August KIDShow Showcased Inspiration and Innovation

The August KIDShow in Las Vegas once again hosted a welcoming trade event that attracted business-driven national and international buyers. Most were there to discover what’s new, prepared to write higher-volume orders in anticipation of a more prosperous 2012. The next KIDShow Las Vegas is scheduled at Bally’s, February 13-15, 2012.

Here are some brands that earned my admiration and provided inspiration for the future of the children’s business: Babyball Clothing, Rebelette, Andy & Evan and Teeny Wingkini. So many exhibitors at KidShow provided me with ideas for editorial content for months to come.

Babyball Clothing Scores!

I love meeting first-time exhibitors with a fever-pitch passion for their products. At KIDShow, National Sales Manager Michael Whitehurst and Chief Designer Jessie Zaylia were enthusiastic cheerleaders for the newest game in town… Babyball Clothing! The sports-themed collection of one-piece creepers makes a baby look like the ball — a football, baseball, basketball or soon-to-be-released 8-ball and tennis ball. I could just picture dads playing catch with their little ones, without even needing a ball. Just toss their son or daughter around!

Baby Ball Clothing scores with quality creepers, designed with authentic-looking details front and back to look like the complete sports balls. All are made of combed 100% cotton; interlock knit; pre-shrunk; buttons color-matched to the fabric. If I had a baby grandson now, I’d want him to wear a football romper from Babyball. I’d film a funny video pretending to hike the baby ball, pass him around and score a touchdown to great cheers and applause. Sounds like a $100,000 “AFHV” prize entry to me!

With the fall sports season in play, do not pass on a chance to play with Babyball Clothing on your retail roster! www.BabyballClothing.com. 713.501.9535

My New Fave Designer for Tweens is at Rebelette Los Angeles

After three decades covering the world of children’s fashion, I still get inspired when I meet an up-and-coming designer that makes my inner-dadness proud. I admire young talent that has a strong work ethic, creativity and especially a sleeves-rolled-up drive to do anything and everything to make the brand succeed.

Designer Jasmine Romero of Rebelette Los Angeles is the designer who made my heart proud at the August KIDShow. She designs and also sells a tween collection that captures the youthful “I-don’t-want-to-look-too-different, but-I-gotta-be-cool” style of tween girls with their youthful innocence and blossoming awareness of their changing femininity, just starting to race at warp speed. As important as knowing what a girl wants, is knowing that her designs are just hot enough to “cool” down any concerns parents may have about their daughters “growing up too fast.” That’s a valuable design talent and Rebelette’s Jasmine Romero has got IT! I hope she keeps in touch with me throughout her career.

Rebelette Los Angeles specializes in sizes 4-6x and 7-16 for the “true rebels in fashion.” Fashions include wovens and knits styled for tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets. To get this brand to magnetize the tween market in your store, contact www.rebelettetrade.com. Or call Lynette Pena (who I also met at KIDShow and is another example of a dynamic woman with hard-working ethics, service skills and young talent) at 626-448-9988. See Rebelette at ENK Children’s Club October 2-4, Booth 8406.

Young Gentlemen Prefer Andy & Evan

It’s never too early to look like a gentleman, even if one’s too young to act like one! My top hat’s off to new boys’ brand Andy & Evan, named for the two co-founders Andy “Jon” Perl and Evan Hakalir. These guys named their brand after themselves, but to me the collection screams “Dapper Dans!”

The Andy & Evan booth was so compelling that it stopped me in my tracks, while practically running for my first cup of coffee. The preppy, little-banker designs, let me teller you, caught my eye. But the Shirtzie™ made me “sit down” and take notice. Evan showed me how the Shirtzies combined the traditional button-down shirt with the functionality of a one-piece closure. The one-piece shirt is finely tailored from woven 100% cotton, accented with premium shirting trim on the placket and cuffs. Collars are lined with soft cotton. Perfect for baby’s first big meetings! The attention to detail and functional fashion made me want to have one super-sized for my best suit-wearing occasions. A great way to keep shirts tucked in and looking sharp! Coordinating (but not “matchy-matchy”) pants, toddler shirts and polos complete the mini-me, trend-perfect GQ looks.

It became obvious to me that Andy & Evan’s namesake collection has a “sweet-smell-of-success” vibe when Evan told me that he and his business partner were successful corporate dropouts who decided to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. They spun their custom-tailored shirt company for men into the boys’ brand.

To stock up on this boys’ business deal, make a gentleman’s agreement at www.andyandevankids.com. Or call 646-758-6572.

Teeny Wingkini Makes a Big Splash

Girl’s swimwear? Check. Fairy Princesses? Check. A staple and trend that no longer turns my head. But a certain spell and attraction came over me at KIDShow when I discovered the blending of these two in a double-take of fairy fun swimwear by Teeny Wingkini. Great idea? Double check it out!

Teeny Wingkini is a showstopper collection of swimwear named after whimsical fairies from mythical Teeny Wingkini Island. Each style combines a one-piece swimsuit (that looks like a two-piece with its ruffled waist), and coordinating, removable over-the-shoulder wings, complete with a secret storage compartment! I could easily imagine young girls wearing these outfits all day, through every season, from water play to imaginary playtimes. Teeny Wingkini’s creations should fly off retail shelves.

Teenywingkini and the Teeny Wingkini Swimwear were brought to life by Founder/Designer Stacey Linde, who, with a “wing and a prayer,” put the best of both worlds for active girls together — swimming and playing in outfits that open the floodwaters of fantasy worlds and fun. Styles include Bellarina, Li’l Lady(Bug), Bumbalina (Bumble Bee), Gabriella (Sunflower Child), Searra (Sparkly Mermaid) and Valentina (For Sweethearts.)

Teeny Wingkini made me an instant believer. For more, contact . (702) 885-5414 or Director of Sales Casey Charter, at (702) 797-0090.

There were many more brands at KIDShow Las Vegas that earned my praise and deserve your retail recognition, including Penelope Wildberry, Zootie B. Little, Paper Cloudz, Morf, Picaroz from Pazitos, Warrior Poet Clothier (inspiring and empowering tee collection), Baby Flirt, Truly Whimsical, Better Baby Sleep, a helpful book by Jane Stockly and Jacx (a girls’ collection created by a true artist, Jaclyn Schanes). I have referrals for many more editorials for The Giggle Guide^® for Spring 2012 and beyond. So many great brands, you’ll want a bigger store!

The Giggle Guide^® & KIDShow Awarded Gifts to Retailers

The Giggle Guide^® continued its tradition of awarding a selection of products in a free prize drawing for retailers attending KIDShow Las Vegas. The winners were:

Baby Boomer Clothing Co., Seal Beach, CA; Babies & Beyond, Tucson, AZ; and Hansel & Gretel Boutique, Cape Girardeau, MO.

Winners of two tickets to see Penn & Teller at the Rio Hotel, compliments of Harrah’s Hotels were Crismon’s Baby Boutique, Mesa Arizona and Beachside Gifts, Paulsbo, Washington.

Thanks to these brands that donated gifts for the Retailer Giveaway:
Anita G, Best of Chums, Bijeaux Hair Accessories, cach cach, Cinderella Couture, Donita Fashion, Isobella & Chloe, Jelly the Pug, Konfused Kids, Lazy One, LeTop, Natural Wondies, pediped Footwear, Shinobi Baby, SOZO, Tiny Tinkers and Wee Ones.

Editorial Director David Gaunt will be tweeting, reporting and looking for products for his next Show Report at ABC Kids Expo and ENK Children’s Club.