PETITE HAILEY

Rooted in a Southern California lifestyle, Petite Hailey was born out of a dream and passion to create high-quality dresses that felt a bit magical. In 2018, that dream came to fruition. Four years in, Petite Hailey’s twirlworthy tulle frocks and tutu dresses are hallmarks of the brand. Made from chemical-free fabrics that are durable and washable, these special occasion outfits come alive with the smiles and laughter of its beautiful wearers.

RETAILER OF THE YEAR STATE OF KID

Imagine your local music, art, dance, and cooking classes for children were housed inside an upscale boutique that did triple duty as a parenting community center. Alana Oxfeld and Cheryl Gonzalez did. In 2019, these business partners opened their first concept shop State of Kid in Miami. The retail destination, which has since grown to three locations in Southern Florida, is all that—and a bag of healthy chips (or something made in the Petit Chefs class). That would be an impressive accomplishment in any economic climate, but powering through a pandemic and growing your business 300%? Well, that’s why State of Kid is this year’s Retailer of the Year! Oxfeld previously led brand communications at Bai Beverages and Gonzalez spearheaded operations at Fridababy and littlehipstar.

The pair wanted to turn the traditional model for classes on its head while offering a place for caregivers and children to congregate—think Central Perk meets a Montessori Pottery Barn Kids. State of Kid combines play-based classes, enrichment for children and educational workshops for adults along with curated apparel, accessories and decor for ages 3 to 8 in one space. The clothing concept sought to serve as an antidote to e-commerce; many parents prefer to shop in-store due to size variance among brands and avoid the hassle of online returns. State of Kid offers a range of American, European and Australian clothing, including brands with cult followings such as Rylee + Cru, Louise Misha, Hux Baby, and Munster and mixed with smaller, discovery brands like Miki Miette, Mer St. Barth and La Lovie.

For their classes, Oxfeld and Gonzalez incorporated flexible booking with dropin programming. “We had spent countless hours looking for solutions to our personal parenting needs. We figured we weren’t the only parents who shared these ‘pain points,’” they say. “We love seeing the community we’ve built in such a short period of time.”

While State of Kid’s exponential success is clearly the proof in the proverbial pudding, Oxfeld and Gonzalez believe that there’s always room for improvement. Their business mantra is to “think like a kid” and conduct their professional lives knowing that not everything has to be perfect. The owners say, “Perfectionism can be the downfall of many businesses and particularly startups. Make it work, no matter what and don’t let the obstacles get you down.”

Alana Oxfeld and Cheryl Gonzalez