Capes and plaids

In its last style report on Bubble New York, WGSN highlighted, among other trends, the omnipresence of capes and plaids. Judy Lee, designer of Half Dot Brooklyn is right in the air with a collection of wonderfully shaped coats in plaid fabrics. Furthermore, the line integrates some other key trends : organic (all pieces are lined with luxurious soft organic cotton), comfort/cocooning (the lining makes the products as comfortable as a child's favorite blanket), versatility (the entire collection is created for multi-weather wear: the simple click of snap buttons transforms each outfit so that it can be worn across the seasons) and playfulness (multitude of pockets for toys and treasures). This is what we call a hit!

Exclusivity

Collaborations between retailers and designers are the way to go in this difficult environment, and a little sparkle of exclusivity always makes everyone more excited. British artist Camille Roman has created those fun headpieces for girls specially for Little Fashion Gallery, one of the most forward-thinking online shop for kids. The paparazzi at Ascot will be happy this year...

Good bye Guys & Dolls

On a sad note, one of London's most well-known and first cool kids clothing store is shutting its doors: Guys & Dolls on Walton Street in Chelsea. Made famous for its merchandising choices as well as its exciting interior design, they were carrying beautiful brands such as Pepe shoes, Finger in the Nose, Sonia Rykiel, Little Marc Jacobs.

Fresh and Pretty

We love this image from the spring campaign of Hollys. It says it all about the brand: fresh and pretty aesthetics, nostalgic danish design, a recognizable four-leaf clover logo and easy going above all. Hollys will exhibit again at Bubble London June 21st & 22nd, and is sold in London at Sparkle&Spin, a sweet shop dedicated to scandinavian design.

Lego revival

Iconic retro brands are all making a come back, so it's no big surprise to see the Legos showing up everywhere in the fashion world: from watches to cameras, bags and belts, mobile phones and even cupcakes! In this nostalgic era, it is nice to see a worldwide famous kids brand adapted to everyone's imagination. As seen on the cool hunter.

Silvana Catazine, graphic designer, changed life and started a creative project in the kid's market when she became pregnant. We've heard that many times but it is still our favorite song. We keep thinking that children are genius, bringing so much strength, so much energy, so much creativity to their parents before they even come out of the womb!
So we can say "Thanks!" to Valentina for inspiring Silvana her mom with the idea of Naif, a colorful, fresh, punchy magazine for parents in the mood. Naif is in Spanish, but sometimes, especially when it comes to kids, no translation is needed!

NOBODINOZ, really?

NOBODINOZ opened in Barcelona in 2006 when Murielle and Roman BRESSAN decided to leave their jobs as a lawyer and an engeneer to combine their passion for art, design and fashion. The concept store offers a great range of furniture, home decor, toys and clothing (Dagmar Daley, Areaware, mor mor rita, manny&simon, i golifini della nonna, etc). They also sell the new kids fashion magazine Naif (an incentive to revise your Spanish!). For those who don't have Barcelona on their travel list, a selection of items is available online at www.nobodinoz.com.

Princess dresses

Mothers who have daughters know that it's all about pink, princesses and sparkles between age 3 and 5. But when your girls insist in wearing their froufrou dresses to the park and to restaurants, it can become a problem. OK, we love the idea of dream and extravagance even outside the house, but with style please, and without the ridiculous Disney archetypes. Dagmar Daley has just the perfect versatile dress (occasion/ceremony and chic disguise), a must in every girl's closet. Dagmar Daley F/W collection will be available from August at Yoya in NYC.

Bubble New York Report (March8-10 2009)

Despite the economic climate, Bubble New York attracted 1,016 visitors, a steady number compared to last season, thanks to a significantly increased visitor database. Leading kids stores attended from the U.S. (Anthropologie, Barney's New York, Bloomingdale's, Crembebe, Erica Tanov, Estella, Giggle, Ibiza Kids, Nordstrom, Pomme, Sons & Daughters, Sweet William, Takashimaya, Yoya, among others) and abroad (Kids on the Docks Antwerp, Kids Love Design Switzerland, Le Bon Marché Paris, NOBODINOZ Barcelona, Papillon London, Ships Tokyo, Stomp Stamp Toyko) as well as several buying offices (Kanematsu USA, Miki House, Mitsukoshi, The Daimaru Inc., United Arrows LTD).

Bubble New York Report, Part II

Bubble New York showcased 95 vendors from eight countries including 41 new collections. A wide array of products was spotlighted including clothing, organic goods, accessories, jewelry, home décor, toys and more. Overall, exhibitors reported being pleased with the event and the high quality of buyers despite the economic climate.

“This edition of Bubble was successful and encouraging for the children’s business in general, knowing the difficult context. Brands keep creating, innovating, infusing fun ideas and concept in their product offer. Retailers on their side reported a noticeable slowdown in sales, but those who conduct their business with an open mind and passion are optimistic about their future. Like every player in the industry, Bubble has a mission to find the best brands and to help them understand the market,” said Florence Rolando, co-founder, Bubble.

What exhibitors said about Bubble:

”The uniqueness of Bubble sets it apart from any other show in the U.S. The venue, the exhibitors and buyers create an exciting experience and help to grow your business.”
- Kate Quinn Organics

“We reached a great range of buyers from start up businesses to major department stores.”
- Ivy Studio

“Bubble provides a rare atmosphere of warm, friendly support with a group of high quality, sophisticated brands – it was the perfect launching pad for our new company.”
- Smiling Planet

Organic success

Tane organics is a children's collection (newborn infants up to 12 months) using the most luxurious natural fibers.
The line, who was showcased at Bubble last week, had a great success. Buyers and journalists were just thrilled with the color palette, happy to see that organic cotton can be offered in such beautiful sophisticated saturated colors, even in melanges. Stores appreciated in Tane presenting a unisex collection at a time when the economy can be challenging. Additionally, everyone loved the cool display, reflective of nostalgic childhood playroom in a simple, chic and clean way.
Sheree Lee, Tane's owner/creative director said : " It was such a delightful experience launching Tane organics at Bubble New York, and being part of the Bubble family. I couldn't have chosen a better way to introduce the brand."

Everyone is gettin' Ready...Set...Go!

Bubble New York opens to the trade this Sunday until Tuesday with 100 vendors, lots of new ones and our old time favorites too. Everyone is getting ready for the show. Oeuf sent out this very sweet reminder that we wanted to share with you..See you there! Sunday 9:30am til 8pm with a cocktail from 6 to 8pm, Monday 9:30am til 6pm and Tuesday 9:30am til 4pm. Complimentary Bubble Limos are circling between the show and Javits Center so take advantage of them! The Bubble NY team.

Coming soon at Bubble...

Camp designer Suzanna Santostefano studied sculpture, fiber, film, painting and print making. No wonder her collection and website are so exciting. We can't wait to see her booth at Bubble this Sunday!