Earnshaw's | Infants', Girls', Boys' Wear Review | 2010 • July

INFANTS’, GIRLS’ & BOYS’ WEAR REVIEW

JULY 2010 $5.00

‘In’ Crowd Of-the-Moment Tween Gifts

Frill Seekers Elegant Details Drive Special Occasion Wear

To The Rescue K.I.D.S. Marks 25 Years of Giving

© GLM® 2010

®

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New York International Gift Fair A U G U S T 14 – 19 , 2 0 10 l PIERS 92 & 94, NYC

JAVITS CENTER

nyigf.com

Dress, Hat and Tights by Zutano, Inc.

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CHILDREN'S CLUB

AUGUST 1.2.3 2010

PIER 94 NYC

RETAILER/BUYER REGISTRATION : WWW.ENKREGISTRATIONS.COM CHILDRENSCLUB@ENKSHOWS.COM WWW.ENKSHOWS.COM/CHILDRENSCLUB AN ENK INTERNATIONAL EVENT T.212.759.8055 F.212.758.3403

We are proud to support K.I.D.S. and a long history of caring for children and their families.

carters.com and oshkoshbgosh.com

JULY 2010

Rita Polidori O’Brien Publisher Caletha Crawford Editor in Chief Nancy Campbell Creative Director EDITORIAL Leslie Shiers Managing Editor Melissa Knific Features Editor Angela Velasquez Associate Editor Jacqueline Micucci Contributing Editor Kionna Lipscomb Editorial Intern CREATIVE Trevett McCandliss Art Director ADVERTISING Erwin Pearl Vice President of Sales Caroline Diaco Special Accounts Manager Jennifer Craig Special Accounts Manager Bryn Davies Sales Associate Alex Marinacci Account Executive Patrick Thomas Sales Representative, Canada Maureen Johan Classified Sales

26 This page: Tallia Orange velvet blazer and shirt.

Lace dress from The Collection

by Sara Sara.

Photography by Glynis Selina Arban

On the cover: Blouse

by Ralph Lauren Childrenswear.

FASHION 26 Spellbound Enchanting adornments, luxe fabrics and updated silhouettes help little ones get dressed in style.

40 The Look: His & Hers Capes make the perfect topper for girls, while boys will feel right at home in the season’s durable workwear.

FEATURES 16 Gimmee More!

How retailers keep up with the here-today, gone-tomorrow nature of the tween gift market.

20 Silver Lining Kids In Distressed Situations celebrates 25 years of helping our industry brighten the lives of children in need.

ADMINISTRATION Laurie Guptill Production Manager Melanie Prescott Circulation Manager Julie Gibson Webmaster

6 9

NEWS

Apparel Licensing

COLUMNS

10 12 13 14

What’s Selling Pampered Coast 2 Coast Unwrapped

5 11 39 39

Editor’s Letter Calendar Where to Buy Ad Index

IN EVERY ISSUE

CONTACT INFO Sales/Editorial Offices 8 West 38th Street, Suite 201 New York, NY 10018 Tel: (646) 278-1550 Fax: (646) 278-1553 nyeditorial@ symphonypublishing.com Circulation Office 21 Highland Circle Needham, MA 02494 Tel: (800) 964-5150 Fax: (781) 453-9389 circulation@ symphonypublishing.com CORPORATE Symphony Publishing NY Corporate Headquarters 26202 Detroit Road, #300 Westlake, OH 44145 Tel: (440) 871-1300 Xen Zapis, Chairman Lee Zapis, President Rich Bongorno, CFO Sid Davis, Group Publisher

EARNSHAW’S INFANTS, GIRLS AND BOYS WEAR REVIEW ISSN 0161-2786 (USPS-320-090) The business and fashion magazine of the children’s wear industry is published monthly (except for bi-monthly April/May and November/December editions)

by Symphony Publishing NY, LLC, 8 W. 38th Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10018-0150. 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 2010 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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J U LY 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

Rewarding Experiences

Recognizing the positives inherent in the children’s wear business.

People often ask me what I like about my job. My response typically includes a comment about how much I enjoy the kids’ apparel industry. At this point in my career, I’ve covered a few different markets—some are overly corporate, others ridiculously cutthroat and a few mindnumbingly boring. Children’s wear is none of these, and the people—maybe because most are parents—genuinely care about the products they design and sell.

Their concern extends to all children, not just their own, which is clear by the number of businesses that have included philanthropic giving as part of their corporate charter. It is also illustrated by the outpouring of compassion the industry shows following global disasters. Twenty-five years ago, that giving spirit prompted the launch of Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), a charity that started as a way to aid famine-stricken children in Ethiopia. Fueled by the generosity of the apparel, footwear and juvenile products industries, K.I.D.S. has grown to encompass the ongoing needs of families around the world as well as homegrown issues like our country’s increasing poverty level. With every new item distributed, the charity spreads hope and lends a hand to those in need. In “Silver Lining” (page 20), we celebrate

the organization’s anniversary and reflect on the many lives K.I.D.S. has touched with the help of donors big and small. We intend for this section to serve as a thank you to all who have participated over the years and inspiration for those of you who find you have the ability to do so going forward.

Milestone celebrations are another thing I like about this industry. Thanks to endless new babies, birthdays and bar mitzvahs, there’s always a sense of fun. In “Gimmee More!” (page 16), we investigate which presents tweens clamor for today and how retailers stay abreast of what this age range will want from one minute to the next.

Our Unwrapped department (page 14) provides a glimpse of new giftables debuting at next month’s New York International Gift Fair. And in our “Spellbound” fashion story (page 26), we showcase the changing face of special occasion wear. Some lament the casualization of American society, but as our spread shows, while dressing up today might mean shorts and blouses versus poufy dresses, those ensembles are no less magical.

CALETHA CRAWFORD Editor in Chief

EDITOR’S LETTER

apparel news

Primigi Adds Sportswear Collection European children’s shoe label Primigi is covering all the bases with a new clothing collection designed to complement the footwear line. The company will bow layette and sportswear collections up to size 14 for Spring ’11, showcasing the apparel for the first time at the next ENK Children’s Club show, being held Aug. 1-3 in New York.

According to brand manager Gina LaRossa, Primigi’s reputation for Italian luxury product will now be available to fashion-savvy customers who want to complete a head-to-toe look.

The collection will feature unique and trendy garments and accessories made with highquality materials. For spring, that will include fine cotton pieces, soft denims and knitwear.

For more details, call (781) 337-3340 ext. 14 or visit www.primigiusa.com.

Topsville Introduces Scarce for Boys For all those moms who think great boys’ wear is in short supply, Topsville bows Scarce, a label encapsulating music, tech and motorgrunge street style that offers an alternative to the market’s ubiquitous surf/skate looks. “We wanted to offer another option besides those labels tied to a face,” she explained. While the company originally conceived the brand for older boys, Jennifer Zivic, Topsville’s vice president of new business, said younger guys showed interest as well, thus the line is being offered in sizes 4 to 20.

Scarce will launch in August at Sears and Macy’s, but the full fashion collection—which spans tees, woven tops, hoodies, cargo shorts, denim, light outerwear and more for Spring ’11—is open to all mid-tier retailers. Zivic noted that the addition of this brand is a strategic move by the company to build its business beyond mass retail. She believes Scarce, positioned as a premium brand with wholesale prices running approximately $4 to $20, will appeal to specialty stores due to its unique look, intriguing embellishments and tech-y elements, like removable hoods and sporty vest sets.

Call (646) 695-5373.

Playtime to Host International Exhibitors The Playtime trade show, which produces editions in Paris, Tokyo and now New York, has announced it has become a platform for approximately 300 international children’s, junior’s and maternity brands to showcase their wares. Participants at the first New York edition, scheduled to take place July 31-Aug. 2 at Soho’s 82 Mercer, will include 3 Sprouts, Atsuyo & Akiko, Baby Eggi, Beberavi, Blindmice, Bonnie Marcus, Californian Vintage, Clover NY, Coral & Tusk, Dagmar Daley, Easy Peasy, Flora and Henry, Fournier, Fragile, Itti Bitti, Jess Brown, Kit + Lili, Lucky Wang, Nico Nico, Nina Couture, Queen Mum, Tamar Mogendorff, Megan Park, Milo Tricot, Seedling Kids, Soft Clothing, Tane Organics, Tom & Drew, Wovenplay and more.

Playtime New York is planning trend spaces throughout the floor to highlight key products and directions from the new collections. For a full list of exhibitors and show details, visit www.playtimenewyork.com.

Correction: The yellow Eiffel Tower tee on The Look page of the June issue was misidentified. The manufacturer, Petit Confection, can be reached at (408) 621-5381 or www.petitconfection.com.

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J U LY 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

NEW LINES • Bearing the tagline “Smart clothes for smart kids,” Meta-Threads launches a line of tees and one-pieces featuring first words, anatomy and advanced vocabulary. Available for 3 months to 5 years, the sayings and images are printed upside down so the wearer can see them. Many also have words on the inside that can be accessed by flipping up the bottom of the shirt. Styles include the word “yellow” on a yellow one-piece, a design reading “circle” with a red circle around the word, a style that reads “deltoid” with a circular shape around the corresponding arm muscle, and bodies featuring age/number artwork. Some of the tees are organic cotton.

The wholesale price range is $9 to $14. Call (618) 713-0714 or visit www.meta-threads. com. • Kid Karisma launches a line of tees and thermals with attitude for toddler boys.

Screenprints made with a durable plastisol ink highlight phrases such as “I know I’m goin’ to heaven… mom says I’m a holy terror” with cherubs; “The world is my oyster and I’m taking the pearl” with a skull and pirate ships; and “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the fire” with a dragon. The tees are combed cotton and the thermals are a cotton/ poly waffle-weave blend. Wholesale prices run $12.50 to $16.50. Visit www.kidkarisma. com. • Encouraging children to lead a healthy lifestyle, Zio Sport debuts its collection of activewear for boys and girls. Targeting kids 4 to 14, the line runs with the idea that children who are comfortable will keep playing longer. Special features include “cool-edge” fabric technology with moisture wicking and UVB protection, a signature utility pocket on each piece and tagless labels. The collection is comprised of short- and long-sleeve tees, tanks, shorts, hoodies, pants and pullovers.

For boys, the color palette spans grenadine, orange, black and gray; girls’ color options span red, pink, green, blue, magenta and regatta blue. Wholesale prices run from $14 to $30. Call (866) 623-7844 or visit www. ziosport.com. • Petit Couture bows a fashion collection for transition/Spring ’11 aimed at ages 3 months to 6T. Highlights from the mix-and-match line include the Simone >8

THE LATEST IN CHRISTENING & COMMUNION Corrine bows a baby one-piece featuring an embroidered cross ($7.50 wholesale).

The white bodysuit is 100-percent cotton and comes in sizes 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9 months. Call (800) 237-9966 or visit www.corrineco.com.

Precious & Few is offering a christening suit for infant boys. Available in white linen or ivory silk in sizes 0-3 and 3-6 months, the one-piece features a Peter Pan collar, covered buttons, cummerbund and pleated pants. Prices have yet to be set. The company has also added monogrammed christening pillows ($65 wholesale). Call (718) 492-0283 or visit www.preciousfew.com.

Isobella & Chloe bows communion veils for Spring ’11. The handmade accessories come in either a comb or headband style and comprise tulle, taffeta or satin, some with glass beads as embellishment. The veils can be mixed and matched with the brand’s dresses. Wholesale prices are $12 to $14. Isobella & Chloe is also adding expanding its communion jacket collection.

Call (626) 443-8089.

Baby Biscotti expands its selection of boy-specific styles for 3 to 24 months with tailored looks free of feminine details like flowers and bows. The line includes a bonnet and collared gown set with pintucks on the bodice and sleeves ($52 wholesale); a short-sleeve romper ($36); and a jacket with front pockets ($25). All pieces are made from silk shantung. Other additions include a bib ($10), shoes ($10) and a boys’ cap ($12). Call (212) 947-4040 or visit www.biscottiinc.com.

Baby’s Trousseau grows its European-inspired heirloom collection with 16 fine-gauge cotton knit pieces. The line includes white gowns accented with pink rosettes for girls, and white rompers and threepiece sets (pants, sweater and hat) with blue shadow stitching for boys. The line runs $18.50 to $26 wholesale. Visit www.babytrousseau.com.

Ce Ce Co bows a group of all-white, cotton knit christening garments, including a gown ($49 wholesale), coordinating hat ($12) and blanket ($39). The gown, packed in a white silk purse, comes in sizes 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9 months.

Call (732) 888-9988 or visit www.cececo.com.

Sarah Louise continues to forge ahead with its two topselling silk dresses—one featuring a drawn overlay with bows, pearls and English lace trim around the short sleeves ($127.95 wholesale), and a silk style with an English lace overlay ($159.95 wholesale). Both come with a bonnet and are available in sizes 3-6, 6-12 and 12-18 months.

Call (941) 377-9656 or visit www.sarah-louise.com.

apparel news

NEW LINES Eggi Kids

191 Unlimited

Cutie Pa Tutus

Petit Couture Zio Sport

Zaza Couture Kid Karisma

pleat dress, a mod, flutter-sleeve style with buttons at the neck; the Sofie double-layer tulle tutu; the Solara bamboo tunic dress with a tie waist; and a cardigan with ruffles around the neck and down the front. Petit Couture uses sustainable fibers when possible and maintains ethical manufacturing processes. The collection wholesales for $20 to $44. Visit www.petitcouture.com. • Rethinking its boys’ wear, Zaza Couture is taking inspiration from the girls’ brightly colored apparel to create fresh boys’ looks, introducing a new group called Brothers & Sisters.

The line will feature coordinating looks for boys and girls, categorized by color. Highlights include a blue/lime green/yellow grouping with heart graphics for girls and car graphics for boys, and a lime green/red group with the phrase “I am a very little person in the big big world” for boys and a crocheted heart for girls. Body styles include Cinderella dresses for girls, pants and tee sets for boys, and one-pieces for both.

The apparel wholesales between $20 and $29; accessories run $7 to $9.

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J U LY 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

Call (214) 750-9918 or visit www.zazacouture.com. • 191 Unlimited takes down its successful men’s line, offering the funky button-downs in boys’ sizes 2T to 20. The company offers a fresh take on collared shirts, adding embroidery, screenprints, epaulettes, zippers and metallic details to solid, striped, plaid, denim and novelty-print bodies. Military looks served as much of the inspiration for the Spring ’11 collection.

Wholesale prices are $16 to $22. Visit www.191store.com. • Baby Eggi introduces Eggi Kids, expanding its size range up to 8 years. For Spring ’11, the company will offer a full, cohesive collection spanning the entire size range (down to 12 months). The complete line includes lightweight pants, shorts, rompers, leggings, dresses, tops and jackets—all in 100percent cotton. Many pieces feature the brand’s original illusionary artwork. Wholesale prices run $10 to $40. Baby Eggi donates 20 percent of its net proceeds to partnering children’s charities, such as New South Africa and Kids Courage. Visit www.babyeggi.com.

licensing news

Hot Properties

Kidz Concepts Named Company 81 Licensee Company 81, a collegiate lifestyle brand owned by the Oved Group, has tapped Kidz Concepts as its licensee for boys’ and girls’ sportswear. The manufacturer will produce a collection of woven and knit tops, T-shirts, denim, outerwear and fleece, starting with layette and running through boys’ 20 (including husky sizes) and girls’ 16. The line, which is aimed at department and specialty stores, is set to launch for Spring ’11. Company 81 will keep the brand’s marketing in-house.

“This partnership completes our extension into the children’s zone,” said Ronnie Oved, president of the Oved Group. “Our retail success in boys’ will now be complemented with girls’, toddler and infant offerings.” Kidz Concepts president Jason Gindi said his company is excited to collaborate with Oved Group’s branding and marketing team and to add the label to its licensed portfolio, which currently includes the brands Buster Brown, Lee, One Step Up, Essentials by ABS and Beverly Hills Polo Club. Call Kidz Concepts at (212) 398-1110.

Little Apple by Kee-Ka

Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2

TLC Inspires Baby Products Line Discovery Communications Inc. is pushing its “TLC Baby” programming into the realm of baby products through licensing partner Big Tent Entertainment. TLC’s popular shows “A Baby Story” and “Bringing Home Baby” will inspire a comprehensive assortment spanning layette/baby bedding/blankets, apparel, learning and development, health and safety, bath, feeding, electronics, furniture and room décor. “New and expecting moms have connected emotionally with TLC’s programming,” said Elizabeth Bakacs, vice president of licensing for Discovery Commerce. “Now the TLC Baby brand will offer viewers practical, high-quality products that they can use in their everyday lives at home, from a brand they trust.” For licensing details, call Big Tent at (212) 604-0064.

Silly Bandz Brand Looks to License Look for of-the-moment accessories brand Silly Bandz to inspire and create a breadth of new licensed products in the near future. BCP Imports, the manufacturer of the popular animalshaped rubber band fashion items, has tapped Brand Central to help develop offshoots for the Silly Bandz brand as well as secure licenses for additional Silly Bandz product. Brand managers see potential for Silly Bandz branded apparel, headwear, and arts and crafts product lines, among other categories. For opportunities, call Brand Central at (310) 268-1231.

Bella Sara nightgown by Bees & Jam

The World of Eric Carle

Kee-Ka debuts Little Apple, a New Yorkcentric line of organic one-pieces in sizes 6 to 12 months featuring Metropolitan Transit Authority ad artwork from the 1950s and ’60s and slogans such as “Borough Baby” and “Little Passenger.”

The bodysuits are aimed at boutiques and wholesale for $10, with a $200 minimum order. Call (718) 302-9665. • Hot on the heels of this summer’s “Toy Story 3,” Disney Consumer Products (DCP) revs its engines again for Disney/Pixar’s “Cars 2,” which will race into theaters next summer. A proven force in boy-oriented products, the movie will be supported by merchandise from Jay Franco, Kids Headquarters, Mattel, Leap Frog, Isaac Morris, Concept One and more. DCP is seeking additional licensees; call (818) 544-0000. • The Bella Sara brand is rolling out new products for kids who love horses. Hidden City Entertainment recently announced Berkshire Fashions (732-287-6007) will produce headwear, cold-weather accessories, hats, scarves, slipper socks, hosiery, rain gear and underwear for Fall ’10 highlighting the magical equine characters from the trading card property. These accessories join sleepwear from Bees & Jam (212-725-1500) and toys from Jakks Pacific (310-456-7799). • Chorion is building the Mr. Men and Little Miss brand with new apparel from Junk Food and Freeze as well as baby basics from Silvergoose as the property readies for its 40th anniversary in 2011. Chorion is seeking other partners for footwear, outerwear, swimwear, bedding and more. Additionally, the company had brought The World of Eric Carle to new product categories from JEM/Awake (girls’ T-shirts), Bentex (layette, playwear and sleepwear), Stride Rite (footwear), Zoobies (blankets) and Epicuren (children’s skincare products). Many other infant and children’s product categories remain open.

For details, call Chorion at (212) 973-4700.

• Dr. Seuss Enterprises expands its Lorax property, readying for the release of a CGIanimated film in 2012. The Lorax Project, an offshoot of the Dr. Seuss character first seen in 1971, promotes ecological change, and the company is aligning with vendor partners interested in furthering that message. Apparel, bedding and school supplies are already on the market. Dr. Seuss Enterprises is looking for additional licensees to create bath and beauty, stationery, educational toys, home furnishings and more. Call (858) 459-9744.

E A R N S H AW S . C O M • J U LY 2 0 1 0 9

WHAT’S SELLING

INFANTS/TODDLERS Tea Collection: Daily Tea pink, orange or cosmos-print cotton knit rompers

Pacifier

Minneapolis

Deux Par Deux: knit tanks with twisted straps and denim shorts sets Angel Dear: pastel chenille hooded jackets in pink, blue and tan Kicky Pants: bamboo one-pieces in polka dot, leaf and mod prints Kissy Kissy: Pima cotton knit bloomer sets Mish Mish: navy, black or gray cotton knit, elastic-waist shorts Catimini: white embroidered circle sundresses with pops of aqua and red Eliane et Lena: ruffled cardigans and bubble dresses in white and light pink; tan linen shorts and white linen cotton shirts and vests Morfs: tees with hand appliqués of Sesame Street characters EyeSpy: unisex orange diamond or chocolate printed board shorts; bubbles in orange geometric prints with lilac accents GIRLS 4 TO 6X Tea Collection: Pima cotton printed tank and shorts sets; Daily Tea cropped gypsy pants in solid colors and striped dresses Isabella & Chloe: pink party dresses with layered tulle skirts Mimi & Maggie: multicolored handkerchief dresses Halabaloo: tank sundresses with ruffled skirts in nautical navy and white Eliane et Lena: black gauze tunics with white ruffle-trim leggings and cardigans BOYS 4 TO 7 Alpha Industries: olive cargo shorts Tea Collection: jersey knit graphic tees Charlie Rocket: “Windmill Farm” tees Wes and Willy: tie-dyed “Mr. Nice Guy” T-shirts Fore Axel & Hudson: golf-inspired bamboo polos and narrow plaid shorts in orange, brown and green

Tea Collection

This modern boutique, which offers complimentary gift boxes and stroller assembly, can vouch that scheduled deliveries are still a continuous downfall in the retail industry. “We’ve had a few problems with partial shipments and companies not being able to produce items accurately,” said sales manager Kristin Madsen. Tea Collection is one company that has made sure its products arrive in a timely fashion, she noted. “Our relationship with them has been working out well as far as delivery. We place orders once every other week.” Madsen also tries to order from local vendors who can provide quick turnaround times and more easily solve any problems that should arise.

Bananas for Kids Wayzata, Minn.

Drenched in Caribbean colors, this 1,600square-foot store has experienced ups and downs with scheduled deliveries.

“Manufacturers sometimes send partial orders and separate shipments,” owner Sheila Vaccaro said, noting she prefers to wait until the end of a season before placing new orders so there’s room for new merchandise. “Some companies will ship items in advance with the hopes that we’ll keep them.” Once product does arrive, she said, parcels with hangers and extra stuffing make unpacking a dreaded chore.

Pinc Premium: navy and gray running shorts Tru Luv: sublimated tiered tunic dresses True Religion: denim skirts with embroidered rainbow pockets

Eliane et Lena: relaxed linen shorts and shirt sets in a mixture of tan, white, gray and black

Fore Axel & Hudson: argyle or plaid printed shorts and allover print buttonups and driving caps

10 EARNSHAW’S • JULY 2010

Edina, Minn.

Dubbed “fantastical” by owner Mary Lauer, this charming boutique strives for a mix of whimsy and magic. But Lauer is less enchanted by the time frame in which some of her product arrives. “European lines with a 90- to 120-day [delivery] window make them almost impossible to work with,” she noted. “I have to pick and choose certain items that I think will arrive when scheduled.” Vendors that ship products well past the expected delivery date or that send partial shipments are also an issue, as these either leave Lauer with little time to make space for new merchandise or scrambling to fill in sparse categories.

by kionna lipscomb

Morfs: navy shirts with Elmo appliqués

JK Tees: tie-dye tunics with a peace motif

Oh Baby!

RETAILERS IN MINNESOTA GIVE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE CURRENT DELIVERY CYCLES.

BOYS 8 TO 20 Joe’s Jeans: medium-wash narrow-fit jeans with accented back pocket

GIRLS 7 TO 14 Truly Me: causal dresses in solid colors

Kicky Pants

Morfs

pink polka dot or soccer print Urban Baby Bonnets: bonnets in snow angel and spring prints Ergo Baby: organic baby carriers Vulli: Sophie Giraffe retro teethers Violet Love: stretchy headbands with an American flag theme Bobux: navy and brown soft leather sandals with ankle elastic Wee Squeak: green camo tennis shoes Lelli Kelli: pink sequined Mary Janes See Kai Run: brown fisherman sandals

ACCESSORIES/FOOTWEAR Robeez: soft-sole shoes in chocolate brown, tan or cream with animal prints BabyLegs: arm and legwarmers in a

Pediped: silver or gold gladiator sandals GIFTS Green Toys: toy recycling trucks

Little Giraffe: chenille dot blankets in pink, blue or green Kushies: waterproof bibs with sleeves featuring geometric shapes Ribbitt-Ribbitt: handpainted wooden frames with personalized sayings and christening themes Blue Orange: Yamslam board games Angel Dear: animal-themed cashmere blankets Petunia Pickle Bottom: boxy backpack diaper bags Aden + Anais: cotton muslin blankets in white with pink stars or white with multicolored shapes or letters

PACIFIER • BANANAS • OH BABY!

CALENDAR

MARKET DATES & EVENTS

8-11

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL (800) 323-5462 www.transworldexhibits.com

13-19

CMC Gift & Home Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3600 www.californiamarketcenter.com

14-21

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

31-Aug. 2

Playtime New York 82 Mercer New York, NY (212) 925-6349 www.playtimenewyork.com

AUGUST 1-3

ENK Children’s Club Pier 94 New York, NY (212) 759-8055 www.enkshows.com

2-6

Vegas Kids World Market Center Las Vegas, NV (702) 599-3064 www.vegaskidslv.com

2-6

Gift + Home World Market Center Las Vegas, NV (702) 599-3064 www.giftandhomelv.com

3-5

16-18

FFANY Hilton Hotel & FFANY member showrooms New York, NY www.ffany.org

KIDShow Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas, NV www.kidshow.cc

6-9

Magic Mandalay Bay & Las Vegas Convention Centers Las Vegas, NV (877) 554-4834 www.magiconline.com

Deerfield Children’s Show Embassy Suites North Shore Deerfield, IL www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

6-10

North Branch Kids 1229 N. North Branch 3rd Floor Chicago, IL www.northbranchkids.com

7-9

Kidz at Stylemax The Merchandise Mart Chicago, IL (800) 677-6278 www.kidzatstylemax.com

17-19

18-19

Chicago/Michigan Childrenswear Farmington Hills Manor Farmington Hills, MI (312) 644-1763 www.chicagocwc.com

26-30

Atlanta Apparel Market AmericasMart Atlanta, GA

(404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

29-31

NW Kids Show Location TBD Seattle, WA www.nwkidsshow.com

SEPTEMBER 11-13

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

11-13

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart, Atlanta, GA (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com >38

8-11

LA Kids Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3600 www.californiamarketcenter.com

Celebrate Innocence

JULY

12-15

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

14-19

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

15-17

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

SUPER SOFT CLOTHING FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WWW.KICKYPANTS.COM | (310) 492-5707

PAMPERED BABY PRODUCTS & NEWS NEW LINES Kushies Launches New Division

Hoping to broaden its focus on layette and apparel offerings, Kushies has announced it is launching a separate division to cater to this market. President and CEO Sam Perez noted that layette and apparel has become an increasingly important part of the business and Kushies is dedicated to providing retailers with “the very best.” All layette and apparel collections will be sold under three labels: Kushies, Blue Banana and It’s My Planet 2. Each piece will be certified organic. Sales for Kushies’ apparel division will be headed by Christine McCarthy of CMSM. For more information, call (800) 8415330 or visit www.kushies.com.

¢ Timi and Leslie’s latest trendy designs easily transform from diaper bags to handbags to work totes. Styles include the faux leather Baby Jane ($78 wholesale) with antique brass hardware, the Camilla duffle ($75) and the Hannah tote ($73). Each bag contains a bottle tote, wristlet, removable shoulder straps and accessible pockets for storage. Also, the brand offers lower-priced bags that reinterpret three of its signature silhouettes in durable canvas. The canvas line is $34 wholesale. Call (213) 688-8804 or visit www.timiandleslie.com.

¢Rock Star Baby, a brand by Bon Jovi’s

drummer, Tico Torres, adds two gift sets to accompany its edgy apparel and accessory designs. The bottle package includes an 8-ounce feeding bottle, three pacifiers and a pacifier clip in pirate, heart/wing or tattoo motifs. The dinnerware set—available in heart/wing and pirate designs—includes a plate, bowl and cup. Each set wholesales for $19.50. Call (214) 742-6111 or visit www. rockstarbaby.com.

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¢Snazzy Baby of Australia introduces kneepads made from neoprene to protect new crawlers and walkers that can double as elbow pads.

They are offered in four kidfriendly colors and wholesale for $11.56. Value packs that include matching legwarmers are $14.56. Call (978) 471-9523 or visit www.snazzybaby.us.

åTwo Flowers One Bear adds to its collection of plush products with a new security blanket. Offered in light pink, blue, vivid floral, monkey and geometric prints, the polyester blanket features loops and rings that secure onto strollers, car seats, carriers and shopping carts. The wholesale price is $21. Call (310) 3160494 or visit www.twoflowersonebear.com.

å Loaded with interior and

¢ Trend Lab introduces Mini Cakes: velour receiving blankets rolled around three bibs and tied with ribbon.

A bath-themed option pairing a hooded towel with washcloths is also available.

Mini Cakes are packaged on a cake platter and include a gift tag. They wholesale for $9 to $15. Call (952) 8906700 or visit www.trendlab.com.

exterior pockets, new nylon diaper bags by Lillébaby, include the Oslo messenger bag ($41 wholesale) and Stockholm shoulder bag ($36). Each comes with built-in stroller clips and removable changing pads.

Call (866) 782-6222 or visit www.scichild.com.

© Baby Potential jumpstarts “Career Day” with a line of future-oriented long- and short-sleeve one-pieces and tees. Twelve silk-screened and embroidered gender-neutral patches showcase themes like teacher, artist, chef and philanthropist and coordinate with solid pants, skorts, bibs and burp cloths. Sizes range from newborn to 4T. All pieces wholesale for under $10. Call (210) 824-2100 or visit www. baby-potential.com.

COAST TO COAST Spotlighting Fashions Nationwide

Back to Basics Noticing that basic pieces for kids were virtually nonexistent—especially when it came to high-quality, moderately priced lines with a good fit—Jamara Ghalayini and Claudia Schwartz combined their fashion expertise to develop Daily Threads, a line that would solve this dilemma. “Many of the brands typically associated with basics have kind of abandoned the basics market,” said Ghalayini, owner of the Pumpkinhead Kids boutique in Los Angeles. She referred to lines like Splendid, which she says have gone the fashion route.

And so the duo recently launched their own Los Angeles-based brand for boys and girls 3 months to 12 years.

Part of their mission was to create a line that focused on fit: Instead of applying a grading formula, Daily Threads bases its patterns on actual children. Some kids’ lines have problems with fit, Ghalayini explained, adding that she often hears parents in her store complain about boxy shirts and too-long pants. “We wanted to make something that fits each and every child at every stage,” she said. For example, a size 2T from Daily Threads features extra room in the waist to accommodate toddlers’ diapers. Top bodies for girls include a tiered skort with a smocked waist, a scalloped tank and a tunic. For boys, cargo and basketball shorts have emerged as the leading styles. Other items run the gamut from lap tees for babies to pullover hoodies.

The collection features bold, solid hues like grass green, orange, fuchsia, yellow and grape. “It’s like a giant table of jellybeans,” Ghalayini said, describing a table merchandised with Daily Threads’ items. “How could you walk by a storefront without stopping?” Super-soft fabrics are either 100-percent cotton or modal blended with cotton and Lycra.

Schwartz, founder of Aden & Anais (who recently sold her share of the company), and Ghalayini have been working on Daily Threads for several years, making sure to cover every detail—right down to the logo. For branding, a patch reading “DT” is on every piece, but it is small and subtle enough that it doesn’t take away from the simple designs. The collection wholesales for $8.50 to $19.

Visit www.dailythreads.net. —Melissa Knific

Morning Glory For years, Daphne Henderson had her sights set on creating a full apparel collection, but her time was consumed by another successful project—the heirloom pettiskirt brand Oopsy Daisy Baby, which she launched in 2001. Nearly a decade later, Henderson is now able to do both.

She recently bowed Dew Drops Couture, a vintage European-inspired line for girls 3 months to 14 years. Henderson named the Southlake, Texasbased line after her grandmother, Dew Drop, who taught her how to sew.

“She’s the reason why I am where I am today,” the designer added.

The chic line has a nostalgic twist, and Henderson explained that she aims to preserve the innocence of childhood. “Girls are little for only a short time, and there are a lot of clothes out there that make them [look] older than they really are,” she said. Each seasonal assortment focuses on a specific time period (vintage ’60s prints were used in the Fall ’10 collection). Spring ’11 will take a sweet approach with an abundance of ruffles, some tulle and prints with flowers, butterflies and birds.

Highlights include an infant romper with crisscross straps and a ruffled bottom (available in seven colors); a machine-washable “wave” skirt that encourages wearers to twirl; and a sleeveless dress featuring a full skirt with ruffles and a large bow that trails down the side. Other pieces range from A-line and trapeze-style dresses to capri pants with coordinating tops to ruffled bloomers. “My head is about to explode with designs,” Henderson joked, noting that approximately 100 items are available for spring.

Dew Drops Couture uses domestic and imported European fabrics—sometimes blending the two—to provide a variety of price points.

Wholesale prices range from $14 to $60. The line also features a variety of accessories such as crocheted hats and reversible floral headbands.

All items are made in Dallas. Call (817) 488-1123 or visit www.dewdropscouture.com. —M.K.

E A R N S H AW S . C O M • J UL Y 2 0 1 0 1 3

UNWRAPPED NEW GIFTABLE ITEMS miYim organic Dr. Seuss toy

Alex Marshall T-shirt

APPAREL

Cate and Levi puppet

Recycled-material plush by Kevin O’Brien Doll by Alexa Lixfeld Organic cotton bodysuit and keepsake box by The Baby Bunch

Bibi & Mimi one-piece

Lumiere cotton velour sleepsack

PLAY TIME Fuzzy Nation

by Manhattan Toy purse

Two Sisters Designs tee

Safari play set

by Lilliputiens

WRAPPER’S DELIGHT

NYIGF’s latest gifts mix function and fun. By Angela Velasquez 1 4 J U LY 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

Cards with necklaces by Bottman Designs

Nowali booties

Necklaces by Caracol

ACCESSORIES CBH Studio backpack

Knit cap by Zooniwear

Ballet slippers by Zid Zid Kids

GIMMEE

MORE!

With consumers’ ever-changing tastes, there’s no easy route to tween gift sales success, but thanks to social calendars filled with birthday parties, the payoffs can be big. Here, the industry provides its take on how to get the most from this category.

BY JACQUELINE MICUCCI

UNLIKE GIFTABLES FOR young children and babies, which often center around perennial reorders of the same soft blankies, cuddly plush and adorable layette, the tween market revolves around blink-andyou’ve-missed-them fads. If you recall the Webkinz frenzy, you know such products can be all the rage with middle-schoolers one day and a forgotten relic the next. While staying on top of trends takes a bit of work, the rewards are plentiful. To keep up with tween tastes, retailers channel their inner 12-year-olds, search teenybopper magazines and keep an eye on pop culture phenoms.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELSIE FITZGERALD

MODERN MUST-HAVES

Being a kid today means two things: You must blast Justin Beiber on your iPod and you must wear multiple Silly Bandz on your wrist. The animal-shaped bracelets from Brain Child Products are the “it” item of 2010, spawning a raft of imitators. How long kids will find the need to collect this accessory is anyone’s guess, but judging by the lifecycle of other recent hot products, the company will need to find a way to evolve in order to stay relevant.

For instance, M3 Girl Designs, maker of Snap Caps magnetic bottle cap jewelry, is fueling demand for its product by adding new concepts.

“Snap Caps are still hot,” said Amy Ackerman of New York’s Ilene Oren & Company showroom. But it’s newness that sparks excitement, she added, noting the brand’s nine newly launched product groups. “There are bracelets, dog tags and the black chokers are now available in eight different colors. They have matching journals and picture frames. It’s turned into an entire brand.”

The variety of options within the MOGO magnetic bracelet line also keeps kids coming back, according to Jennifer Bruder, owner of the Berkley Girl boutique in New York. “The bands are $14 and the charms are $4 a piece, so the girls can choose from their initials or peace signs and a whole bunch of other designs.”

A common thread between many of these items is the ability for the consumer to personalize. Girls can mix and match charms to fit their mood or coordinate with their outfits. Marilyn Klein, owner of the Klein

Group showroom in Dallas and Atlanta, noted another popular item for tweens: Popochos brightly colored sport watches, which have interchangeable skins in different colors or embellishments that girls can customize. The best thing about this attribute? It can translate into multiple sales opportunities for retailers.

In general, jewelry items are very hot gifts for tween girls, especially those sporting peace sign motifs (the old hippie symbol is still de rigeur 52 years after its creation). Kids are also finding cupcakes are as fun to wear as they are to eat. “What’s been selling really well for us is Lulu Princess jewelry—little cupcake bracelets and necklaces, peace sign bracelets and rings in tie-dye colors,” said Jeanette Trujillo, owner of The Glitter Box showroom in Los Angeles. “The Cutie Pie collection of furcovered backpacks is also doing well, as is any accessory with cupcakes, candies or peace signs on them.”

While Marina Levy, who co-owns the San Francisco Bubble stores with Anna Arzhintar, agrees that jewelry is a given for girls—specifically “evil eye” bracelets and peace sign necklaces by Blee Inara, plus anything from High IntenCity—she also knows how to interest their male counterparts. “For tween boys, we do really well with wallets,” Levy reported.

“Quiksilver’s soft two- or three-fold wallets with Velcro seem to be what the kids want.”

Anything tech-oriented also has the possibility of crossing gender lines, especially products designed to jazz up a tween’s iPhone or iTouch. Klein noted one of the hot items in her showroom at the moment is Cell Fronts’ protective iPhone cases, which are spiced up with allover crystals, peace signs, butterflies, hearts, stripes and animal prints. In addition, she cited Budclicks—earbud headphone accessories for boys and girls in fun star, skull, iron cross, flip-flop and eight ball motifs—as a prime tween gift.

EYES ON THE PRIZED

Paying attention to what tweens are watching and wearing is key to keeping up with this fickle crowd. Celebrities are a good indicator, too. “Our buyer [co-owner Arzhintar] is big into fashion magazines,” said Levy.

“She reads a lot and sees what celebrities and their kids are wearing. We E A R N S H AW S . C O M • J U LY 2 0 1 0 1 7

[also] do a lot of research online, and then there are the showrooms; they give you word in advance about what is selling. They stay on top of the trends.”

“We read lots of magazines—children’s magazines as well as lifestyle magazines like Real Simple,” echoed Gina DeFrank, co-owner of Moxie Kids in Raleigh, N.C. “Also, there are a couple of really good parenting blogs out there that review products and offer us new gift ideas. We particularly like Cool Mom Picks, because they really uncover the innovative and well-designed products.”

Getting a jump on those under-the-radar gifts helps grab the attention of young shoppers. “When I buy gift items, I look for things no [other retailer] has,” explained Simone Oettinger, owner of Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony, a go-to resource for local shopping in Evanston, Ill. “[I want] a mix of classics and items no one else is carrying at the moment—things that are good for birthday gifts.” Kids have countless birthday parties to attend, she said, adding that the typical price range for older kids’ gifts usually falls between $15 and $20.

No matter how attuned you are, it’s very likely the tween consumer is still one step ahead, which is why many retailers rely on tweens themselves for direction. “I am in the shop almost every day,” said Jean Polsky, owner of the Estella boutique in New York. “I listen carefully to what my customers are saying so that I can anticipate their needs.”

“Talking to customers is important, as is staying in good price points,” asserted Kim Sibley, owner of Little Urbanites, a shop in Portland, Ore. Sibley noted she doesn’t shop trade shows, preferring to source through magazines and uncovering gems on blogs. Still, she is careful to suss out

quality products that provide good value.

Bruder of Berkley Girl takes advice from all avenues—customers, vendors and her sales staff—but she’s also adept at honing in on emerging pop-culture patterns. “It’s important to know what’s popular [with tweens]—the certain shows they’re watching and the merchandise connected to them.”

DISPLAY SAVVY

Once the merchandise has been selected, the next step is to let youth shoppers know it’s there to be had. But retailers note there’s more to it than dangling a shiny object at a tween’s eye level.

Levy of Bubble likes to keep giftables visible but out of reach. “We have very large counters in both of our stores,” she said. “I display items on the counter one item at a time. Otherwise, it tends to be overwhelming.”

Levy noted that customers sometimes damage product in their zeal to sift through for their favorites, so she puts one of each item on display and keeps the rest of the stock away from customers.

Yet showcasing the product prominently is important. “When I was a buyer at Bergdorf Goodman, I remember the CEO saying that our windows were the most valuable real estate we had,” Polsky explained. “I’ve carried that wisdom with me and make sure we use our windows very strategically here.” Wise words—especially since with tween customers, it’s vital to get the product out of the box and into their hot little hands before the trend goes cold. •

OLD FAITHFUL While always chasing the new hot thing in the tween category, retailers can rely on a few tried-and-true reorders in the baby market to keep the registers ringing. —J.M.

“The Sophie Giraffe baby teething toy is popular for infants, as are animal blankies by Angel Dear. Hats and headbands with big flowers also do very well.”

—Marina Levy, co-owner of San Francisco-based Bubble “The hottest gift items are the classics. I sell a lot more of the tried-and-true items for baby like the Gund Huggybuddy plush blankie. Those are great and the price is right at $25. Trumpette socks continue to sell well. Constructive Eating utensils [flatware designed like trucks] is another [good one]. It’s unique and has some purpose to it. I keep them by the cash wrap because it’s such a catchy gift item.” — Simone Oettinger, owner of Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony in Evanston, Ill.

“Zebi bibs are popular. But my [proven] gift item is the Twilight Turtle [a plush turtle nightlight that projects a starry constellation onto the ceiling]. They are $34 and they always sell through. They make great birthday presents and they’re educational.” —Kim Sibley, owner of Little Urbanites in Portland, Ore.

“Our biggest gift seller is the swaddle muslin wraps

by Aden + Anais. Customers buy them as shower gifts and then the new mom will come back and buy them for her friends. They can be used for swaddling or as a lightweight blanket, stroller cover, burp and nursing shield. Moms love a single product with so many uses.” —Gina DeFrank, coowner of Moxie Kids in Raleigh, N.C.

“People want really soft things and/or really adorable things.

The items constantly selling in my shop are the Metrocard baby rattle and Lucky Jade’s cashmere animal blankets.”

—Jean Polsky, owner of Estella in New York

SPECIAL REPORT

Silver Lining This year, Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) celebrates 25 years of delivering hope to children around the world in the form of necessities they would otherwise go without. The organization—which was originally formed by Carol Reisman, Barbara Toback, Karen Bromley, Fred Brown and Ezra Dabah to aid children in Ethiopia—has developed into a charity that in 2009 provided approximately $90 million worth of products to 4.5 million kids around the globe. From its original focus on apparel, the organization now also collects and distributes shoes, toys, DVDs, educational materials, books, furnishings, baby gear and more, drawing resources from a growing pool of philanthropic manufacturers, retailers and industry groups. K.I.D.S. has successfully managed its growth, consistently landing on top charity lists and maintaining a very low overhead of just 2.5 percent. Yet as the organization’s scope broadens, it is also servicing a growing number of worldwide agencies, a network that illuminates the significant number of children and families in need around the world. By Leslie Shiers & Caletha Crawford

CUMULATIVE EFFECT Through donations both big and small, K.I.D.S. has grown in scope and reach, bringing relief to children and families across the globe.

2 0 J U L Y 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

1985 The beginning: K.I.D.S. sends its first product donation worth $250,000 to Ethiopian famine victims through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. • By December, the charity is incorporated; $350,000 worth of goods is shipped to Colombia and Uruguay after mudslides.

1987 Receives Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association endorsement.

1986 Forms committee structures; Fred Brown elected first volunteer president. • Initiates relief efforts to Mozambique. • Receives Childrenswear Manufacturers Association endorsement. • Grows network of recipient agencies to 14.

1989 Exceeds $3 million yearly goal by $350,000.

1990 Raises money through teddy bear sales promotions via JCPenney’s Christmas catalog. • Extends aid to Romanian orphanages. • OshKosh recognized as the first company to donate more than $1 million in merchandise.

1988 Holds first annual ‘K.I.D.S. for Kids’ event honoring contributors.

• Receives Toy Industry Association endorsement. • Initiates hurricane disaster relief in Mexico and Jamaica and earthquake aid in Armenia.

1991 Exceeds $4 million product donation goal by $1 million. • Joins InterAction, an association of U.S. private voluntary organizations engaged in international humanitarian effors. • Amends bylaws to include domestic aid.

REWARDING ENDEAVORS As K.I.D.S. continues its work to fight ongoing poverty and also answer immediate demand resulting from natural disasters, charity president Dr. Janice Weinman told Earnshaw’s why getting involved is gratifying for businesses and also resonates with donors on a personal level.

Why do you think companies find it rewarding to donate to K.I.D.S.?

JW: So many companies feel good about the fact that they’re helping kids, and that they can perhaps save or build a life that—without clothes, books or baby gear—would otherwise be less functional. People feel that providing such items truly makes a difference, and therefore they’re happy to participate. Donating to K.I.D.S. can build morale among a company’s employees, while the notion of helping children also has a positive influence in their own community. We work with hundreds of manufacturers and retailers, large and small, and I think many feel they’re affecting lives with one product at a time. And last but not least, our donors receive a tax break.

How can a company donate product?

It’s the simplest process. Donors fill out a form [available on KIDSdonations.org] and identify the retail value of the items they’re donating.

Then, either K.I.D.S. will pick up the products and distribute them to an agency, or the donor can identify a particular agency they’d like to support. Afterward, K.I.D.S. will send them a tax receipt letter. That’s it. We’re efficient and effective, and donating relieves a burden for compa-

nies that want to get excess inventory out of their distribution centers, warehouses, offices, stores, showrooms, etc. We make it very easy.

What would you say to a prospective donor to incite them to contribute?

That children depend on them. Without their support and generosity, families that are facing crises are even more burdened. And every day is the day they have the opportunity to give back in brand new ways.

Disasters such as the Haiti earthquake spur giving, but how do you keep donors interested as such stories fade from the headlines?

It’s very hard. Often people will respond to crises, but you can’t motivate them to continue to help those struggling every day. [Americans] don’t always see these problems in their own backyard, but people who you might think are managing all right are not necessarily doing so. We simply want to impress upon them the fact that there are people in parts of this country that can’t make it through. There are kids going back to school who need clothes, shoes, books and notebooks—things the rest of us may take for granted. We try hard to communicate through every vehicle possible what these

1993 Sends goods totaling $100,000 to victims of the Mississippi and Missouri river floods. • Receives $93,000 in merchandise from the JPMA trade show.

1992 Launches “Can you picture a kid without a toy?” ad campaign.

• Responds to hurricane Andrew with $1 million in goods. • Installs donation canisters at all Kids ‘R’ Us stores.

families are facing and the need for people to be involved. We’re careful to share stories, letters and photos from the recipients as often as we can so our donors can see the people they are helping. In a situation like Haiti, we keep stressing that there are ongoing problems that have not been solved, and that K.I.D.S. is there for the long term.

What goals has K.I.D.S. set for 2010?

We’d like to distribute $100 million worth of goods this year, and we’d like to grow from reaching 4.5 million children to 5 million. We’d like to increase our partnerships with young mothers and expectant mothers via baby showers and other vehicles. And we want to get our message out to a broader group of people, increasing our visibility through our website, blogs and social media. We’re known in industry, but we’re trying to make the public more aware.

What is the best aspect of your job?

The whole job is rewarding. You know you’re doing something direct and tangible and immediate for people who, if they did not have what we gave them, would be missing some basic essential they need in order to function.

1995 Welcomes Mark Gelber as first staff president. • Receives $20,000 from Paul Newman’s charity, Newman’s Own. • Donates toys and other items to children affected by the Oklahoma City bombing.

1994 Raises $10,600,000 for the year. • Sends aid to flood victims in Georgia. • Celebrates 10th anniversary with dinner/dance event in New York.

1997 Provides eye exams and glasses to indigent children through LensCrafters.

1996 Establishes “Business for Kids” arm to accept financial donations.

E A R N S H AW S . C O M • J U LY 2 0 1 0 2 1

SPECIAL REPORT

ANSWERING THE CALL When an unforeseen disaster strikes, K.I.D.S. is there to help on-the-ground organizations field the need.

Haitians wait to receive donated children’s products.

K.I.D.S.

HAS SOLIDLY committed itself to fighting against the ongoing problem of poverty, but when a natural disaster suddenly upends family life, the charity jumps to respond. In recent years, the organization has stepped up in response to the earthquake in Haiti, California’s wildfires, tornadoes that ravaged Oklahoma and more, funneling much-needed children’s items—from diapers to underwear to baby cribs—through to local service agencies that can swiftly distribute the products to people in need.

“We do a lot of disaster relief,” K.I.D.S. president Dr. Janice Weinman noted. “We try very hard to be in situations where we can break through the red tape and get basic needs to children as immediately and directly as possible.”

Ongoing partnerships with organizations from coast to coast help the charity do just that. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August of 2005, for example, K.I.D.S. had already been working with local food banks for years, and through those agencies it was able to get donated products to devastated families in an organized, timely fashion.

In conjunction with Fashion Delivers, K.I.D.S.’s sis-

1998 Responds to Hurricane Georges in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

• Launches first website with online donation capabilities.

1999 Sends more than $3 million in goods to refugee children in Kosovo via AmeriCares. • Helps 6,000 children after the Oklahoma City tornado.

2 2 J U L Y 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

ter charity that distributes adult apparel, the organization was able to deliver more than $12 million worth of product to the region in the three weeks following the hurricane.

Martha Marak, executive director of the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport, La., said the response from K.I.D.S.—both in the immediate aftermath and today—has had a huge impact on families displaced by the disaster. “We’ve received a lot of help from K.I.D.S. since Katrina,” she said, noting that shipments come by the trailer load. “A lot is infant clothing. We partner with a couple of agencies that have really enjoyed receiving that, such as a pregnancy crisis center that gave the apparel to new moms.”

Initially, Marak recalled, many families were in shock over the loss of their homes. By now, many have come to grips with their new lives. However, the need in the area remains. The Food Bank targets seven parishes in Louisiana, where roughly 95,000 households live below the poverty level. “Those are the folks that we assist,” she said, noting her organization provides goods and services to about 65,000 of them—one-third of whom are families with children. The state of Louisiana has the highest number of children age 5 and under living below the poverty level, Marak continued, noting K.I.D.S. donations give their families a vital boost. “We just love being able to not only provide food but other items we know they need,” she said. “If a family is on a limited income and can save money on necessities like baby clothing, they can then use that money for things they might not otherwise be able to do.”

K.I.D.S. was also at the ready after floods devastated homes in the Midwest last year. Dedicated to helping military families, the organization has established long-term partnerships with Operation Homefront chapters across the nation, and when

2001 Donates $750,000 through New York mayor’s clothing bank to 9/11 victims.

Provides thousands of cartons of Sears clothes to victims of the Hoisington, Kan., tornado.

2000 Debuts on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list of the nation’s top 400 charities as No. 243. • Launches programs to reach children in rural areas like Oklahoma, Florida and southern Nevada. • Donates merchandise worth $720,000 to residents of Los Alamos, N.M., affected by a forest fire.

floodwaters washed out several families’ homes last year, Jon Jerome, head of the Missouri chapter, said the charity quickly came to the rescue.

“Around here, when it floods, it floods quickly,” he said. Many houses needed serious repairs, and making matters worse, several of the military men and women affected were about to deploy. K.I.D.S. helped restore the houses with flooring donated by IKEA and replaced lost clothing, bedding, baby supplies, cribs and more.

Jerome noted that K.I.D.S.’s connections within the juvenile industry make it an irreplaceable resource. Jerome recalled a shipment of toys that K.I.D.S. secured from Toys “R” Us. “They sent a 53-foot tractor trailer filled with car seats, baby strollers—everything a new family would need,” he said. “It’s hard [for us] to get those baby items.”

Yet those everyday necessities become crucial not only after a disaster but when families face pay cuts when a reserve unit deploys. The Missouri chapter distributes products families can use immediately (as tipped off by the military’s Family Readiness group) and stores the rest in a warehouse for emergency situations. “When need arises, it’s in place,” Jerome said.

K.I.D.S.’s relief efforts are not solely reserved for domestic disasters. The charity has been instrumental in channeling children’s products to Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake that shook the country on January 12. The organization has had a long presence in Haiti, having provided aid to the country—the poorest in the Western hemisphere—since 1995. When the quake took the homes of more than 1 million people, an already grim situation turned dire.

Weinman, who visited the country in May, described the scene in Port-Au-Prince as the worst

2003 Hires nonprofit veteran Dr. Janice Weinman as president. • Broadens scope to include educational materials, books, accessories and shoes. • Provides hundreds of thousands of Scholastic books to Native American reservations.

2002 Serves families in abject poverty on Indian reservations in North and South Dakota.

K.I.D.S.’s aid to Haiti gives local children a reason for hope.

she’s ever witnessed. “This is a complete country of people living in sub-acceptable conditions,” she said, noting that many still struggle for the fundamentals—food, water, medical supplies—much less clothing and shoes. Still, Weinman believes K.I.D.S. has been able to make a significant impact via its already existing network in the region. The charity sends goods to a warehouse, from which products are then distributed to schools, churches, orphanages and other ground-level agencies, where Weinman hopes they give suffering children a reason to smile.

“The mood in Haiti is flat,” she said, recalling the lack of sparkle in the citizens’ eyes. “There’s a kind of dullness to their expressions. They lack the emotion to dare to hope, and I think that shows.” Giving a pair of pants or a shirt to a child that has been going without, she noted, “provides them with some sense of, if not hope, at least reassurance.”

One of K.I.D.S.’s major partners in Haiti is Operation Compassion, a ministry that supplies relief efforts worldwide. President David Lorency said his organization has 27 partners on the ground in Haiti, including hospitals, orphanages and feeding centers that help it aid as many as possible. Since the quake, he noted, “K.I.D.S. product has been at the forefront of our distributions—baby diapers, clothes, shoes, high chairs.” Even simple sippy cups have helped, as overflowing aid camps can at least provide that much to homeless parents they have no choice but to turn away.

The two organizations had been working together long before the quake, so product was in the region and available for immediate response. Lorency noted this was key as relief shipments flooding into Haiti created a bottleneck, stopping up the flow of goods. “The quality, variety and newness of K.I.D.S.’s product allows us to respond with real efficiency,”

he said. “They’re not sending product for the sake of product, but rather product that meets specific needs. These are items that people in crisis and poverty are asking for immediately. That’s what makes K.I.D.S. so great.”

Kristi Shaw, account manager for World Vision’s Key Partnerships Department, also noted that in her experience with K.I.D.S.—which contributed to its Haiti relief as well as getting vital children’s items to Nicaragua, Zambia and other desperate regions—the organization’s efficiency is key to its success. “K.I.D.S. really takes the time to understand the organizations they’re working with,” she said.

“They know we’re trying to achieve, so when they receive product, they easily can evaluate and say, ‘Hey, this would be great for World Vision. We know this is the stuff they’re clamoring for.’”

K.I.D.S. was also supportive of World Vision’s care in sending goods to Haiti at the right time.

“The initial focus was to meet primary needs, but now we’re starting to send other basic items,” Shaw noted. “A few weeks ago, we sent our first mixed load of clothing, shoes and things of that nature. As the year progresses, there will be more opportunities to send K.I.D.S. products to Haiti. Children’s clothing is especially going to be needed there.”

Deborah Stempien, who heads the Haiti committee of The Church of Bible Understanding, which runs several orphanages in the region, applauds K.I.D.S. for assisting smaller operations on the ground level as well. Her mission has received shipments of clothing and toys from the charity to supply its orphans. “We’re helping a lot more people than we used to,” she said. “It’s hard to get across how much things have changed in Haiti. Our intention is to help children, and there are a lot more orphans now.” •

2004 In partnership with Pennsylvania’s governor, continues three-year drive to raise $1 million for needy children in the state. • Expands work with shelters, prisons and hospitals. • Distributes more than $4 million worth of clothing and blankets to children affected by the tsunami in Southeast Asia.

2005 Delivers more than $12 million worth of product after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. • Develops strategic alliance with Fashion Delivers, a men’s and women’s apparel charity, and Ready-to-Learn Partnership to enhance literacy in the United States. • Holds first major benefit gala in New York in celebration of 20th anniversary. • Focuses on key areas— homelessness, domestic abuse, literacy, children of incarcerated parents, military families and illness—as well as disaster relief.

2006 Holds first Women in Industry Luncheon. • Joins Operation Homefront to support military families with members serving overseas.

2007 Begins donating healthcare products from Johnson & Johnson.

• Distributes more than $2.5 million in goods to victims of California wildfires.

2008 Establishes major new partnerships with Toys ‘R’ Us and Gymboree to distribute excess inventory from more than 800 stores. • Recognizes Toys ‘R’ Us as largest retail donor. • Debuts new slogan: “Giving Back in Brand New Ways.”

2009 Forms partnership with Communities in Schools to supply product to encourage kids to stay in school. • Renews partnership with Soles4Souls for children’s footwear. • Recognizes Carter’s as its third largest retail donor. • Raises more than $4 million in goods for victims of the California economic crisis.

• Surpasses all previous annual donation totals with almost $90 million in product, distributed to more than 4.5 million children and families worldwide.

E A R N S H AW S . C O M • J U LY 2 0 1 0 2 3

>>>DOMESTIC AFFAIRS While K.I.D.S. began as a security net for children around the world,

the charity quickly expanded its charter to include support of children in the United States. This mission has renewed importance today as families try to pull out of the worst recession in decades.

Though the full scope of how the economic turmoil has affected families in this country has yet to be calculated, it is already clear that children have been among the hardest hit. Here, a snapshot of statistics showing the need that K.I.D.S. seeks to fulfill every day.

BETWEEN 2000 AND 2008, THE NUMBER OF POOR AMERICANS GREW BY MORE THAN 9 MILLION.

17 MILLION

households had difficulty consistently providing enough food for all of their members in 2008.

In 2007, that number was 13 million.

—U.S. Census Bureau, “Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division: 2008”

—“Household Food Security in the United States,” a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED SINCE DECEMBER 2007, RISING FROM 4.9 PERCENT TO 10.2 PERCENT IN OCTOBER 2009 — BROOKINGS INSTITUTE

THE OFFICIAL POVERTY RATE IN THE UNITED STATES ROSE TO 13.2 PERCENT (OR 39.8 MILLION) IN 2008, UP FROM 12.5 PERCENT IN 2007.

—”U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division: 2008”

Between August 2008 and August 2009, the number of people receiving food stamps (now called SNAP benefits) increased by 7.0 million, or 24 percent. —B R O O K I N G S I N ST I T U T E

The number of children living in poor families increased by

21%

between 2000 and 2008.

—National Center for Children in Poverty

CHILDREN REPRESENT 25 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION, YET 35 PERCENT OF THE POOR POPULATION. IN 2008, 14.1 MILLION OR 19 PERCENT OF ALL CHILDREN WERE POOR.

—National Poverty Center

ONE IN FIVE CHILDREN

NEARLY UNDER THE AGE OF 18 LIVED IN POOR FAMILIES IN 2008.

—U.S. Census Bureau

2 4 J U L Y 2 0 1 0 • E A R N S H AW S . C O M

The number of families with at least one unemployed member rose from 6.1 million in 2008 to 9.4 million in 2009.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Linen top by Marilyn Tov; Faith by Ilda C. brocade shorts.

26

S P E L L B O U N D

FROTHY RUFFLES, LUSH FABRICS AND TRACES OF SHIMMER ADD A DASH OF MAGIC TO SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSES AND SEPARATES PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLYNIS SELINA ARBAN

27

Dorissa by Sugar Plum dress; Sarah Chloe bracelets.

Shirt, tie and wool vest and pants

by Ferd.

Opposite page: Jottum shirt, vest and pants; Clarks Originals desert boots.

28

29 29

Opposite page: Isobella & Chloe bubble dress; San Diego Hat Co. headband; tights by Jefferies Socks; Nina Kids patent Mary Janes.

30

HAIR & MAKEUP BY ELIZABETH MORACHE FOR WORKGROUP. FASHION EDITOR: ANGELA VELASQUEZ

Enchanted Enfant dress and jacket; Pink Pewter headband.

Dino e Lucia blouse and leather shorts; tights by Jefferies Socks.

Opposite page: Luli and Me velvet dress; Nina Kids flats.

Nicole Miller metallic dress.

32

Jewel-embellished dress by Miss Blumarine; beaded headband by Ralph Lauren Childrenswear.

Opposite page: Biscotti dress; tuxedo-style blazer by Kiddo.

35

MARKETPLACE

MRS. SMITH’S DIAPER BAGS ARE THE ONLY DIAPER BAGS ON THE MARKET WITH A PATENTED PULL-OUT DRAWER!

These diaper bags are the first in a collection of bags designed with the needs of the day in mind. Your day should be about the important events in your life, the precious and tender moments you share with your children in their earliest years.

With my diaper bag, you will know with confidence that what you need throughout the day is all in the bag!

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION AT WWW.MRSSMITHSBAGS.COM Larry Lucas, America’s Mart Apparel Bldg. 3 Floor 13 250 Spring St. Suite 13W126 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-688-2847 larry@larrylucasinc.com Cass Bisbikis Northern CA and Northern NV Phone: 916-649-1888 cass@cassbsales.com

Stephen Rappaport NY and NJ Phone: 516-569-3149 sjr2348@msn.com Dave Knox, Knox and Associates IL, IN, OH, MI, WI, MN, ND, SD Phone: 815-254-1749 dave_k_79922@yahoo.com

Bibi & Mimi ®

www.bibiandmimi.com (718) 383-1452

Style, Function and Value!

The

Clean Shopper

®

1-800-635-3899

Your drooler

www.cleanshopper.com

%

$

1

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$ % ,%

just got cooler

.........

$0(5,&$·6 67</,6+ '5,%%/( %,% _ ::: %$==/(%$%< &20

#FBVUJGVM )BOENBEF #PXT )FBECBOET $MJQT CZ UIF TUSJQ PS CZ UIF CPX *NNFEJBUF %FMJWFSZ #084 XXX CPXTBSUT OFU

CALENDAR

MARKETPLACE

MARKET DATES & EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 11-13

Northwest Market Assn.

Show Embassy Suites Washington Square Portland, OR (253) 759-9692 www.northwestmarket.org

®

Order online www.hairclippy.com 800.466.7304

12-13

ENK Children’s Club Javits Center New York, NY (212) 759-8055 www.enkshows.com

12-15

ABC Kids Expo Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV (210) 691-4848 www.theabcshow.com

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

15-16

10-13

14-18

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

22-23

LA Kids Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3600 www.californiamarketcenter.com

26-28

©

3-5

Gulf Coast Children’s Caravan Crown Plaza New Orleans Airport Kenner, LA (800) 666-4543 Gulf Coast Children’s Caravan Verizon Arena, Rooms 1A & 1B North Little Rock, AR (800) 666-4543

A magical line of baby & children’s apparel; headbands & beanies blooming with flowers.

2-5

NW Kids Show Location TBD Seattle, WA www.nwkidsshow.com

Livonia Children’s Show Embassy Suites Livonia, MI www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

modern value grosgrain non-slip clips

OCTOBER

12-13

Gulf Coast Children’s Caravan River Oaks Convention Center Lafayette, LA (800) 666-4543

Introducing a brand new division of NSHC...

29-30

Indy Children’s Show Embassy Suites North Indianapolis, IN www.midwestchildrensapparelgroup.com

CMC Gift & Home Market California Market Center Los Angeles, CA (213) 630-3600 www.californiamarketcenter.com

15-19

21-24

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

29-30

Sprinkled with Magic

Ph:760.436.0727

www.bella-bling.com

Chicago/Michigan Childrenswear Farmington Hills Manor Farmington Hills, MI (312) 644-1763 www.chicagocwc.com

Editor’s Note: Show details are subject to change. Please call the phone numbers or check our website for up-to-date schedules.

Show sponsors may e-mail updates to nyeditorial@symphonypublishing.com.

WHERE TO BUY

FIND TOMOR ROW’S TR ENDS NOW

SPELLBOUND Biscotti (212) 947-4040 Clarks Originals (800) 425-2757 The Collection by Sara Sara (212) 564-5100 Dino e Lucia (212) 564-3031 Dorissa by Sugar Plum (212) 842-4122 Enchanted Enfant (800) 738-7418 Faith by Ilda C. (732) 494-4583 Ferd (347) 394-3151 Isobella & Chloe (212) 967-6457 Jefferies Socks (800) 334-6831 Jottum (212) 695-1733 Kiddo (212) 563-5020 Luli and Me (972) 247-1991 Marilyn Tov wholesale@marilyntov.com Miss Blumarine +02 8942 0561 Nicole Miller (212) 563-5020 Nina Kids (800) 233-6462 Pink Pewter (888) 214-5678 Ralph Lauren Childrenswear (212) 938-8400

San Diego Hat Co. (888) 868-0588 Sarah Chloe (212) 594-7714 Tallia Orange (212) 541-8720 UNWRAPPED Alex Marshall (530) 824-3800 Alexa Lixfeld +49 40 4210 7423 Baby Bunch (877) 456-2229 Bibi & Mimi (718) 383-1452 Bottman Design (801) 487-1949 Cate and Levi (416) 662-9392 CBH Studio (978) 449-0222 Caracol (450) 467-7768 Kevin O’Brien (215) 923-6378 Lilliputiens +32 2 467 7039 Lumiere (416) 406-5757 Manhattan Toy (612) 337-3818 miYim (718) 389-8233 Nowali (877) 466-9254 Two Sisters Designs (919) 210-0767 Zid Zid Kids (617) 830-1837 Zooniwear (415) 794-8774

Net TULLE Tricot www.tutufabric.com Fashion Fabrics

THE LOOK Acoustic (206) 963-5279 Iceberg +39 059 625 8111 Lola and James (818) 788-2226 Right Bank Babies (213) 621-1681 Roberto Cavalli Angels and Devils +39 073 12301 Ryder & James (212) 594-7714 Tallulah Moon (678) 714-9560 Tom & Drew (973) 592-5143

AD INDEX Angela Frost .......................................... 19

GLM Shows ............................................ CII

No Slippy Hair Clippy .......................... 38

Babe Ease .............................................. 37

Huggalugs .............................................. 37

Petit Couture ......................................... 37

Bazzle Baby ........................................... 37

Itzy Ritzy ................................................ 36

Pink Axle ................................................ 38

Bella Bling .............................................. 38

Jamie Rae Hats ..................................... 37

Playtime New York ............................... CIII

Bibi & Mimi ............................................. 36

Kicky Pants ............................................ 11

Rashti & Rashti ...................................... CIV

Bows Arts ............................................... 37

Lemon ..................................................... 15

Robar ...................................................... 1

Carter’s ................................................... 3

Mooncakes ............................................. 36

Specialty Trade ..................................... 5

Chicco ..................................................... 25

Mrs. Smith’s Bags ................................. 36

Sweet Petunia ....................................... 36

Corrine .................................................... 19

My NapPak ............................................. 36

Western Chief........................................ 18

Dallas Market Center ........................... 7

NOO......................................................... 38

COMING SOON:

Earnshaw’s Style Incubator

For emerging brands on a budget, Earnshaw’s will unveil a special advertising section in the August show issue as well as additional online marketing and social media support designed to put your label squarely in front of your target buyers.

To find out what Earnshaw’s can do for your brand, contact Rita Polidori O’Brien at (646) 278-1531 or e-mail robrien@symphonypublishing.com.

E A R N S H AW S . C O M • J U LY 2 0 1 0 3 9

THE LOOK

HIS & HERS Fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ladylike capes and rough-and-tumble workwear underscore how different boys and girls are right from the start. by caletha crawford

Lola and James colorblocked garment Acoustic jacket Ryder & James toggle coat Tallulah Moon menswearinspired cape Right Bank Babies zip-up jacket

Roberto Cavalli Angels & Devils puffer

Iceberg faux-fur cape

4 0 J U LY 2 0 1 0 â&#x20AC;˘ E A R N S H AW S . C O M

Tom & Drew outfit

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my one and only!

The Snuggle Buddy is perfect for today’s stylish moms and their little ones. Babies nd them fun, endearing and even addictive.

The go anywhere, super cute, loveable plush is sure to become baby’s rst best friend. But beware; babies have been known to become attached.

Look for the original Snuggle Buddy; Don’t be fooled by imposters.

This and other styles made are by Rashti & Rashti 1375 Broadway, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10018 1800-4-RASHTI • www.rashtiandrashti.com www.snugglebuddyonline.com

Snuggle Buddy and Rashti & Rashti are registered trademarks owned by HJ Rashti & Company, Inc. ©2010