Bubble Kids News & Trends

So long Bubble New York

2010-05-19T14:58:00.005+01:00

Many are still asking...When is the next Bubble New York? It was time for a final update.

Despite its huge success, we are not bringing the show back to New York and there will not be an August 2010 edition. Both based in London now, the founders Vanessa Boz & Florence Rolando have decided to move onto different projects as it was becoming increasingly difficult to run the show from far away.

It has been a wonderful adventure and we are so grateful to have met you along the way.

So long.
Florence & Vanessa

Ps: You can now follow us on our respective blogs:
Vanessa on BozAround, about family travels and inspiration for the modern family.
Florence on Pirouette about the fascinating world of children design.

Happy Holiday Season

2009-12-21T23:20:00.003Z

We are off... Merry Christmas! Enjoy the Holiday Season. We will be back in January.

Aussie story

2009-12-18T16:39:00.003Z

Australian brand Three little trees had a lot of success at the last edition of Bubble London. They are back on 31 January & 1 February with their boys and girls collection. The line is available at Butterfly Kisses in Glasgow, Calini in Northern Ireland, Little Sunflowers in East Sussex, Mambolona in Madrid and many more. For wholesale inquiries, contact Domino Baby.

B-LAV launching at White Kids

2009-12-18T16:13:00.000Z

After Lapo and his gorgeous menswear line Italia Independent, it's the turn of another member of the Fiat clan to make an entry in the fashion world. Lavinia Borromeo, the elegant wife of John Elkann, launched this year her children's line B-LAV. The second collection will be showcased at White Kids, the first show dedicated to kids’s fashion in Milan, on January 24-26.

Support Kids Company Christmas!

2009-12-18T15:56:00.000Z

Each year, London based charity Kids Company who supports vulnerable children and young people, produces Christmas cards with all profits going to fund their Christmas Day celebration.
If you still haven’t sent your cards already, do your bit for charity and head to their online shop www.kidsco.org.uk.

2009-12-15T08:20:00.002Z

There will not be a March 2010 edition of Bubble New York. A number of circumstances were jeopardizing the success of the March 2010 show and founders Florence Rolando and Vanessa Boz did not want to do things half way. As of today, all exhibitors have been fully reimbursed.
The first Bubble trade show took place in March 2006 with about 50 exhibitors, half of them coming from overseas. The show then grew up to nearly 150 exhibitors, keeping a good mix of international and national brands as well as a full range of products from clothing to accessories, home decor, toys, jewelry, beauty care, etc.
More information about an August show will be posted on www.bubbletradeshows.com later. Meanwhile things continue to rock for Bubble London which will be held on January 31& February 1 at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Sparkle this holiday..and then Spin!

2009-12-14T16:12:00.002Z

Who doesn't need a little sparkle these days...Sparkle&Spin has just the perfect holiday top for any little girl in the mood for a sweet spin. From Danish designer Holly's, a regular at Bubble London, here comes the perfect sequin top for the season.

2009-12-11T17:51:00.006Z

American children's designer brands were hardly seen in Europe in the days of a strong dollar. They are finally getting more attention and it is well deserved. Orfeo, a London based online store launched in 2007, is a great window for beautiful US brands such as Wovenplay, mor mor rita, Atsuyo et Akiko, Marilyn Tov, Oeuf, Shirin Kids, Tamar Mogendorf, etc. The web boutique carries high end clothes and gifts for children 0-6, mainly from up-and-coming independent designers with an understated, contemporary, poetic, natural, imaginative style. Photo 1.Wovenplay, 2.Apolline.

Dino e Lucia at the White House

2009-12-08T13:37:00.004Z

How often do we get to see an independent clothing brand dressing up the presidential children at the White House for a Vanity Fair shoot by Annie Leibovitz?! Kuddos to Sasha and Malia Obama for their audacious choices! Dino e Lucia brands itself as the "naughty designer for well-behaved children". This must have seduced Michelle O. With a store in St Germain des Pres and in St Tropez, an exclusive concession at Harvey Nichols in London, and a steady and carefully controlled growth in wholesale, Dino e Lucia is surely a brand to keep an eye on.

A worthy cause

2009-12-06T19:51:00.005Z

Beautiful brand of the moment Let Them Eat Cake is collaborating with the Environmental Justice Foundation to create a tee shirt whose proceeds will go directly to the charity and its cotton campaign. EJF is well known at Bubble as we initiated a collaboration, at the launch of the show in London, between them and Caramel Baby & Child. A beautiful tee shirt came out of the collaboration. We have no doubt that the same will be true again this time with Let Them Eat Cake. Felicity has chosen three exciting artists for the project. The tee shirts will be on sale as of January, just on time for the good resolutions, buy ethic, buy for the good cause. We can't wait to see them.

Eco-friendly Christmas tree

2009-12-03T18:11:00.000Z

A couple of years ago, Kids On Roof met a great success with their blue doll houses. The company has since developed an outstanding range of eco friendly items, including the totem collection of imaginative 3D products to build before using as a house decoration. The Xmas tree is made of 150 recycled and biodegradable cardboard pieces printed with an angel, deer, peace doves, candles, ornaments and a big gleaming star. Available at Brooklyn store Sweet William

Eco-friendly Xmas tree

2009-12-03T15:12:00.007Z

African story

2009-12-03T13:18:00.000Z

The Butter Man just won the 2009 Children's Africana Book Award. We are particularly happy to relay this news as the illustrator is Julie Klear Essakalli from Zid zid Kids, a founding exhibitor at Bubble Trade Shows. Julie lives and works in Marrakech where she designs and creates textile art and furnishings with her husband Moulay. Julie was recently asked by the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art to donate an illustration from the book for their collection.The Butter Man, by Elizabeth and Ali Alalouis available on Amazon.com.

Northern e-store

2009-12-02T17:45:00.005Z

Finns Finds is a 6 months old online boutique focusing on simple designs, unique details, quality fabrics and construction. Finns Finds features designers from around the world (Denmark, Holland, Australia, France) and also brings a fair amount of eco-friendly brands into the mix. We love the selection of unusual toys. Photos 1.Milibe Copenhagen 2.Talc Paris 3.Vilac, France

Straight from Tibet

2009-12-02T11:27:00.005Z

Catherine Anderson launched the label Kokonor in 2005 when she and her Tibetan husband started a workshop, employing and training talented Tibetan tailors living as refugees in the inspiring surrounds of the Indian Himalaya. A whole range of lifestyle items are hand-crafted under the label Kokonor including childrenswear, but the Tibetan workshop also acts as an ethical production unit for independent labels attracted by a shared loyalty to fair-trade principles, unstinting commitment to quality, and low minimum orders. For more information, contact Catherine at mail@kokonor.co.uk, tel +44(0)1361 883042.

Flashy + stripy

2009-12-01T09:39:00.004Z

Founded in 2003 by Mille Milt and Maria Rabenhe, Danish children’s wear brand Milibe uses vibrant stripes, soft pointelle patterns and complimentary full color garments to deliver true Scandinavian wardrobe classics with simplicity and fantastic quality. Their initial collection was based on a single long sleeved t-shirt but the range now includes underwear, leggings, t- shirts, simple dresses and knitwear. Milibe only use eco-tex approved colors in their production (no harmful substances are used) as well as premium quality cotton and all garments are manufactured in Europe. Milibe will be showing at Bubble London this January.

Christmas shopping

2009-11-30T14:21:00.005Z

It's a real pleasure to go from magazines to websites and to see so many creative and rich Christmas shopping guides. The one on Australian magazine LMNOP specifically caught our eye with its crisp layout and awesome selection of objects. Click on the link http://www.lmnop.com.au/signin/ to download the magazine pages. You'll have to sign up and it will take 2 minutes of your time but it's really worth it!

Atsuyo et Akiko just a click away!

2009-11-30T08:25:00.005Z

Great news for fans of the famous Je t'aime bags and tees brand : Atsuyo et Akiko just launched their online shop a couple of days ago. Children's clothing, home decor, accessories, jewelry for all ages can now all be directly ordered online. The angel wings necklace and baby kimono onesi are among our favorites. A mix of Japan, poetry and dreamland. www.atsuyoetakiko.com/store/

Papier Mache online magazine

2009-11-30T06:58:00.000Z

Papier Mache is not yet again another online magazine on children's. It is a beautiful newcomer from Australia (issue 2 just came out) very focused on visuals and inspiration, and easy to navigate. Produced twice a year, it balances with a lot of elegance news on products, mood boards, and fashion stories with an edge. More importantly, it reminds us that the children's market is what it is thanks to the children that surround us. They are the inspiration. Papier Mache is also a testimony to the fact that the children's market keeps on burgeoning with a subtle mix of retro and forward-looking brands.

Sneak Peek

2009-11-25T13:26:00.004Z

Started in 1991, Christina Rohde was a pioneer in providing great style and quality clothes for children. Over the years, the Danish brand has stayed true to its roots with practical and fashionable designs mixing unusual patterns and fabrics. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect for Spring/Summer 2010. Christina Rohde will exclusively exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010.

Life in color

2009-11-25T11:53:00.003Z

Spring 2010 is a very rich season for Swedish brand Monamici, with colors such as red, pink, indigo, purple mixed with Liberty classics and Hawaiian pattern. The collection - all in certified organic - includes lovely dresses, tunics, skirts, pants and tops. The feeling is uplifting, fresh and beautiful. To buy Monamici products, visit the brand's own e-store. In the US, the line is carried by Field NY in Larchmont or at Petit bebe in Charlottesville.

Flying to London

2009-11-24T21:31:00.002Z

You have probably seen the enchanting birds of Abigail Brown already. They often rest, anonymous, in the cages of Tamar Morgendorff. This month, they will take a stop at Liberty of London. A good occasion to admire the delightful robins, goldcrests, greenfinchs, swallows, blue tits and little owls and to buy one before they fly to warmer lands!

Online newcomer, with style

2009-11-24T19:59:00.003Z

Umberleaf is a new e-store with a selection of stylish childrens clothing and accessories, as well as play items. We like the clean design and also the selection of products which includes one of our favorite lines, Atsuyo et Akiko. The store will keep adding great founds for modern and earth conscious parents. We recommend you add it to your favorites!

Gap + Stella : secound round

2009-11-24T16:39:00.007Z

The yearly result for Gap was published last week: 25% profit jump. The brand announced today plans for a second collection created by Stella McCartney. It's no surprise to whom has tried to get some products from this first collaboration. On November 16th, I had put an alarm on my Blackberry to go get a wonderful tutu in subtle pink tones. I arrived at 10am to witness empty racks. There were one size 10y and one size 12y left, and the store had been opened for only two hours. I got it : next season, I'll get on line at dawn!

When technology brings fun in the closet

2009-11-23T10:56:00.011Z

Stone Island, the casual yet beautiful men's line from Italy is launching Stone Island Junior, for boys 2 to 16. Keeping in line with the brand's ethos of reworking materials, functionality and contemporary designs, they're adding a fun touch thanks to technology and research. There's a heat reactive coating that changes color at high temperatures. From 27 degrees celsius upwards, the garments transform from shades of green to bright yellow or grass green. There's also a night vision element with light-sensitive prints. In the closet, we knew that girls just wanna fun...boys' turn now!

Made in USA

2009-11-19T13:26:00.004Z

With the euro so strong and the dollar so weak, it's not an easy time for stores who carry mainly high end European brands. Estella's owners Chike Chukwulozi and Jean Polsky were looking for innovative ways to offer fashionable, practical kid's clothes to their customers at a reasonable price. They thought it was the right moment to develop their own line. Well, their gorgeous, functional and locally produced pieces are a success : they don't break the bank while offering the quality and style that Estella customers expect. The basic line of leggings and lap tees is amazingly popular with a range of 8 different colors, for children 3 months to 6 years. The fashion pieces (dresses, tops, denim pieces, overalls, etc) and knit toys bring a chic lifestyle complement to the range. Estella, 493 Sixth Avenue
New York. +1 212-255-3553

Ismodern

2009-11-18T19:53:00.004Z

We are happy to announce that Ismodern will be back at Bubble in March 2010. The line was not shown at the last August edition as Tami Nguyen Rael had to move her family from LA to the East Cost. Her new collection feels like a good mix of eastern and western influences with clean shapes, tight fits and bright colors. Modern and nomad.

Around the world

2009-11-18T16:41:00.005Z

French artist Julie Mercier has illustrated a bunch of children's books and magazines. She just created an exclusive and monumental atlas for L’Affiche Moderne, an ideal medium for kids to discover the richness and diversity of our great planet. The funny details and creatures will definitely be a source of numerous questions and discoveries, capturing children’s attention and imagination for hours. Available in English or French versions.

Boy's stuff!

2009-11-16T17:09:00.003Z

Good news for parents who love coloring books with a twist : Rosie Flo's books are now available [almost] all over the world : Japan, Australia, China, etc. And wonderful news for parents who are desperately looking for boys activities : the books are also published in a blue version, under the name Johnny Joe, featuring all sorts of boy's favorites, from knights to astronauts to cars and dinosaurs. Famous London book store Daunts says "At last a colouring book for boys. Another sure fire winner". Rosie Flo's collections are available at children's/ toys stores, bookstores and at most of the Museum stores (Moma, Bristish Library, Tate Modern, The Wallace Collection, etc).

Tribeca welcomes Petite Pomme

2009-11-12T10:53:00.003Z

Brooklyn beloved children's store Pomme recently opened a new retail space in Manhattan. Located in Tribeca, Petite Pomme is dedicated to newborn - 18th month children. Forget about the loft size and feel, it's all white and small scale in this new paradise, providing a cosy atmosphere for young parents and parents-to-be. Petite Pomme features the ideal selection of brands for an introduction to parenthood : Makie, flora and henri, Tane Organic, Jess brown, Tamar Morgendorf, Atsuyo et Akiko, etc. The best of modern design and quality to welcome little ones in this world. Petite Pomme, 186 Duane Street between Hudson and Greenich.

From Sweden with style

2009-11-10T14:48:00.004Z

A hint of the 80´s, intricate buttons and details, pastel colors and a high fashion content : that's Franka's cocktail for Spring Summer 2010. The collection features thin silhouette trousers in khaki twill, chinos in papery twill, Liberty prints and lots of dresses. The Swedish brand now has an online store, to make sure moms from all over the world can have access to the collections in just one click.

2009-11-09T14:55:00.006Z

Petit Couture is a luxury brand of infant and toddler basics, dressy apparel, accessories and select mama items founded in 2009 by Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff and Noree Milligan. Dedicated to sustainable and ethical business practices and as such, Petit Couture sources and manufactures exclusively in the USA. The manufacturing process is on a quarterly basis rather than the standard six-month product creation cycle for most items, a good way to keep Petit Couture client's attention with fresh fashion proposals. The brand will showcase its owl logo collection at Bubble New York in March 2010.

Windows overview

2009-11-08T17:27:00.008Z

Christmas windows are flourishing here and there in London, simultaneously with the first cold days and the high street decoration lights. There's a great lot of maximalist-kitsch-overload and color explosion, as seen at Christian Louboutin, Conran Store, Selfridges and Marc Jacobs. Is Santa also going to be in excess mode packing his bags this year, that is the question...

mor mor rita is back on tracks

2009-11-05T11:50:00.000Z

After a year long break to be with her family, Ryan Roche is back with a mor mor rita collection. The new line features well priced basics including leggings, simple but perfect underpants, tees, sweatshirts, stockings and jeans in beautiful organic cotton. The cashmere blend knits will make your heart melt. Don't miss the women's size stockings in mor mor rita's unique color palette.

On the subject of brand identity

2009-11-03T21:50:00.005Z

Ola&Olek is a newly launched UK-based line from designer Eliza Lopatowska. She gets inspired from her native Poland and her little cousins to create a delicately touching line of organic tees and retro dresses & cardigans. Introduced at Bubble London last June, the collection is small but perfectly put together. The visuals are the strength of the identity of Ola & Olek. So much is communicated in those few images, immediately drawing us into the spirit of the brand. For the discerning buyer who likes something different with a strong point of view.

Milk Deco 3 launch party at YoyaMart, NY

2009-11-03T20:38:00.004Z

Milk Deco, the bi-annual style supplement of Milk Magazine is out. This 3rd edition takes us to the usual places (New York, Paris, London, Tokyo) but also to Tanger, Stockholm and Utrecht for a greater diversity of home inspirations. YoyaMart's owner Stephane Gerbier (featured in the booklet) hosted a party at his Meatpacking district store last week. Stephane takes the pose with Isis Colombe Combeas, founder-owner of Milk, and her son Aliocha.

At home with Cocoon Couture

2009-11-02T16:08:00.001Z

Launched in 2004 by Designer Ingrid Daniell, Cocoon Couture started as a collection of beautiful children’s bean bags. The brand has grown since, adding a range of wooden room accessories: height charts, bookends and wall arts. The vintage inspired Enchanted Tree is the perfect tool to hang one's little secrets. Cocoon Couture will exclusively exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010 at the Business Design Centre.

The little stories of Karin

2009-11-02T13:27:00.005Z

Featured in Junior Magazine, Vogue Bambini, Elle decor, Glamour, Karin Nussbaumer is an Austrian photographer based in Amsterdam. Karin loves telling little stories, using photography to play with fantasy, trying to tell as much as possible in each of her images. Playing widely with light, tones and props, Karin makes her stories a pleasant travel for the viewer. Karin is represented by Julie Seguinier at juliesagency.com.

One step ahead

2009-10-27T18:10:00.004Z

Anorak Magazine is always a step ahead. This fantastic UK children magazine, labeled as the Happy Mag for Kids, now has its own iPhone & iPod Touch application. Happy words search games. Happy colouring-in pages. Happy cycling game. Available from early November on iTunes. iWant it now.

Imagine

2009-10-27T14:31:00.003Z

The British designers MillerGoodman who brought us ShapeMaker have launched yet another beautiful children's toy called PlayShapes. It's a unique and fun modular set of geometric wooden shapes which can be endlessly arranged or stacked to produce hunders of 3D creations. Beautifully crafted from durable rubberwood, they engage every child's imagination. As Albert Einstein put it so well together: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all, we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." It will launch soon on www.shhhop.com and is available for wholesale in select stores.

Little Bean Shop Launches

2009-10-27T14:12:00.002Z

Christine Visneau, from Baby Bean Vintage Daywear and Small Magazine is striking again with a very attractive new online shop, following the opening of her store in East Dallas. Of course it carries her eponymous vintage line Baby Bean, but it also sells a nicely edited selection of Clover New York, Mini Rotation and more. All Bubble favorites.

Stella for Gap

2009-10-26T16:38:00.005Z

So good to see that designer & the high street (aka main street) are collaborating in the kids world as well. Stella McCartney's line for Gap Kid and BabyGap will be unveiled this November 4th, available in the UK, France, Japan, the US and Canada. The line includes cashmere blankets for newborns, brushed cotton blazers with silk lapels, wool military jackets embroidered with gold thread. Prices go from $14 to $128 for jackets and they're going to fly from the shelves, or so we think. The ad campaign has been shot by Ryan McGinley, above is a preview of the sweet images.

0-77 Photo Exhibit at YoyaMart

2009-10-22T11:35:00.008+01:00

YoyaMart is working on a serie of photo exhibits, the first one to be launched next week. The intention of YoyaMart is to create a design environment related to the children's world but compatible with adult's taste. The first two participating artists are Ron Agam and Marc Dumas. The exhibit will coincide with a party held at the store for the launch of Milk Deco 3, on October 29th. For more info tel +1 212 242 5511.

Ron Agam flower portraits "In Full Bloom" point to the grandeur of Nature as reflected in some of its most fragile creations. His images are relevant to this time of ecological crisis. Ron spent his childhood between Paris & Rehovot, Israel.

Marc Dumas divides his time between Paris and Savador de Bahia where he captures the energy of Brazilian kids. He is a Professor of visual communication at Ecole Camondo in Paris.

Innovative design for a crisis

2009-10-21T10:31:00.000+01:00

Trio of Swedish architects Claesson/Koivisto/Rune is proving that innovation is the best weapon in times of crisis. With the help of STFI-Packfosk (research&development) and Södra (Production factory), they have created Papuru, a chair for children made of DuraPulp (derivative of paper) and PLA (bioplactic extracted form corn starch). It's all very technical and it has to be, to achieve that performance : the chair is waterproof, recyclable, stackable, colorful...and it should cost half of the price of a classic plastic chair. We can't wait to see it in stores (2010).

Straight from the 50's, with a twist

2009-10-21T06:59:00.007+01:00

A newborn in the family of inspiring online stores, Edmond offers a selection of furniture and vintage objects from the 1950's. Their children's selection includes miniature chairs, bedside tables, lamps, French school desks in a large array of prices. The pieces are either left in their vintage state or restored and actualized. Next to the collector's items signed Thonet, Charles & Ray Eames, Marcel Gascoin, Jean Prouvé, Edmond has added its own line of limited editions, which uses raw materials such as wood and wool. We particularly like the raw-wood miniature stools.
Photos Annabel Salesa

Myths, legends and Mini A Ture

2009-10-20T09:44:00.001+01:00

Founded in 2001, Mini A Ture has established itself as one of the leading Danish brands in Europe. For their Autumn/Winter 09 collection, designer Katrine Lemvigh Montag has found inspiration in the magical world of fairytales inhabited by ogres, enchanted animals and beautiful princesses. The result is a high quality and contemporary collection with signature colour combinations. We can’t wait to discover what's next with the brand at Bubble London January 2010!

where the wild things are

2009-10-19T22:37:00.002+01:00

Where the wild things are is drawing inspiration on everyone at the moment...Kudos to LA-based Entertaining Elephants and its sweet interpretation of thermals and bunny hats.

The life of dolls

2009-10-19T16:34:00.005+01:00

Argentinian artist Paola Zakimi spent her childhood and part of youth in cold Patagonia. Her independent nature led her to Buenos Aires where she studied Arts and Graphic design. She is now based in Villa Giardino (on the Argentinian seaside), where she is a full-time artist making art doll, painting, drawing, illustration.

Zakimi could have been created by Goldoni; she has taken after Gepetto. She says about her dolls "They all have names, feelings, emotions and life histories. Each one has its own character, point of view and statement. We never struggle or fight, we become friends, we trust each other. All of them like to read but sometimes I read to them. They always listen, Im not sure its because they enjoy it or they are just being polite."
The dolls are sold on Paola's website and on Etsy.

Molo world!

2009-10-19T12:52:00.003+01:00

Available for boys and girls age 0 to 10, Molo Kids brings a serious touch of style to any child’s wardrobe. From knit cardigans to denim and colorful leggings, the looks are always fresh, funky and urban. Autumn/Winter 09 sees the launch of a footwear range with leather ballerina flats for girls and winter sneakers for boys. Molo Kids will exhibit at Bubble London, for the fourth season, to our delight.

Iconic brand

2009-10-15T17:10:00.001+01:00

It's clever, it's stylish, the fits are perfect, it lasts forever...we hear so many good things about Finger in the nose. We are fans ourselves. The new collection just reached the Brooklyn store Sweet William. Hurry up before the sought after jackets and jeans fly off the racks and shelves! Finger in the nose is also available at Harvey Nichols in London. Their own online store is due soon...stay tuned!.

Eco fabulous

2009-10-15T16:49:00.003+01:00

Set up in 2006 by designer Hannah Evans, Piccalilly is about modern and stylish eco clothes for babies and children. The collection features nightgowns, blankets and hooded tops. It is made from the softest organic cotton sourced in India through the Chetna Project. If you are looking to make little girls happy, keep in mind that Picallilly's fairy and ballerina dresses make fabulous gifts. Piccalilly will exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010.

the selling power of words

2009-10-13T18:21:00.002+01:00

Food for thought. There's an interesting experiment going on on Ebay right now. A series of 100 objects bought from junk shops have been put up for sale under the project name Significant Objects. 100 writers have each been assigned one object, and asked to write a compelling story about it, in order to make it, well, significantly sellable. So far the sale has totalled $2,141.62 on an original value of $90.97. A nice reminder of the objective vs. subjective value of things.

Bohemian effect

2009-10-13T05:56:00.000+01:00

Charming collection for girls aged one to eight, Nixie Clothing is inspired by the folk arts movement. For her one of a kind pieces, Nicole Frobusch uses vintage fabrics and reconditioned wools . All the materials are locally sourced and produced ethically in London. The must have this season? The 70’s kimono style coat. Don’t miss Nixie Clothing at Bubble London: 31 January & 1 February 2010.

Cream of the crop

2009-10-12T17:49:00.004+01:00

Emilie Perez is a French mother based in London who designs fresh and inspiring decor items. Emilie says she it all started trying to make the life of her son Mael more fun and lovely. Her line featuring guitars, saxophones, cushions rattles, mobiles, poufs is called Creme anglaise. Pure pleasure. Check her on Laurette and Bobo Kids.

Little Munsters!

2009-10-09T10:55:00.001+01:00

Based on a fictional little boy named Mikey Munster, the brand Munster Kids is one of the coolest on the market. Designed in Australia, the collection is inspired by music, arts and street culture. Initially for boys only, Autumn/Winter 2010 sees the launch of Missie Munster, Mikey Munster's little sister … double trouble!
Munster Kids will exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010

Fairy walls

2009-10-09T10:30:00.001+01:00

Illustrator Adolie Day created a fairy univers of repositional, restickable matte finish wall decals for Chocovenyl. A giant face that blends with the color of the wall and a bunch of smaller elements to play with the way you want, or better, the way the little master of the bedroom wants.

Jennifer's little entreprise

2009-10-08T11:39:00.003+01:00

Jennifer Valez is a busy bee. Specialized in fashion design & illustration, this mother of two succeeds in combining a job of art director in an advertisement agency and her own little enterprise, Sophie and Lili. She creates her fabric dolls on illustrator and digitally print them on 100%cotton. The back is made out of patterned new or vintage fabrics, making each doll different from the other. Sophie and Lili dolls are sold on etsy.com and through a bunch of online stores (fawnandforest.com, littlebeanshop.com).

Good catch!

2009-10-06T16:56:00.005+01:00

If you are looking for well made, creative + funky tees, Lucky Fish will make you happy. The Brooklyn based brand has an incredible selection of shapes, colors and prints, all with an irresistible rock'n'roll twist. You will find Lucky Fish at Yoya New York, Nonchalant Mom and many other good stores across the US. Check www.soluckyfish.com for more info.

We'll miss you Cookie...

2009-10-06T16:16:00.001+01:00

It's just been confirmed and it's a sad news : Cookie Magazine won't be published anymore. All our thoughts go to the entire team who worked very hard and brought us joy with a unique magazine during the four last years.

Twisted wardrobe

2009-10-01T12:23:00.003+01:00

Maarten De Ceulaer's creations embody the characteristics of the Academy of Eindhoven, whom he graduated from : conceptuality, poetry and emotion. His 100% leather handmade piece Pile of Suitcases was nominated for the Best New Product Award at the 100% Design exhibition during the London Design Festival, September 24-27th. Milan based Nilufar Gallery commissioned the Pile of Suitcases in a smaller size, as well as a desk called Pile of Briefcases. In a smaller size? Probably because the humor charged and fun wardrobe really calls for a child's bedroom... (Photographer Astrid Zuidema).

London, Paris, New York

2009-09-30T14:53:00.002+01:00

Famille Summerbelle makes us travel once again with a beautiful new city map, this time it's New York, New York. Based on the original paper cuts of Julie, the founder and designer of Famille Summerbelle, those printed maps are not missing any details of our favorite cities.

Color me crazy

2009-09-29T17:49:00.003+01:00

We've spotted the perfect gift for little artists on the go : the well designed Artisti-Kit from kicokids. The kit comes in six exciting shades of canvas; each one has 6 non-toxic wooden color pencils, a colorful kicokids sketch pad and a little wooden pencil sharpener. We're happy to inform our readers that Kicokids currently offers free shipping in the US with any purchase of an Artisti-Kit. www.kicokids.com

Cuddly, adjustable, ecological and silent

2009-09-28T13:54:00.004+01:00

Antwerp firm Buzzispace.com provides innovative solutions to divide home or work spaces. Their products are all in an environmentally friendly material called ecofelt, a 100% recycled material from PET bottles and has a very natural hand feel which creates an intimate/cocooning atmosphere. Available in 5 colors, the wall dividers can easily be decorated, a great way for children to make their corner become a very private own space of fun and expression.

art and commerce

2009-09-25T15:25:00.002+01:00

We love it when kids retailers team up with kid-centric artists to generate buzz and promote art in general. Pomme is doing it (again) this week end with Brooklyn-based photographer Davina Zagury and her work on Love Triangle, The land of Lost Toy and Animals sequence. Davina's exhibition is part of Dumbo's Art Under the Bridge festival (Brooklyn, New York) taking place until Sunday Sept. 27th.

Lalalala...Lale!

2009-09-23T19:38:00.005+01:00

Lale is a delicious line of home decor, multi-function luggage and other playful accessories available in varied colorful patterns. Spongy duvets, cheeky bumpers, sweet muslin, dummy or spare pants, poetic cushions, tear-drop bean-bag, fantastic dolls...the inventory is as long as the designer's immense imagination and talent. Lale is sold in New York at Kisan and Pomme, in London at Elias&Grace and Petit Aime, in Paris at Le Bon Marche and Merci, among other stores all over the world. contact@lale.fr

Marc who?

2009-09-22T10:29:00.007+01:00

If you plan to spend Christmas at the beach, don't miss the new Little Marc Jacobs swimwear collection. The line features Little Miss and Mister Marc signature cartoon graphics pulled from Marc by Marc Jacobs' apparel and accessories. The collection features about 50 styles for age 2 to 10, with a retail price around $75-90. A perfect cruise item, so chic!

V.I.P.'s secret

2009-09-17T22:46:00.004+01:00

After years spent at Donna Karan, Bonnie Young launched her own children's line in 2006 : bonnieyoung. Very "Modern Couture", this beautiful and precious collection is already the favorite of many famous names. bonnieyoung goes beyond clothing with a whole lifestyle range, including furniture and home decor. The designer opened her own boutique in Aspen and her collection is sold in a selection of the best international stores. Until October 12th, bonnieyoung is one for the guests of the exhibit Paris-Los Angeles at Le Bon Marche in France. A good occasion to discover the brand while it is still very exclusive.

Paris Design

2009-09-15T11:00:00.004+01:00

A new Design Temple is born in Paris with Silvera Wagram : 5,000 sq feet designed by duo Patrick Jouin & Sanjit Manku. The airy space offers a unique selection of functional and decorative pieces (furniture+objects), a well as a great mix of fashion accessories, books and targeted magazines. The store illustrates how much designers get increasingly involved with the objects that surrounds us in life. The children's section is impressive, featuring iconic items as well as more exclusive ones. A real pleasure.
SILVERA WAGRAM - 41, avenue de Wagram – 75017 Paris

Design help needed?

2009-09-14T18:24:00.004+01:00

If you need a little art direction help for your business, it is worth contacting friedamaria design studio. They can help you find the right concept, design, image, styling, window display. Their poetic + dream inspired mood is infused with a twist and their creations cope very well with the children's world. Among other things, friedamaria loves : home-made, contraditions, granny stuff, eccentric, white and powder tones with a spark of fluorine, painting, Dr. Marten shoes, steel wire, Alison Goldfrapp, wine, fairy tales, nostalgia, Bjork, Sweden, dresses with short puffing sleeves, Lee Miller, melancholic, the forest...that's probably enough to give you an idea!

Cozy Wilson

2009-09-11T16:46:00.004+01:00

Donna Wilson's infamous knitted creatures are irresistible. Handmade in the UK, the 100% lambswool collection is now available in independent designs shops in over 15 countries. Golly! With chilly Autumn nights around the corner, the talented designer has been busy knitting new scarves, blankets and cushions thinking some of you would love to wrap their little one in a Rainy Day Mini Blanket or the Wooly Wood scarf...

Newcomer at Bubble London

2009-09-11T06:17:00.005+01:00

Designed and made in Wales, Pili Pala which means butterfly in the local language, is a new and stylish clothing line for boys and girls. The range uses the softest organic cotton and is bursting with colour and print. Our favourite pieces include the stripy leggings and unisex jumpsuits. Pili Pala will showcase their first collection at Bubble London 31 January – 1 February 2010.

Robin Wood

2009-09-10T14:05:00.004+01:00

Talented duo Sophie Demenge and Michael Ryan of Oeuf are launching a new collection called Robin, with sweeter prices, yet with the same quality and style than the other products of the label. We love the simplicity and natural feel of this wooden crib. Among a long list of US stores, we recommend Lavish, Belly, Sprout, and in France Bonton, 82 Rue De Grenelle Paris.

(Bugaboo) Red

2009-09-10T14:04:00.002+01:00

Dutch company Bugaboo is once again ahead of the game in the stroller world. Starting October 1st, they will be donating 1% of their global sales to the Global Fund to help provide for AIDS programs in Africa. Keep an eye out for a special collection (Bugaboo) Red Cameleon with denim fabric, black frame and red (natch) handle brake.

Stick to Mae!

2009-09-10T14:02:00.001+01:00

Brighten up any room with a new range of wall stickers made of fabric! Coming from Australia, Mae’s beautiful designs are removable, re-usuable and washable which is important when it comes to those precious yet impossibly grubby little ones. We love the Dress up dolls designed as an interactive toy for you or your child to style some fabulous outfits. A new range will be released next year, we can’t wait...

Precious index

2009-09-08T20:08:00.004+01:00

Play All Day is a 240 pages hardcover book documenting the most vibrant and stimulating design products and concepts for children. Innovative toys, playgrounds and play environments, room decor, wall covering, furniture, kindergarten architecture, etc. It is very well documented, even featuring a section on illustration and photography. Our favorite names in the children's world are part of it : Our childrens Gorilla, Areaware, Wovenplay, Zid zid kids, Milk magazine, to name only a few.

Color, paint, draw, and imagine

2009-09-07T22:51:00.006+01:00

Taro Gomi is a genius. My children started with his books "My friends" and "Everybody poops" (around 3 years old, tons of laughter and good sleep guaranteed with the latter). Then they discovered the Doodles and Scribbles giant coloring books and generously decorated each page again and again. This summer we came across a great postcards booklet over our holiday travels. We had silent afternoons and personalized mail for the whole family. Perfect found! Check Chronicle books for the new Squiggles Coloring book, freshly released.

And now...GREEN!

2009-09-07T22:30:00.005+01:00

When we first met the Danish Crafts Rocking Sheep at ICFF a couple a years ago, it was pure, off white. Travelling from fair to fair, country to country, town to town, it turned pink, brown, grey, black. It looks like it took a break in the countryside this summer (unless he met Luciano Benetton in the Venitian hills) and decided for a green outfit. Exactly the touch of optimism (and a reminder of the ecological threat) that we need in the house before entering a long winter...Note that the sheep also shrunk and became a lamb for those who have tiny flats.

Little prosperous factory

2009-09-07T21:44:00.008+01:00

Launched 5 years ago, Winter Water Factory is a small design and production facility in the heart of Brooklyn. The company started with a single item, knit hats, sold in one store on New York’s Lower East Side (we saw them grow nicely season after season at Bubble, The kids Trade Show). Today the brand offers an array of products that are shipped as far as Alaska, Sweden, Japan and Australia. The line includes clothing for kids and adults, accessories and items for the home, most of them in the house signature print that you can also order by the yard, to create your own items.

The September Issue...

2009-09-07T17:25:00.007+01:00

...OF MILK, of course! It's called "Temperament Mode": 240 pages of fashion, decor, ideas and fun! www.milkmagazine.net

Lego, a story of Luck, Hard work and the Loss of innocence

2009-09-06T08:04:00.003+01:00

Back from vacation, back to school, back at work. To get in the mood, we share this interesting article from the NY Times on the turnaround story of Lego. The kids industry is a competitive one, fads come and go and it is inspiring to see the comeback of the Lego brand, albeit at a price, the loss of innocence.

We are off for the summer...

2009-08-11T20:17:00.001+01:00

With this inviting picture from Andrea Tese, we are wishing a good summer to all of you. See you in September!

Sartorialist mini

2009-08-11T15:08:00.005+01:00

Scott Schumann, better known as The Sartorialist, is sharing the photos he did with his kids for Style Piccoli : very well done, very inspiring! We hope to see more stylish little people invading his wonderful blog.

Swiss handmade

2009-08-11T14:22:00.000+01:00

Naef offers the highest quality toys, combined with timeless design concepts. Handmade in Switzerland, the toys are meant to be handed down from generation to generation passing on the tradition of having a special hand made object. And today more than ever, we want beautiful, thoughtful, meaningful objects to surround our lives and our children. In New York, Naef is available at YoyaMart, 15 Gansevoort Street and at the MoMA store 11 West 53 Street.

Back to school in Brooklyn

2009-08-10T14:35:00.005+01:00

We know many of you are still roasting on a beach, but we can't help reminding that Back to school is a close reality. Artist Laure Fishbach decided to celebrate in a joyful way at Pomme in Dumbo, Brooklyn. We highly recommend a visit to the store to see the walls decorated with fun magnetic silhouettes, in real life, quickly before school starts again!

Milk Magazine #25

2009-08-09T10:47:00.003+01:00

The Back To School issue of Milk magazine will be released at the end of August. The special Back to school issue will feature stories and articles about Tel Aviv, Northern designers, field hockey, Le petit Nicolas (not to be confused with Sarkozy the dwarf), Katarina Bosse, a portrait of Bonnie Young in her Manhattan loft and a lot more...Can't wait!

Popsicles strollers

2009-08-09T09:55:00.005+01:00

Planing a vacation in South Beach Miami ? The Roddler will be the perfect accessory with its luxurious Art Deco accents. Produced by Kids Customs USA, a company joining forces of the automotive and apparel industries, to breathe new life into juvenile product market. The website advertises : "Targeted to tasteful and affluent parental units your kids will boast the coolest wheels on the boardwalk." Funky!

Brand new Kiwi line...

2009-08-08T09:18:00.001+01:00

New Zealander Rebekah Davies-Patrick is nuts about hand-knits. For her new line Biisoo (born August 2009), she has sourced organic New Zealand and Australian merino wool, dyed with low-impact, metal-free dyes. Samples were made by "local knitting fanatics" – most of them mothers and grandmothers. The garments are finished with 100% silk filament ribbon, leather and vintage mother of pearl buttons. Expect the matinee jackets, vests, hats, booties, shawls and blankets to be perfect! To add an element of phylantropy to this handknit luxury for infants, the company will work with charities that protect and improve children’s lives: Save the Children, Women’s Refuge NZ and Child Helpline International. Long life to Biisoo!

Bubble New York Report

2009-08-07T18:01:00.008+01:00

Bubble New York hosted it 8th edition at Cedar Lake (547 West 26th Street) from August 2 thru August 4, 2009. Everyone loved the new venue, a dance theatre with its industrial structure, modern finishes, high ceilings and great natural light.

The event was well attended with nearly 1,000 visitors (975 to be exact). Leading department and kids stores from the U.S. were represented (Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Chasing Fire Flies, FAO Schwarz, Giggle, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Takashimaya, Yoya, Estella, Pomme, Ibiza Kidz, LMNOP, Sweet William, Nonchalant Moms, among others) as well as international retailers and buying offices.

Bubble New York showcased 60 cream-of-the crop national and international vendors including 12 new collections. A wide array of products was spotlighted including clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, home décor and toys.

Organic brands are still a very important and growing part of Bubble (55% of exhibitors). According to visitors the show has become THE place to discover interesting and unique organic lines.

“We’re very pleased with this edition, everyone at the show was upbeat. Bubble is focused on staying a beautiful, inspiring and ‘human’ sized show of highly selected brands with a consistent mix. We think it is important to stick to our concept even in these hard times, and not to compromise on the quality of our collections, partners and displays. We believe that "post-crisis consumers" will shop differently, with higher expectations about their shopping experience and the quality of what they buy. They will look carefully for clever, well thought products that respect them and respect the planet. We wanted Bubble to reflect this vision ” said Florence Rolando, co-founder, Bubble.

Cool drink, no sugar

2009-08-05T10:23:00.007+01:00

We were happy to welcome WAT-AAH at Bubble for the second season in a row. The modern, fun, with-an-attitude beverage is a great way to convince children to drink water instead of unhealthy beverages, like sodas. Jack, the son of the founder named the drink at the age of 9 and gave lots of input and opinions on what a label and the bottle should look like. He said, "WAT-AAH!" should be for kids" and it “should not be boring”. Mission accomplished, WAT-AAH! is a cool product currently available in 300 stores in NYC including Whole Foods, and it will be available in the east coast United States shortly. Europe? We hope soon too.

Ready Steady Go!

2009-08-01T09:26:00.003+01:00

Bubble New York opens tomorrow Sunday August 2nd in its beautiful new venue, Cedar Lake, in Chelsea New York, just around the corner from our previous location. Thank you Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet for hosting us this season!

Precious newborn UK brand

2009-07-29T08:38:00.005+01:00

Let Them Eat Cake is an exciting new British Children's wear brand. So new that it is not in stores yet, but already "the little darling" of the press in the UK (coming issues of Junior magazine and Anorak). Everything is handmade to an exceptional standard by a small team of talented seamstresses in Bath. The brand, which is ethical and green, combines beautiful and rare vintage fabrics with a crisp, thoroughly modern edge. Stay tuned...we'll let you know more very soon!

The good and the beautiful

2009-07-29T08:26:00.004+01:00

"Kids need clothes, but they also need a healthy abundant world. Barley & birch was created to give them both." The shirts, one pieces, pants and hats from Barley and birch are made in the USA using 100% certified organic cotton and water-based inks. The brand really makes a point in making sure their production doesn’t pollute the earth, the water, or expose farm workers to toxins. Behind the philosophy are colorful and original designs. A good way to combine the good and the beautiful.

Product therapy

2009-07-28T21:01:00.008+01:00

Atsuyo et Akiko is back to Bubble New York for the 3rd season. We can't wait to discover their new collection of tees, jewelry, home decor, for kids + mums. The Japanese duo based in Brooklyn has great talent to mix styles and influences : Asia meets France in NY; poetry meets industrial in an organic land. Their products make you dream, they make you travel and most important : they make you happy! You can find Atsuyo et Akiko's collection at Pomme (Dumbo, Brooklyn); Sweet William (Williamsburg, Brooklyn); Poppy Store (LA); Couverture (London, UK); Kido Store (Australia), etc.

The little elephant is growing...

2009-07-28T20:30:00.000+01:00

This season Elephantito is all about classic Liberty prints to bold, colorful chintz in 100% pima cotton fabrics. With “English Garden in Full Bloom” as the theme, the collection of dresses and separates will be the must-have collection of the Spring 10 season. Cherry on the cake : the gorgeous shoe collection. Now a complete line in neutral colors / interesting textures / metallic finishes — perfect complements to the apparel in full bloom.

Photo exhibit at Bubble

2009-07-27T19:25:00.004+01:00

The name Steven Visneau might ring a bell. This season's Bubble image, the little girls on the beach? It's his! He is also the guy behind most of the gorgeous images in Small Magazine. To make sure you get to see more of his work, Bubble New York will feature an exhibit of his photos, including this captivating and mysterious green story!

Traditional funky

2009-07-27T14:30:00.003+01:00

Launched at Bubble London in June, Jake and maya met a great success. This nostalgic in feel yet funky collection will cross the pond for Bubble New York, starting next Sunday at Cedar Lake, Chelsea. Muted colors, delicate embroidery and traditional shapes..but nothing boring : details such as over-sized ruffles and large buttons bring a contemporary twist, so dear to us at Bubble.

Sustainable knitted jewelry, and more

2009-07-25T23:06:00.005+01:00

Anabel Fournier lives between Kenya and Bolivia where she produces a beautiful knit collection called Fournier. She started a poverty alleviation project while living in Bolivia eight years ago, providing work for low income women in the city of Cochabamba. There are around 80 knitters and seamstresses at the workshop year round producing Fournier and also private label brought by Anabel. Fournier is manufactured with the finest Peruvian pima cotton, baby alpaca and a new blend of baby alpaca with bamboo. Don't miss the new baby toys and knitted jewelry at Bubble New York next Sunday!

Fly me to the moon

2009-07-25T17:36:00.002+01:00

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, Okido just released a special issue packed with cosmic games, stories and recipes.
Enjoy the ride!

You are invited

2009-07-21T17:07:00.002+01:00

Here is one for you...An invitation to the Small Magazine Party at Kico Kids pop up store in Chelsea, New York tomorrow Wednesday July 22nd. The Small Draw Original Art Coloring Book will be on sale in an exclusive launch, with an exhibition by Grant Cornett. Wish we were there too, but we're busy like bees preparing Bubble New York in 2 weeks!

Bubble online with Earnshaw's

2009-07-16T14:21:00.005+01:00

"The digital edition of Earnshaw's is brought to you by Bubble" was mentioned on the newsletter sent earlier this week by Earnshaw's, the US children's trade magazine. For those who haven't received it, clik on the link and you'll be able to flip through the pages...