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REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK BY TINA BARRY

 

December 2006 

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.

 

HERE'S THIS MONTH'S LINE UP 

 

APPAREL:

Dulce Quesada Magro, a multimedia artist and mother of two from Elche, Spain, will debut DOLCA, her collection of all cotton knit clothing, accessories and shoes for girls and boys. The collection's introduction coincides with the opening of the company's U.S. headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina. "Dolca is 'wearable art.' It's optimistic and fun, a blend of bright scenes built upon playful line drawings," says Magro. For more information, contact Michelle Seeger at (813) 810-1547 or visit dolcausa.com.

 

In January, EDEN'S BOUQUET will debut its Fall/Winter 2007 collection. Jennifer Stenersen, the company's owner and designer, says, "This will be the most luxurious collection to date featuring silk velvets, silk tweeds, silk chiffons and posh faux furs in rich shades of gold, chocolate, blue and rose." (The line will wholesale for $25-$200.) Stenersen has recently added preteen sizes to the collection, which now fits sizes 3 months to 16. Just four-seasons young, the line is sold in over 60 specialty boutiques worldwide. To contact Stenersen, call (800) 940-2086, or visit edensbouquet.com.

 

It's a wrap over at FINGERPRINTS with a new collection of children's bath and beach robes. The items, available in white, pink or blue, are made of waffle weave cotton lined with soft Terry cloth and resemble mini spa robes ($14, sizes 6 months-6X.) To see the robes, visit fingerprints.com.

 

In January, Anabel Fournier, the founder and designer of the FOURNIER knitwear collection, will debut her Fall/Winter line at the ENK Children's Club show in New York City. Fournier's collection includes better textiles such as silk shantung, cotton voile, corduroy, Pima cotton and alpaca yarns. Because of her "desire to lead the parade in comfort for little ones," she says, she's adding a new group made from a baby alpaca and silk weave (all clothing fits NB-12 years). In addition to apparel, Fournier will introduce crocheted and knit polar bears, penguins and squirrels. For pricing and other information, contact Fournier at 305 677-9993, or visit petitsfournier.com.

 

Heather Nolte of GLAMAJAMA is proud to introduce her newest arrival: Her third child, Rutger Gavin Nolte, born on September 21. Congratulations Heather! Not as profound but exciting nonetheless, are the latest additions to the collection: The "Dragon" studded chocolate knit sets, "Starwings" silver studded asphalt knit sets, and the vintage inspired "Mom Tattoo" studded onesie. The pieces are 100 percent cotton baby rib. ($14-$58, fits sizes 3 months to 24 months). To contact Nolte, call 877 884-9769, or for photos log onto glamajama.com.

 

To fill a niche in the infant market for "destroyed" jeans, designer Michele Uzbay of GRANDMA NES now offers the funky pants in baby and toddler sizes. "They are adorable and cool!" Uzbay says. More new pieces include jeans in soft powder yellow for the spring season. For boys, Uzbay has added multi-piece sets (sweater, knit pant, hat, blanket, knit one-piece), with sports and bear motifs. To speak to Uzbay, call 516 921-7778, or to view the collection log onto grandmanes.com.

 

There's always room for one more line of T-shirts, especially if they're beautifully colored and sport great, retro screen-prints. So give a welcome to newcomer HAVINS ORIGINALS. The collection of vintage and rock 'n roll inspired tees is the brainchild of Vikki Havins, a former real estate professional. Havins hired television animation designer Emily Dutton to create the playful motifs and slogans: "Born to play," "Little Punk" and "Lil' Pistol" among others. For more information, contact Havins at 562 818-2847, or log onto havinsoriginals.com.

 

Park Slope, the convivial, family neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is now home to the new HONEYBEE & ME shop. Buket Erdogan, the company's founder, says, "The store is a lovely spot to give a little more color to an already very colorful and lively community! And we're still doing wholesale online." Visit Erdogan at 343 Fifth Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues), Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718-499-5820). To see Erdogan's collection of playful, faux fur outerwear and accessories, log onto honeybeeandme.com.

 

Plan on your kids having a great time when they're dressed in JEWELS FUNWEAR. The latest pieces for spring and summer are the pretty floral 2-piece set in warm pink and oranges for girls. Boys will look great in a retro-styled shirt and matching drawstring shorts. "Cotton and cotton blends are the fabrics of choice for our new collection with lots of extras like ribbons and tulle," says the company's designer and founder Julie Gramer Persico. Pieces from her collection were included in "Chicago is Red Hot," a fashion show that spotlights Chicago area designers. (The collection wholesales from $8.50 to $32 and fits sizes 2T to 7.) To contact Persico, call 847 975-2427 or visit jewelsfunwear.com.

 

California-based Regan Carpentier has launched her first collection KEIKI SURF. The line consists of apparel for children 3 months to 4T as well as brightly printed shirts for dad. Look for "Aloha" dresses in vibrant, tropical prints and "Aloha" shirts for boys and dads. "We have no minimums and most items are in stock. We're perfect for small boutiques, large surf shops and everything in between," says Carpentier. To reach her, call 714 222-1687 or visit keikisurfwear.com.

 

There are few blanket collections as elegant as KINDER-CASHMERE'S double-brushed cashmere throws. Now founder and designer Danielle Holmes has added a new group that should send buyers into the stratosphere. For winter, she's introducing the new Cashmere Layette Collection. The line includes a mitten and hat set, the Bunny dress, a wrap around sweater and pants set and cashmere yoga pants. Each item has the company's signature animal silhouette and comes in pale pink, baby blue, pistachio green, cream and yellow ($45-$126, fits sizes NB to 24 months). They're gorgeous. Retailers looking for new blanket designs from this manufacturer are in luck. This winter, Holmes is launching the Marine Collection of cashmere blankets knit with a seahorse, sailboat or whale motif ($105). For more information, contact Holmes at 207-939-6702 or visit kinder-cashmere.com.

 

The folks at LE FROMAGE ET L'ORANGE are introducing the Camp 2007 collection at the January ENK Children's Club show. The group of girls' separates, sized from 2 to 10, are "for boutique shopping parents who look for fashionable and affordable camp gear for kids," says Laura Esposito, the company's sales consultant. The collection will wholesale for $12 to $18. To contact Esposito, call 212 354-2371, or visit fromage-lorange.com.

 

For Spring 2007, LITTLE LUBBALOO launched Rumblefox, a line of separates for boys. "It's whimsical, arty and nostalgic. Our best sellers include the "Baja" tee which has embroidery and nailhead studs resembling string art of the 60's and 70's, and "Pajaro Loco," camo pants with funky embroidered patches and special details," says the company's owner and designer Ciaran Blumenfeld. The new collection is made from thick ringspun cotton that is so "supersoft" she adds, "it became an instant favorite with parents and kids." Blumenfeld is proud to be named Senior Writer for Mommieswithstyle.com. She was also interviewed on SheUnlimited.com, and BabyBrowns.com named her "Inspiring mom of the month." For more information visit littlelubbaloo.com.

 

Every baby is a L'OVEDBABY when they're dressed in the company's Cotton Basics Clothing Collection. The line of nine, simple, 100 percent cotton knit hats, onesies, wrap shirts, sleepers and elastic waist pants ($3-$6.50) has been a smash since its mid-October debut. So much so, says owner Sharon Oved, that she's developing a group with the same colors and styles as the original, but crafted entirely from organic cotton. "The new collection called Organic Basics Clothing will boast reasonable prices and be ready to ship in late 2007, or sooner," says Oved. Brooke Shields recently sent the designer a note thanking her for the "perfect Nursing Shawl" that she uses daily, and is a fan of the company's Bottle Tree, too. To contact Oved, call (818) 992-9911, or see the adorable products at lovedbaby.com.

 

GIFTWARE

Heather Allard the creative force behind 2 VIRTUES, the company that brought the Swaddleaze two-in-one wearable baby swaddler and sleep sack to the market, has just introduced the Blankeaze ($18). The new design fits over a baby's pajamas like a roomy unitard, making it great for restless sleepers who kick off loose coverings. The item is made from flame-resistant, breathable, microfleece and features a back zipper that makes late night diaper changes simpler. It's available in five sizes and a number of cheerful colors. For more information visit 2virtues.com.

 

On December 15th, Jennifer Reilly's JENERATIONS BABY natural bathcare products were featured on "The View's" Holiday Gift Guide. If Barbara Walters gives your items the thumbs up, you know you're on the hot product radar. For more information visit jenerationsbaby.com.

 

Joya Logue has launched JOYABABY, a collection of stylish, streamlined diaper clutches. "The clutch is a unique way to house diapers, wipes and a changing pad. It has a built-in wipe-case, and is small enough to fit in your handbag, even when it's full of diapers!" says Logue. The streamlined item, which is available in over a dozen attractive prints, is waterproof and comes with a 25" x 15" changing pad. In Spring 2007, Logue will introduce two diaper bag designs, bibs in funky prints, blankets and clothing in sizes newborn to 6T ($9-$35). To contact Logue, call 513 -218-5427, or see the collection at joyababy.com.

 

Fans of KEE-KA'S organic T-shirts printed with cute graphics are in luck. The collection now features an organic cotton hooded towel and washcloth set ($27.50), blankies ($17.50), and coming Spring 2007, a group of crib bedding printed with the companies famous greetings: Monkey, Sweetpea, Peanut, Cupcake and more. For more information, contact sales consultant Rachel Kuhns at 718-302-9665, or visit keekababy.com.

 

Tutti Fruity, Oh Rudy! That's the happy sound of retailers who discover the new Tutti Frutti Collection from LILLABOO. Available in January, the line will feature easy-to-clean vinyl bibs, cuddly blankets and ultra chic diaper bags. Each item is "inspired by modern simplicity, function and fruity colors," says the company's founder Vanessa Kee. Look for the "Modern Patchwork Blanket" (Retail: $39.95) made of super soft "minky" fabrics and available in three colors; Plush n' Luxe Blanket (Retail: $39.95) crafted from luxurious, soft, high pile mink-like fabric and silky satin. The blanket is available in four rich hues; Bag-A-Diaper (Retail: $20.95) is a vinyl-covered tote that's big enough for a diaper and cleansing wipes. It even comes with a changing pad. Messy Boo Bib (Retail: $10.95) the vinyl bib is "perfectly sized for the beginner self-feeder or the seasoned tot," says Kee. For more information, contact Kee at 407-461-2772, or log onto lillaboo.com.

 

Heather Sievers, a teacher with a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction, realized the need to involve parents in a child's literacy while they're infants. "Reading to infants is the best way to help guide your child towards literacy and a love of books," Sievers says. Now she's ready to launch NURSERY RHYME TEASE, a unique line of T-shirts packaged with a corresponding book. Each tee (fits sizes 6 months to 6 years) is screen-printed with original artwork based on a favorite nursery rhyme. The titles include the "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Old MacDonald," "Hey Diddle Diddle," and "Humpty Dumpty" with more favorites on the way. "Babies and toddlers can now read a good book and look cool too!" says Sievers. The sets ($25) come in a snap-flap vinyl case. For more information, contact Sievers at 714-856-6889, or to see the adorable gifts log onto nurseryrhymetease.com.

 

LindaJoy Rose, PhD. is the founder of THE FAIRY LINE, a company with "original creations designed by a therapist for the purpose of helping your precious child to feel safe, empowered and in control of his or her environment." Rose's latest "baby-bonding" products, seen in her "For Baby Fairies" category, are bath items infused with essential oils of chamomile, ylang ylang and lavender. There are no mineral oils or toxic chemicals used in the products' ingredients and they're never tested on animals. The Baby Comfort Aloe Spray is $11.95, the Babybonding collection of five products is $65. Rose has also introduced "Sephira, the Dreamtime Fairy," a six-inch, poly-resin figurine that holds a cylinder of "fairy dust" and comes with a dusting wand. To view the products, log onto thefairyline.com.

 

YOU'RE HIRED!

FINGERPRINTS has their hands on a new rep, Becca Bryan. Ms. Bryan, who will cover the Virginia territory for the company, is bringing the collection to the New York Gift Fair's children's section in January. To reach Bryan, call 703 815-6721 or e-mail her at beccab57@cox.net.

 

FEATHER BABY, the lovely infant collection designed by Sude Peta, has hired two new sales representatives. Lisa Fentress of the Mami & Babi showroom will handle the collection in the Mountain states. To contact Fentress, call 303-477-4282 or e-mail her at lisa@mamiandbabi.com. Judy and Dan Greenberg will manage the company's sales in the New England area. To contact the Greenbergs, call 781-407-4110 or send them an e-mail at greenbergco@comcast.net.

 

Martha Hill has been hired by EDEN'S BOUQUET to design baby blankets and a luxury line of bags that do double-duty as laptop as well as diaper totes. Hill's collection is called Navaeh. "Every bag has a silk lining and changing pad. True to our style, the items are detailed with fine lace, ribbons and buttons," says the company's founder, Jennifer Stenersen.

 

Heather Nolte of GLAMAJAMA has hired three new sales representatives: Sharon Gerrard will handle the Arizona territory, 480 657-6351; Teresa Norman is covering Michigan, 248 788-2823; and Colett Bigler is responsible for customers in the Northwest area, 360 576-0199.

 

Michele Uzbay of the GRANDMA NES collection of knitwear and wovens has hired four new sales representatives to market her line. Joyce Nielsson is covering the Atlanta territory 704 541-5443, jomarmarketing@aol.com; Cultivated Kids handles the Dallas, Texas area, 214 630-5455, jill@cultivatedkids.com; Martin Schiff is responsible for Philadelphia customers, 609 471-6189, childrenswear@aol.com; and Ruth Warnick oversees sales on the chilly shores of New England, 781 407-9090.

 

Looking for lively surfwear in authentic Hawaiian prints? Contact Nicole Schmidt in Los Angeles at 213 629-8225 or Royal Sales in New York at 718 946-5947 for a glimpse of the new collection KEIKI SURF, a line of playful beach items for girls, boys and even dad.

 

The colorful LE FROMAGE ET L'ORANGE and CHERISE lines are now represented by the Duo Inc. 241 Showroom in New York City. To contact Robin Wilcher at the showroom call 212 354-2371.

 

News to share? Contact tina@jamesgirone.com.

 

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