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Putting Their Best Foot Forward at the Children's Club Fall 2006/Back-to-School Show
KENNETH COLE REACTION A complete designer shoe collection that ranges from sport and play to dress styles Designer: Kenneth Cole Sizes: Toddler Boys and Girls - 9 years old Retail: Approximately $60 Standouts: The boots (including one that is a classic, tall, grainy leather top stitched riding style and another that is in suede embellished on top with stones).
FYI: This division, whose motto is, "Do you have to fall down to grow up?" was launched about 8 years ago, though the parent shoe company was established 20 years ago; Kenneth, a well known (and politically correct) fashion designer, and his wife Maria Cuomo are the parents of two young daughters. Tel: 212-713-6659 E-Mail: scisson@kennethcole.com
NINE WEST KIDS Shoes and boots for the smart, small set Designer: Paula Hyde Sizes: Girls 4-10 Wholesale: $19- $22 Standouts: The tall chocolate brown leather Western style boot; the classic patent leather driving moccasin with silver hardware.
FYI: This is their third season, everything is made in China, and they are being carried in all the 'majors'. Tel: 610-392-0821 E-Mail: ekstevens598@msn.com
WILLITS Willits is a well established company known for their classic traditional school shoes for boys and girls Sizes: Newborn to 10 Wholesale: $16 Standouts: The Euros by Willits hot pink, brown, and black leather flower appliquéd Mary Jane; Willits classic and timeless saddle shoes in leather and suede.
FYI: Willits was founded about 85 years ago and is based in Halifax, Pa. where everything had been made until just recently. Euros is their new division, offering more colorful and European styled footwear (but at a good price). Tel: 717-896-3411 E-Mail: Mail@willitshoe.com
D&G (DOLCE & GABBANA) JUNIOR Designer shoes for little ones with plenty of fashion, style, and attitude Designers: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana Wholesale: $45 - $150 Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, Preteen, Boys 4-7, Boys 8-20 Standouts: The Moon boots; a signature logo-ed brown boot with side buckle.
FYI: This is a division of Miami-based Kinderland Footwear, whose other divisions include Miss Sixty, Peche D'Amour, Venettini, Titanitos; everything is made in Italy, Brazil and Mexico. Tel: 305-477-4011 E-Mail: info@venettini.com
RODMAN FOOTWEAR Sturdy, colorful, playful shoes and boots Designer: Manuel Rodriguez Sizes: Boys and Girls 3-7 Wholesale: $10- $22 Standouts: The faux fur lined hot pink, chocolate brown and camel suede midcalf boot with three buckles on the side.
FYI: Manny is the founder and designer of this Florida-based company; it first launched in Weston, Florida in 1982, and he is inspired by his young children. Tel: 954-888-6959 E-Mail: rodmanshoes@aol.com
STEVE MADDEN KIDS, STEVIES Fashion forward shoe divisions of Steve Madden Sizes: Girls, 5-11 Wholesale: $25- $50 Standouts: Stevies' red and brown quilted nylon lined tall boot lined in faux fur with molded rubber wedge sole.
FYI: These two lines came about because the younger sister always wanted to buy the same shoes available to her older sister at Steve Madden, a company that was established in 1990; Stevies is a little more expensive than Steve Madden Kids. Tel: 718-446-1800 E-Mail: info@stevemaddendirect.com
UMI CHILDREN'S SHOES Modern, sporty, accessories and shoes with an emphasis on good design Wholesale: $20- $42 Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, Boys 4-7, Boys 8-20 Standouts: Lace up tall leather and crinkle patent leather boots on a wedge rubber sole.
FYI: This Wisconsin-based 85-year-old company is so named because it was a simple name that children could easily pronounce and it was hard to tell precisely where it was from; everything is made in Brazil. Tel: 262-376-1111 E-Mail: mkohlenberg@umishoes.com
PLAY HOUSE Detail and style oriented collection of footwear for girls Designer: Serge Grobman, Eric King Sizes: 10-5, PreTeen Wholesale: $11.50- $34.50 Standouts: 'Gabby' - the embellished leather Mary Jane on wedge heel; 'Lorna' - the flat ankle strap shoe in pink and turquoise, with a large beaded flower on the front.
FYI: This is the new 'little sister' division of Dollhouse; they are a little over one-year-old and this was their very first March Children's Club. Tel: 212-489-2890 E-Mail: mariannec@dollhousefootwear.com
BOBUX Innovative and ecologically friendly footwear, baby accessories, gift Items Size: Layette, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Boys 4-7 Wholesale: Approximately $13 Standouts: The original soft-soled baby shoes that are guaranteed to stay on and are available in more than 70 colorful and sweet designs (animals, sailboats, ballet slippers, etc.) that "face the baby".
FYI: Bobux soft-soled leather baby shoes are "recommended by pediatricians as the perfect shoes for under twos" because they allow babies feet to grow and function properly without restrictions. Sheepskin insoles keep the feet warm and only non toxic dyes are used. The footwear is made from trademarked soft natural 'eco-leather' which is safer for the baby and for the environment, and from a soft lambskin with fur that is unique to the company. Clothing plans to be their next big 'thing' Tel: 800-315-3039 E-Mail: robin@bobux.com
OILILY A collection of signature playful, colorful, whimsical shoes that coordinate with the clothing line Size: Infant, toddler, children, pre teen, juniors, women Wholesale: $50 -$100 Standouts: The 'Mother like daughter' suede booties; the patchwork leather low boot and Mary Jane; the sequined green and brown cowboy boot which matches clothing in the collection.
FYI: This is the first season for this shoe line under a new licensee, Dribbling, and the shoe designs "speak the same language" and mirror the Oilily label clothing sensibility, as seen in the corresponding colors, similar hand craft and dressmaker details, whimsical designs Tel: 39 07 34 63 20 64 E-Mail: baldoni@dribbling.it
PIPSQUEAKS Accessories, Shoes that actually squeak Designers: Jun Li, Peggy Shapiro Size: 6 months - 2 years Wholesale: $14-$19 Standouts: The leather ankle strap Mary Janes that are made with an inner sole that squeaks when children walk in them; the low leather booties with flower appliqué design and contrast suede trim on top.
FYI: Both designers have two young children each and they are well aware that kids love to jump in their shoes (which are all leather with flexible rubber soles and are very comfortable); the squeaking stimulates walking. Tel: 703-690-5798 E-Mail: pipsqueaks@cox.net
LELLI KELLY Colorful, whimsical, European style accessories and shoes for little girls Designer: Mariella Attilieni Wholesale: $29-$32 Sizes: Infants, Toddlers Standouts: The star Velcro and glitter Velcro athletic shoes in silver, pink, and black; the colorful hand stitched suede booties with floral or leaf designs
FYI: The line is notable for its ornamentation and for designs that "allow a little girl to be a little girl"; all items are sold with a 'gift-with-purchase' (such as a tutu or a 'kiss-and-love' lip gloss set) Tel: 508-583-7600, ext. 373 E-Mail: suzanneh@atscofootwear.com
KLIN Colorful Brazilian made infantwear, knitwear, layette, shoes Designer: Milva Mestriner Size: Layette, Infant Wholesale: Approximately $12 Standouts: Graphic synthetic and mesh athletic shoes for boys; whimsical booties for girls.
FYI: They love to point out that they make 30,000 pairs of shoes a day; the soles of their shoes "smell like baby powder" (which parents and kids love), they use no leather, and they pride themselves on being "colorful and different than the rest of the market". The name was chosen because it's easy to spell. Tel: 877-775-5542 E-Mail: luisaguas@klinusa.com
PRIMIGI ITALY High quality, beautifully made, stylish footwear for active children that perfectly mix form and function Designer: Gina LaRossa Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, PreTeen, Boys 4-7, Boys 8-20 Standouts: The orange and pink nylon and suede lace up tall boots with Velcro closures and Gore-Tex soles; the high top gold and pink metallic leather sneakers with Velcro closures; burgundy, navy, and black patent low booties on molded rubber sole with rhinestone covered side closure.
FYI: The label Primigi was launched in 1976 and has been the number one line in Italy for 46 years; their philosophy is "Freedom and well-being made to measure for children"; 70 percent of the line is made in Italy; they sell to over 300 major department stores and specialty stores around the world; this is their second season using Gore-Tex, which guarantees feet will stay dry. Tel: 781-337-3340 E-Mail: primigi@aol.com
COUNTRY KIDS Whimsically colored, patterned, and textured children's hosiery and socks Designer: Jo Sherratt Sizes: Preemie, layette, infant, toddler, girls 4-6X, girls 7-14, boys 4-7, boys 8-20 Wholesale: $4- $11 Standouts: Mix patterned multicolored striped legwarmers, heart patterned 'Footloose' tight, heart patterned socks; black microfiber opaque tights accented with lurex bows
FYI: This Burlington, NC-based company is a division of Jefferies Socks, has been in existence for 15 years and specializes in one of a kind looks with European styling...it's 'all about' legs, textures, and patterns. Tel: 800-334-6831 E-Mail: socks@jefferiessocks.com
TIC TAC TOE / CRICKET HOSIERY An extensive collection of boys' and girls' socks, Christening hosiery, girls' tights, infant hosiery and socks, school uniform hosiery Designer: Janine Brown Sizes: Infant, toddler, girls 4-6X, girls 4-7, boys 8-20 Wholesale: Boys' and girls' pattern socks $27 a dozen; pattern tights range from $54 per dozen to $72 per dozen. Standouts: The large selection of whimsically patterned socks for little boys - that include trucks, airplanes, fire hydrants, horses, tractors (which is an often neglected part of the market).
FYI: They have the largest stock of hand linked socks and tights in the market (their patented cotton tights have a knit in heel and toe for better fit and feature hand linked toes which do not disturb the feet of children; children's feet are far more sensitive than that of adults). Tel: 203-336-4901/800-Socks4u E-Mail: customerservice@tictactoe.net
PEDOODLES Whimsical and colorful baby accessories, shoes, gift items which are true to their motto, "Show everyone your character" Designers: Leesa Valentino, James Pootan Sizes: Infant, toddler, girls 4-6X, boys 4-7 Wholesale: $10- $22 Standouts: The comfortable shoes that sport rubber soles that go all the way through for flexibility, some of which have matching cotton lined fleece hats (like the bright red Lady Bug).
FYI: This is only their first year in business and second Children's Club; Ms. Valentino is proud to point out that kids love these shoes so much "they sleep in them"; the designers truly listen to their customers and take their suggestions for design, color, styling etc. The shoes are sold in a plastic tote which can do double duty as a little bag. Tel: 406-249-8752 / 877 PUT-ON-FUN E-Mail: leesa@pedoddles.com
PEDIPED INFANT FOOTWEAR Baby accessories, gifts, and pediatrician recommended soft soled infant footwear which is "The Next Best Thing to Bare Feet" (their motto) Designer: Angela Edgeworth Sizes: Infant, toddler Retail: $20-$30 Standouts: Their soft, comfortable hand-stitched, non toxic, 100 percent leather "indoor-outdoor" shoes (in classic loafer and athletic styles) that feature a double layer of premium grade leather sole (most shoes have only one layer), Velcro straps to easily take on and off, and black soles, which make them easy to keep clean.
FYI: This is their first year in business and third Children's Club; among their loyal customers are star moms like Julia Roberts, Gina Davis, Liv Tyler, Denise Richards, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Tel: 800-880-1245 E-Mail: customerservice@pediped.com
RAGG FOOTWEAR Colorful and whimsical, slippers, sandals, novelty shoes Designers: Mitzi Guidry, Jacob Glaser Size: Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, PreTeen, Boys 4-7 Standouts: The "indoor-outdoor" party slippers (mohair, fuzzy footwear made of soft glitter acrylic yarn lined in 'minky'; race car slippers.
FYI: Ragg is all about unapologetically "fun footwear", and the company does especially well in resort towns (both ski and beach). Tel: 909-673-0267 E-Mail: raggshoes@earthlink.net
PAZITOS An all inclusive (and stylish) shoe collection for infants and kids Designer: Letty de Paz Size: Infant, kids size 15-21 Wholesale: $16-$48 Standouts: The timeless and 'oh so chic' black and white, or black and tan Chanel inspired ballet flats, Mary Janes and little bootie (complete with black patent leather quilted cap toe).
FYI: Pazitos means, 'small steps' in Spanish and the Peruvian born designer who loves working with fabrics and textures, began designing when she was looking for a gift for a newborn and couldn't find anything suitable. She started with shoes for babies, and then gradually, added items for her big sister. Tel: 818-710-6582, ext. 16 E-Mail: info@pazitosinc.com
POM D'API An extensive, fashion forward shoe collection that exudes a quintessentially French attitude and sensibility Designer: Guy Yvon Rautureau Wholesale: $50-$80 Sizes: Preemie, Layette, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, PreTeen, Boys 4-7, Boys 8-20 Standouts: Leather patchwork zip side boot; 'old' rabbit side zipped boot with camouflage sole; floral appliquéd booties; gold and silver booties.
FYI: Pom D'Api is a 100-year-old French company and the name is French for 'red apple' . Tel: 33 25 16 63 636 E-Mail: ras@rautureau-appleshoes.fr
ECCO USA, INC. Well established Danish footwear brand whose motto is "Shoes designed to move you" Sizes: Infant, Toddler; 1 year to 9 or 10 Wholesale: $20 -$55 Standouts: The Gore-Tex pink and blue suede athletic style low booties with molded rubber soles and Velcro side closures; purple and brown side zipped, lace up mid calf suede boots on a molded rubber sole with floral embroidery on top which exemplify 'form meets function'.
FYI: They are proud to say they are the number one European footwear brand in the U.S., the number one wholesaler of Gore-Tex footwear in the world, and are made for "people who want European fashion but don't want to pay European prices". Tel: 603-889-4009 E-Mail: sawa@ecco.com
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