The Biz: Feature Articles

So you’ve managed to get your fashion business started, formed an entity, developed a business concept or product that has promise, established relationships with accountants, attorneys, suppliers, sales and PR contacts, and perhaps even lined up some customers. All very promising, but now your company needs to pay suppliers, as well as distribution and sales costs to get your product in the hands of customers. The real question then, particularly for an emerging fashion company, is how does your business plan to address its financing needs?

What has four sides and keeps babies clean? It’s not a quiz, it’s a Quib — the totally reversible bib from Bébé au Lait that gives parents the possibility of four clean sides. Feeding a baby is always an adventure, so why not make it a personalized one? Dibs on Bibs has enjoyable shapes that make mealtime more fun. Kiddologic’s bibit-all features long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, a high-ribbed collar, full coverage that extends to the lap and an innovative waterproof lining. Bella Bundles proves functional doesn’t have to be boring with the Reversible Black Hollywood Bib, which features a modern geometric pattern in black or pink.

You may have been offered a penny for your thoughts, but what would you say to someone who is willing to plunk down a cool $15,000 for them? That’s what Huggies is offering to moms who come out on top in its MomInspired grant program. Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies brand, long known for its quality baby and child products, also lends a helping hand to moms with bright ideas. The Huggies grant is awarded to ideas that are creative, useful, and have marketing power. Past winners include companies like Linda M. Varga’s Solar Eclipz (ezShade) and Allyson Phillips’s Tilty Cup.

Sweet and simple but with a little edge. At first, these sound like opposing concepts, but closer examination shows they can exist in a delightfully complementary way. The designers at Go Gently Baby want to express their respect for Mother Earth, so they only use certified organic fabrics, dyes, water-based inks and sustainable materials in their offerings. New looks include the simple chic of the Raw Edge Bow Pullover and Fleece Pullover Dress. The nature-loving Girl and Fawn image appears on many items, expressing kindness to all living things.