Playtime New York is Just Around the Corner!

The 5th edition of Playtime New York (August 4-6) will offer a selection of merchandise showcasing 90 American and international children’s brands. The show takes place at 82 Mercer Street, between Spring and Broome Streets in SoHo, one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods. Vendors will exhibit infant and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, baby gear, toys, and deco/design products.

The theme of this summer edition is “DREAM,” which will be explored in exhibitions, events and trend spaces to provide fantastic creativity throughout the event.

Each year, Playtime selects a new artist to illustrate its trade fairs in Paris, Tokyo and New York. This year’s artist is talented American illustrator Patrick Hruby, whose work is marked by colorful geometry.

Several companies are participating in Playtime New York for the first time, in addition to returning favorites. The Giggle Guide^® previews a few must-see brands, including Rayil, Hazel Village Toys, Sammi & David and Sweet Petunia.

Rayil Melds East to West

For a contemporary look that bridges East and West, discover Rayil, a company making its U.S. debut at Playtime New York. Rayil fashions gorgeous Indian textiles into nifty clothes for kids sized 2 to 8. These creations offer a timeless look, based on traditional fabrics, with many pieces available in both silk and cotton. The apparel is easy to mix and match, for added versatility and value for both dressy and everyday wear.

Rayil, which means “train” in Tamil, is owned by Aruna Hatti who derived her inspiration from a childhood spent checking out her mother’s sari closet. The fabrics used are found in numerous areas of the Indian subcontinent, including silk from the Benares region of Uttar Pradesh, Karishma cotton from Tamil Nadu and cotton Khadi, a fabric popularized by Gandhi.

Girls’ styles include scalloped-edge circle skirts; layered maxi skirts; paper bag-waist woven leggings; delicately-trimmed wrap tops; pin-tucked tanks; and a variety of pleated tunic-style dresses.

Show basics in concert with accessories like ombré scarves and pompom stoles, and customers can walk out of your shop with a total look for a young miss. Easy-to-wear tunics and pants are part of the line-up for boys.

Rayil is a new division of the US-based Gnaana Company, LLC. The styles are created by New Delhi-based designer Moutushi Sarkar. Sarkar is a graduate of the prestigious Indian National Institute of Fashion Technology, who has previously designed for many global brands.

For comfort, style and international fabrics, be sure to visit www.rayilkids.com

Hazel Village Creates Captivating Creatures

Although Hazel Village Toys only launched in 2012, its whimsical animal pals are making waves among both kids and the adults who buy them (and sometimes keep them for their very own). Owner Jane Van Cleef is justifiably proud of her enterprise and has recently introduced a delightful new character, Lucy Owl.

Lucy is 14 inches tall and made of organic cotton jersey in a warm shade of tan, with natural wing tips and face to contrast with her green legs and beak. She is stuffed with washable polyfill, making her a cinch to hand wash and air dry. The eyes are hand embroidered. Lucy comes dressed in a skirt of floral print cotton lawn and also wears a striped cotton scarf.

Super-cool Reginald Fox is made of russet organic cotton velour, also stuffed with polyfill. His white-tipped foxy tail sticks out the back of his striped cotton pants and he sports a snazzy fringed scarf. All Hazel Village animal clothes are removable, so the outfits can be traded.

Hazel Village animals also include Emma Rabbit, whose pink inner ears match the floral print of her dress; Mortimer Mouse, a premium, signed, limited edition figure stuffed with natural wool and dressed in a red cotton jersey cardigan and striped wool socks; and Max Raccoon, a delight in gray cotton velour with black detailing and ears lined with blue and green cotton plaid. Also watch for green Ella Toad, sporting a pink skirt with hand-stitched eyes, hands and feet.

Many of these beguiling creatures arrive in a reusable cotton bag, delicately scented with lavender and mint. Although the target age for these creative critters is two to five year olds, they also work as nursery décor and pals for older kids.

Amazing animals and more: www.hazelvillage.com

Sammi & David Helps Tweens Rock Their Style

What happens when two first graders both turn up on the first day of school wearing sparkly cowboy boots? If you guessed they would become BFFs and go on to set fashion trends for fashion-forward tween girls, you’re right on the money. Sammi & David, the brain child of Rebecca Gold and Shana Cutler, incorporates comfortable materials like bamboo fleece and knit jersey as well as more cutting edge fabrics including distressed leopard, creating styles that can be dainty or trend more towards a girl’s inner rocker.

Their elbow-length dress, in denim, lime or raspberry, features an asymmetrical neckline and peek-a-boo layer of pleather at the bottom. Made in the USA, this charmer goes right into the washing machine for simplicity of care.

The same colors appear on the Leo Hoodie dress, in an easy-to wear sweatshirt style complete with a hood and a snappy leopard bow at the bottom. Leo is also presented as a long-sleeved tee shirt with an asymmetrical neckline and leopard bow detail that can be paired with Leo sweat pants that have a gathered waist and three leopard bows on the right leg.

A jumpsuit is a quick way for a young girl to look pulled together with zero effort, and Sammi & David offer one with a lowered back and pleather pockets.

Black pleather leggings can be a versatile wardrobe staple for tweens as they pair with every conceivable top. What tops all these fabulous outfits? Try the pleather jacket with leopard print sleeves and a cool zip front.

A little attitude and plenty of style marks this company’s Bow Burnout Crew with an allover bow design as well as the “it goes everywhere” Kanga Pocket Tee that has a hand-holding kangaroo pocket in front and elbow-length sleeves.

A little edge please at: www.sammianddavid.com

Memorable Holiday Fashions from Sweet Petunia

Nothing says “Holiday” better than the Olé skirt from Sweet Petunia. This hot little number with red, white, and green layers is a hit paired with a ruffle Christmas tree shirt finished with a polka dot bow and button. Another hit is the red and white striped Society pants, especially when paired with a custom name reindeer t-shirt that is available for both girls and boys in sizes 12 months to 7/8.

The Gwen dress in red and pink damask will charm for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, while the Floral Bouquet dress is a festive look for Thanksgiving. Both dresses are in 100% woven cotton and feature a sweet “1950’s housewife” (think Betty Draper as a kid) design with three-quarter length sleeves and French cuff detailing, as well as a retro Peter Pan collar.

Another winner from Sweet Petunia is the Jane Halter dress, also in woven cotton. The turquoise, magenta, red, and yellow print is enlivened with turquoise polka dots at the hem and sash.

For another look back in time, check out the Appleville Sophie dress that makes thoughts turn to the 70s. The print features a bright design of little girls in a whimsical apple village. Matching hair accessories are also available.

Get ready for the holiday season and beyond at www.sweetpetuniaclothing.com