Jamie Ross Creative Director/Nina Esteves, Assistant Trend Analyst The Playtime trade shows, held in New York, Paris and Tokyo, are one of our favorite places to get fresh ideas in children s wear. We attended the most recent New York event, held in the Metropolitan Pavilion and were excited by what we saw. Once again, there were new lines in addition to innovative favorites, many international, and we will offer a recap of the best. Once again, gender-neutral apparel and color continued in a big way from many of the collections, a point that hits home from both a marketing and merchandising standpoint (especially for space challenged retailers). KEY THEMES : 1. FREAK SHOW Animal prints, bold graphic patterns, active influences, printed leggings, darker colors plus basic black/white and gray. 2. QUIRKY CARROUSELS Some collections have been experimenting with fun house, circus and clown themes, and now we see that fun continue with injections of bright color, shine, Lurex, coated fabrics, wide tent stripes and embellishment. 3. COTTON CANDY Soft and light. Sweet feminine styles. Textured knits. Lurex yarns. Pique textures.
KEY COLOR MESSAGES : Mostly neutral sophisticated tones to basics. Brights and neons used more as an accent (back to gray, white or black) Speaking of, various shades of gray and black Seafoam and apricot Fruit inspired colors Washed out and laundered colors KEY ISSUES/ITEMS : Printed sets a matchy matchy approach as we had hinted from Fall Playtime Relaxed easy styles and comfort driven clothing with that, plenty of dropped crotches Active influences abounded updated with other moods and prints Utilitarian driven looks for girls Lots of overalls and jumpsuits even mechanic style updates Bomber jackets taking over for many of the motorcycle styles dominant in the past Pleated skirts Tons of printed leggings again, often unisex
KEY PRINTS/PATTERNS/FABRICATIONS : Wide stripes and large bands of color Stripe direction mixing Different scale polka dots in combination Photoreal prints Collage prints Illustrative prints A few ethnic and tribal prints Prints that cross from front to back Coated fabrics Lurex yarns and shine Mélange and textured knits Slub yarns Linen and linen blends Tulle Color blocking and fabric mixing (often with faux leathers)
KEY DETIALS : Funky animal graphics continue with whimsy adding newness 3D appliqués and embellishment Metallic piping and trim Pleats with print inside Interest in collars and necklines Pom poms also in accessories ACCESSORIES & FOOTWEAR : Novelty sunglasses brightly colored aviators to neo geos, with an emphasis on round Backpack updates variety of shapes/sizes and use of print direction key to looking current Mixed material footwear Glitter and metallic leathers High tops Clear and plastic looks Cork
BRANDS OF THE SEASON : 1. Ketiketa (www.ketiketa.com) - This Parisian based line offers sophisticated dusty tones as the basis for solids popped by a few signature prints. Easy, comfortable, away from the body shapes. 2. Oaks of Acorn ( www.oaksofacorn.com) - Brand new from Hong Kong, this directional collection takes inspiration from mothers, with vintage references and an emphasis on fun. 3. Maan ( www.maankids.com) - Antwerp based line of adorable and eclectic shrunken looks funneled from women s and men s directions. 4. Ultra Violet Kids (www.ultravioletkids.com) - With one year under its belt, this proudly made in the U.S.A. collection looks to make grownup clothes for the not yet grownup simple and sophisticated, fun but not fussy. 5. Little Paisley People (www.littlepaisleypeople.com) - Handcrafted, charming and urbane are the taglines of this adorable line for girls featuring trendy matched sets, tees and whimsical toys. 6. Moto Reta (www.motoreta.es) - Let s Go Outside is the theme for this Spanish line for Spring/Summer 15. Novelty prints for boys (e.g. whales and sea life) mix with unfussy ruffles for girls. 7. Milk On The Rocks (www.milkontherocks.net) - Another Parisian based line, who however, takes inspiration from New York, by way of superhero graphics and edgy prints. 8. Be Lucky (www.beluckykids.com) - The Spanish line for boys defines itself as urban, with vintage references and essences of rock and roll.