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August 2009 Children's Club: Established Exhibitors - Part I The August ENK Children's Club (August 2-4, 2009) was jam packed with new lines as well as established names. There were many that merited a mention but below are a sampling of those who especially caught my eye this time around.
Zutano "Clothes as unique as your baby" Wholesale: $8.50 and up Ages: Infant, Preemie, Toddler Standouts: The new one-piece gift sets which are available in 5 different configurations (a stripe, a solid, and a coordinating print); the new striped cotton tights; the new 'swing' T which is a 'new' take on a popular item; the burp cloth gift sets (a two-pack set with two different coordinating stripes); the reversible cotton blankets available in 40 different configurations - a stripe on one side and a print on the other; the French Terry pants and shirts which are available in a dizzying range of prints (like everything else in the line).
FYI: The 20-year-old company is based in Cabot Vermont and is the brainchild of Michael and Uli Belenky who were inspired to create "clothes as unique as your baby" when they became first time parents. The company is known for its colorful aesthetic, its mixed prints, patterns, and textures; and of course, high quality. And of course, they believe in giving back and support and champion many worthwhile causes, including educational enrichment programs for children, ending childhood hunger, better healthcare programs, and reproductive rights for women. Tel: 802-563-2961 / 800-827-5139 E-mail: zutano@zutano.com
SwaddleDesigns The 'gold standard' in swaddling blanket and coordinating accessories. Designer: Lynette Damir Wholesale: $5 - $100 Ages: 0 - 2 Standouts: The swaddle blankets (the 'ultimate' receiving blanket) which have instructions sewn in, (the exclusive 'Swaddle 123 Tip Tag', showing you how to actually 'swaddle' your baby), baby burpees, plush stroller blankets, patent pending 'Zip Me' Sack which has a two way zipper, washcloths, and hooded towels, all of which are available in a choice of decidedly Mod, graphic, and eye-catching geometric designs.
FYI: Ms. Damir is mother of two and an RN with a design background so it's not surprising that their first major customer was a major hospital, who bought 4,000 blankets. She and her husband Jeff, who runs the business side, believe that things should be "functional, multipurpose, educational, and attractive". They have received much press and Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter Apple, and Angeline Jolie's daughter Shiloh have both been photographed holding their favorite SwaddleDesign blankets. Tel: 206-525-0400 E-mail: sales@swaddledesigns.com
Babylegs Legwarmers, hosiery, accessories, gift items Designer: Nicole Donnelly Wholesale: $6 - $22 Ages: Boys 4 - 7, Boys 8 - 20, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 14, Infant, PreTeen, Toddler Standouts: The brand new gift box sets: there are three options: a box of three legwarmers; a box of 6 ankle socks; a box containing one tight; the nylon/cotton spandex and cashmere blend legwarmers, knee highs, and tights in eye catching designs, patterns, and colors.
FYI: Ms. Donnelly's first products were legwarmers for babies and adults, and she recently added a line of cool, lightweight 50+UPF protective legwarmers in assorted prints and patterns. If a store places an order over $400, they get a free display (this is the first season they have offered their own displays). Their tag line is, "An original. Like you." Giving back on a global level, and community, are very important missions. Tel: 206-734-4000 E-mail: info@babylegs.com
Pluie Pluie Whimsically printed, PV coated cotton rainwear and coordinating accessories Designer: Cindy Fong Wholesale: $9 - $20 Ages: 1 - 8 years Standouts: The hooded raincoat, rubber boots, and coordinating umbrella covered in bugs, frogs, and the brand new prints this season: the green plaid, floral, lollipop drop.
FYI: This is company is a division of Im-Link Corp., which specializes in European designed 100% cotton coated whimsically patterned rainwear. Pluie Pluie means "rain, rain" in French and these pieces are so irresistible, you and your little ones will definitely not be singing, "Rain, rain, go away". Every year they add 4 to 6 new prints. The designer plans to launch a swimwear line for little boys and girls that will be incorporate great prints onto "basic" designs. Tel: 510-489-2681 / 800-875-3389 E-mail: mail@im-link.com
The Bumble Collection Fashion forward diaper bags and accessories Designer: Jennie Lynn Johanson Wholesale: $35 - $150 Standouts: The "Honey" bag in gleaming Italian black patent leather with gold zippers and all the "bells and whistles" one would expect in a quality diaper bag (It's so called because it's a "honey of a bag"); The 'be' quilted, 100% cotton, machine washable 'Busy Bee' backpacks (which can be used in three different ways: a backpack, a messenger bag, or a stroller bag). Talk about multi tasking!
FYI: The designer has a background in women's fashion design and graduated from FIT. She designed her first creation at the age of 12 and designed her first bag collection in 1999. In 2002, a Los Angeles celebrity approached her about doing a line of fashionable diaper bags which would appear on a daytime talk show. The rest is 'her' story. The company's tag line is: "Enduring style for the adventure". Tel: 626-934-8600 E-mail: info@thebumblebagcollection.com
Yikestwins Infant's and children's unique handmade hooded towels Designer: Wendy Carter Wholesale: $18.50 Ages: 2 - 8 Standouts: The monster, bunny, duck, bear, crown, and brand new robot, alligator, and ladybug which have recently been added.
FYI: There are about 11 different characters, each towel is 30" X 50", and a line of matching hand towels have just been added (they are great on their own but even better when paired with the hooded towel, and make for a perfect gift! Tel: 540-659-9695 E-mail: yikestwins@hotmail.com
Originally published August 31, 2009
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