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July 2007 Reporter's Notebook is a regular feature to keep retailers and buyers up to date with our sponsors' news. So if a designer is adding a collection, moved their offices, added a new sales rep or even a new baby, you'll know.
APPAREL: To coincide with the arrival of its Spring/Summer 2008 collection, TIRZA BABY is launching a new label. Starting in July, clothing for kids' sizes 2T through 10 will be distributed under the name TIRZAK. The collection features more than 50 pieces with Tirza's signature vintage flair. Boys' coordinated designs include shorts, clam diggers, shirts and jackets. Wholesale prices range from $20-$50. The layette collection for infants through 18 months will continue to be sold under the Tirza Baby label. To view the new collection, log onto tirzababy.com.
On May 8, 2007, a column featuring the BLACK RABBIT collection was posted on UrbanBabyDaily.com under the title "The New Black." The column referred to designer Marguerite de Balincourt's pieces as "at once very French (classic, versatile, luxe) and very L.A. (easy, comfy, playful)." To see the line, log onto myblackrabbit.com.
Designer Michele Brule will launch ENCHANTED ENFANT COUTURE at the July ENK Children's Club Show. The collection for girls sizes 2-6, is "inspired by the idyllic beauty of Southern France: its perched hilltop villages, magical castles, empirical past, and a beautiful little French girl named Estelle. Attention to detail, only the finest, purest of European fabrics, and couture quality production are our crowning jewels," says Brule. To see a preview of the line, log onto enchantedenfant.com.
American Baby magazine featured a knit dress by JUNEBEE BABY in its March issue. For the company's fall collection, they're adding two new 100 percent natural fibers: cashmere and bamboo. "All of our products are hand made with natural fibers which we believe is the best choice for baby's delicate skin," says June Sayali the company's president. In addition to the sportswear, there's a new collection of christening sets with blankets. "The gowns and blankets are hand made with luxurious Turkish yarns, all in 100 percent cotton," adds Sayali. To see the collections, log onto JuneBeebaby.com.
"Aloha" and "Mahalo" from Regan Carpentier of KEIKI SURF. Carpentier's company has teamed up with HB Baby to bring the best fashions to the market for 2008. She's at work on a bedding line, and, due to customer demand, she's extended her size range to 10 years for the most popular items. Carpentier is looking for sales representatives. To contact her, call 714-222-1687; to check out the collection, log onto keikisurfwear.com.
"Spring 2008 is alive with flora and fauna, sea creatures and safari animals, car and balloon racing," says Beth Campanella of the KISSY KISSY collection. The upcoming season brings a mix of bright tones as well as pastels, and plenty of choices for unisex and gender specific lines. "The cutest prints, hand-stitching and the sophistication of 100 percent Pima cotton, means the sweetest basics and timeless heirlooms for every stork recipient." Visit kissykissyonline.com.
The LADYBUG COLLECTION will launch two new product lines for Spring 2008 at the ENK Children's Club Show in July in New York City and at KIDShow in August in Las Vegas. The Ladybug Accessories collection features special occasion shoes and hair accessories to coordinate with the company's flower girl, first communion, preteen and special occasion dresses. The items are available in 20 colors. (Shoes: Size 8 to 4; wholesale prices start at $29.50. Hair accessory prices begin at $8.50.) For more information, call 717-761-2344, or visit ladybugcollection.com.
Want to swim with the fishes? Australian company LITTLE RED FISH LTD. has just released its Classic Stripes range. The swimshirts are rated UPF50+ and are made from soft, breathable nylon/Tactel (sizes 0-8 years up to size 14). Wholesale prices $14-$30). The jaunty tops are available through littleredfish.com. For more information, contact the company's owner Rebecca Garcia.
A written note from a celebrity's assistant is thrilling, but when a star calls a designer to say thanks, that's something. Sharon Oved of L'OVEDBABY picked up the phone recently to hear none other than Brooke Shields congratulate her on the Cotton Basics Collection; little Grier was wearing one of the outfits as they spoke. Talk about a celebrity endorsement! Shields is also a big fan of the 4-in-1 Nursing Shawls which she calls "yummy and delicious!" Shields would love the new "Clay Gray" shawl that, says Oved, brings the total to six solid colors that blend in with whatever mom is wearing ($15 wholesale). By customer demand, the company has added a 100 percent cotton baby gown to the Cotton Basics line. The line fits sizes preemie to 12 months and range in wholesale price from $3-$6.50. For more info call 818-992-9911, or log onto lovedbaby.com.
MALLEY & CO. is thinking green. For Spring/Summer 2008, the designers are working the color green into their Jack & Teddy, Malley Too and Livi G collections. "Water, bark and sand prints, fish and seashells, alligators, watermelons and cherries: We're all about nature this season," says Malley Gaulding, designer. Each collection is designed with all natural cotton and linen, fabrics that soothe hot summer skin. "We're encouraging fabric suppliers and vendors to search for organically grown cottons to include in their selections. We're also working to reduce fuel emissions by increasing domestic production thus lowering long distance freight usage," she adds. To see the nature driven lines, log onto malleyandco.com.
After a string of 13 consecutive quarters of growth, MY VINTAGE BABY has taken a big step. The company is now being traded publicly. To participate, simply contact your securities broker and reference (PINK: MVBY). For more information, log onto myvintagebaby.com. In addition to their new business venture, the company has changed locations. They are now located at 403 Power House St, Suite 301, McKinney, TX 75071. 972-548-99850, fax is 972 548-9847.
"Book Lover Princess" and "Animal Lover Princess" are two positive messages that decorate SNOBZ T-shirts. "Kids can actively assert that they intend to lead a rewarding, happy lifestyle and become involved in things that matter to the world," says the company's President Sheila Bialkin of the popular tops ($8-$14.50 wholesale). Items from her collection were featured in About.com's "Top 10 Girls' Clothing Lines That Every Cool Mom Should Know About" and in the April 2007 issue of Essential Marbella Magazine of Spain. "Because of the interest generated by our inclusion in the magazine, we are going to start a new International section on our website for the PayPal Shopping Cart," says Bialkin. To see the inspirational tees, log onto snobzinc.com, or call Bialkin at 866-766-2948.
ZUTANO introduces its new Spring/Summer 2008 collection inspired by "the bliss of uncomplicated nature and the joy of outdoor exploration." Designer Uli Belenky, chose the clean lines of the Nordic and Baltic cultures to reference her modern prints and colored them in brilliant tones. The garments are alive with coastal shades such as navy, pool blue, grass green and fuchsia. The bright hues get a splash of cooler "fresco" tones such as mellow yellow and gull grey to calm down the works. Look for cotton interlock, crisp printed poplin and fresh dobby, as well as terry and extra-fine cotton sweater knits to keep kids comfortable when it's hot, and just warm enough for a stroll along the shoreline. For more information, visit zutano.com.
BABY DEVINE, a manufacturer specializing in multicultural clothing for children, has introduced Baby Devine Authentic. The line's first designs will be constructed from textiles imported from Africa and India. More patterns from other nations will be added throughout the next several months. Each tunic and coordinating black or white elastic-waist pants, made of limited edition fabrications, is one-of-a-kind and suitable for either sex. The ensembles are available in sizes 3 to 18 months. To see the entire line of Baby Devine clothing, including the Authentic selections, log onto babydevine.com or call 248-219-6685.
ACCESSORIES: BUMBLE BAGS' founder Jennie Lynn Johanson has joined the fight against cancer by volunteering for this year's Jimmy Fund "Scooper Bowl." The 25th festival, held at the Government Center near the historic Fanueil Hall in Boston, is the largest all-you-can-eat ice cream gala in the nation. Proceeds of the event are donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. For more information, visit bumblebags.com.
The PRINCESS PEARLS line will now be known as BELLE PEARL according to the company's owner Angela Apon. "It's basically a business decision," she says. "The name is fresh and pretty and fits both my children's line as well as my adult/bridal collection." Apon is thrilled that selections from her line were included in photo shoots for Premier Bride (July 2007) and Bridal Guide (September/October 2007) magazines. Her newly named collection will be exhibited at the Atlanta show in July, where she's also establishing a permanent showroom (Showroom 13N 303B). Visit bellepearl.com
HIGH INTENCITY is especially proud to announce a new line of girls' jewelry that supports and promotes the company's favorite charities. The line, "I Care by High IntenCity," debuts in support of Girls Incorporated, a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to the mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. The collection features contemporary twists to traditional necklace and bracelet silhouettes. The vibrantly colored jewelry features the signature "I Care" heart logo. Ten percent of the proceeds received from the sale of I Care Jewelry will be donated to Girls Incorporated. For more information, visit highintencity.com.
BEDDING: "After surviving my first Chicago winter with a newborn, I quickly realized that my son's baby blanket was one of the most important aspects of his wardrobe," says Sarah Kronland, the owner and designer of MAIRZEY DOTES, a collection of vintage and flannel baby blankets. Kronland just launched her 2007 line, which combines an "oh-so-sweet" palette of brightly colored, 100 percent cotton prints and chenille. Each machine washable blanket ($25-$49) is made in the U.S. and offers tug-tested stitching. The blankets can be seen at mairzeydotes.com, or call Kronland at 317-371-1505.
CELEBRITY CITINGS: On June 4, 2007 KNBC Channel 4 in Los Angeles presented "The Martin Sheen Story." Sheen, who is affiliated with the JACKSON CLAY boyswear company, mentioned the collection during the interview. An interview with Paula Speert and Paige Apar, the owners of the company will air nationally. To see the Jackson Clay line, log onto jacksonclay.com , or give Paula Speert a call at 818-735-0104.
Z. DAISY, a manufacturer of unique baby products and gifts, had its first brush with stardom at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Suites. Z. Daisy's Binkie Bungees unique pacifier clips, packaged in adorable mini pails, received a lot of attention from stars such as Kevin Bacon, Rikki Lake, Mimi Rogers and Amanda Beard. (Binkie Bungees are $12-$14 at retail.) For details, contact Z. Daisy at 847-650-9833 or visit zdaisy.com.
GIFTS: LindaJoy of THE FAIRY LINE sends "Fairy greetings to all!" Joy wears many "fairy halos" as the busy CEO of her company. She's excited that her soon-to-be published children's book, "Drew and the Dreamtime Fairy," was met with an enthusiastic response when she read the book to a kindergarten class in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. Joy has just had 14 of her enchanting fairy images turned into temporary tattoos that are available in two sizes. "Wearing one of the tattoos makes me feel closer to these charming figures of fantasy and inspiration!" she says. In June, a commercial featuring Joy and her company debuted in the greater Tampa Bay area. You can catch it on YouTube.com. And, be sure to visit her Fairy Tea Party website, thefairyline.com, it's been completely revamped. Whew! That's one busy fairy!
In March, STACIE DALE DESIGNS was awarded "Best Product for Parents" by Orca Communications. Also, West Tennessee Parent & Family Magazine, Houston Family Magazine and Scrapbook Retailer Magazine will feature the company in upcoming issues. In July, Dale will launch The Scrapbook Memories Bench at the Memory Makers Scrapbooking Convention in Valley Forge, PA. The bench, says Dale, "solves the problem of the many hours of work mothers put into scrapbooks, only to have them tucked away where no one sees them. The bench has open storage in the front for easy access to the scrapbooks as well as a cushion bench seat for the child to sit and reminisce (and appreciate all of Mom's hard work!)." Dale will award one lucky convention attendee with a bench. Also this month, she'll introduce a new wholesale design keepsake chest. To see Stacie Dale's collection, log onto staciedaledesigns.com.
YOU'RE HIRED!: The Sylvia Gill showroom in the California Market Center and San Francisco Gift Marts is now representing BUMBLE BAGS diaper bags. To contact representatives in the Los Angeles showroom, call 888-304-8271. For San Francisco, call 888-833-3060.
GIGI DESIGNS is excited to welcome Nicole and her team at Nicole's Showroom LA. The company will cover Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming Colorado and New Mexico. Call Nicole at 213-629-8225; or visit nicolesshowroom.com, and gigi.co.nz.
The JUNEBEE BABY collection is now represented by Summer Place II in the Dallas World Trade Center #8880. Contact the showroom's sales representative, Audrey Vlock at 214-537-9606, or for more information visit summerplacereps.com or junebeebaby.com
News to share? E-mail tina@jamesgirone.com.
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