KIDShow Vegas Dressed to the 9s (and Lucky 7s!)

Buyers at the KIDShow Vegas, held February 17-19th at Bally’s, were able to discover lots of new exhibitors and brands, as well as proven favorites that always support this show because they can rely on it to come through with new doors, plus opportunities to enhance existing retailer relationships. The event’s hospitality and buyer-friendly atmosphere is always welcoming. After attending every KIDShow for almost 15 years, I was particularly pleased to meet new people that charged my professional battery for the health of the children’s fashion industry, and new brands with something both worthy to offer and be discovered by specialty stores looking for their next buzzworthy line.

DeSalitto Now Offers More for U.S. Specialty Stores

DeSalitto, an Italian brand with something-stylish-for-every child, began in Russia in 1993, and started its U.S. distribution of designer apparel last year. Now with a U.S.-based office on the East Coast, the brand’s many collections are available to serve just about any specialty boutique’s need. With its second showing at KIDShow Las Vegas, it was visually evident that DeSalitto offers more than most brands with selections in seemingly every category, at affordable price points to be profitable for retailers to invest in a European brand that’s new to their customers, but already a proven success abroad.

DeSalitto captured my attention, mainly due to its range of apparel and the passion of its Russian Vice President Anna Pinyagina and dynamo Account Rep Janice Rose. With too much to showcase in a brief show report, I wanted to be sure to share the news with more buyers as soon as possible. DeSalitto designs and manufactures warm outerwear, school uniforms, casual sportswear, special occasion dresses, party dresses, layette, hats and a lot more for boys and girls from infants through tweens. Fabrications include natural cotton, flax, silk and jersey, many with finishing touches that range from trendy glitz to classic fashion.

Styles range from trendsetting graphic/embellished tees, pants and skirts to sophisticated and traditionally classic dresses. The high quality is made even more attractive by the brand’s price points, set for fast sell-through at retail. The 2015 Fall/Holiday collections are previewing now. The easiest way to get started as a DeSalitto retailer is to just tell them what you need, as I bet they have it and in a selection of must-have styles made to impress.

For more information, contact www.desalitto.com

Pash Kidz Features a Casual, Modern Twist

When I first saw the Pash Kidz brand on a large display stand just outside KIDShow, I thought, “How clever! This new brand is playing off maybe an English accent play on ‘posh’ with a snappy new look for fashion-forward activewear for boys and girls.”

With catlike curiosity, my first stop at KIDShow was to check out Pash Kidz. First, the fashion designer Vivienne Pash exclaimed to me that her namesake brand was meant to represent her name, but also was indeed “Super fabulous!” With an almost instant rapport, Vivienne showed me her children’s collection for Fall ’15, showcasing everyday casual, with just the right touches of clever finishing touches, such as pleather borders, faux zippers, lace overlays, secret pockets and drawstring waists. Comfort is part of the Pash appeal, as most pieces are fabricated in Peruvian Cotton and manufactured in Peru.

Her runway of women’s ready-to-wear apparel, which she has designed for 8 years, inspired her children’s line. The girls’ styles are playful with plenty of “girl talk” style, and the boys’ baseball jackets, hoodies and outfits sport structured lines and subtle superhero influences. Some of the items, which reflect a modern twist with a 60s/70s vibe, have appeal for both boys and girls. Several of the girls’ outfits reflect an on-trend athletic-fem sensibility.

Born in Jamaica, with her company now based in NYC, Vivienne offers a mix-and-match assortment of prints and solids in a range of colors, including pink, royal, lime, tangerine, jade, trending black & white, grey, tan and lace touch. Vivienne Pash’s personality exudes passion for her work, excitement and eager anticipation as she expands her brand into children’s, openness, and joy for art and creativity. Vivienne and her Pash Kidz collection are worth a look and a listen. I think her charm and her creations are made to form long-term customer relationships. Retail prices range from $30 to $50.

To get to know more about Vivienne Pash and Pash Kidz, visit www.viviennepash.com or email

Troy James Boys: Top of the Class

Over the past year, I’ve hear the cry over and over: “There is just not enough boys’ clothing made for specialty retailers.” Even though I know many boys’ brands have successfully entered the market over the past several years, boys’ clothing still seems to offer opportunities. At KIDShow I met several newer boys’ brands exhibiting at the show, including Eddy & Scout (inspired by outdoor adventures), Woolpower (warmth from Sweden) and Modify 101 (amazing denim). Plus, Troy James Boys (TJB), whose small, packed with “I-want-it-all” finds for hip-minded young guys, booth belied the great things to come and the buzz that this brand generated in the aisles.

TJB includes both an affordable line of high-quality designs priced under $30 retail, and a Premium Collection featuring upscale details, Euro-tailored true-to-fits, ultra feel-good cashmere sweaters and vests, and even reimagined harem pants, all hip for our times. In addition, TJB offers bow and neckties, suspenders, underwear, socks, scarves, knit caps and other luxe accessories, perfect for formal to casual fun activities. Ragged boys can get a full makeover, literally top to bottom. And feel comfortable and cool doing it!

Add sustainability to the brand’s overall driving vision, and there’s a lot to get excited about. I was impressed with TJB’s black & white Legoish packaging that was part all-purpose conversation piece, puzzle, secret storage box and collector’s coin bank. Genius packaging for a trio of boys’ briefs!

Troy James Boys brought to mind a nostalgia for the times when dads dressed with a touch of class and suave sophistication, but made accessible for even the youngest modern males that look like manners matter, without losing their sense of comfort and “into everything” imagination and adventure. The boys really do have it for fall 2015!

For more information, go to www.TroyJamesBoys.com,