The MAGIC Marketplace is the preeminent trade event in the international fashion industry, hosting global buyers and sellers of children’s, women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, and accessories. As an incubator of fashion, MAGIC is where new trends surface and develop into what will be seen on the consumer. The show’s goal is to connect and inspire the fashion community, fuse diverse trends, while offering unbeatable service to its customers. This February, almost 40 of fashion’s most distinguished and newest children’s exhibitors participated in MAGIC KIDS. Amongst these many brands, we found several that appealed to us.
One that we absolutely love is Kicky Pants (http://www.kickypants.com) created by mother Erin Cloke. Kicky Pants offers stylish and functional clothing for infants and toddlers. They offer a Bamboo Basics line that is incredibly soft and luxurious feeling, not to mention eco-friendly! Not only is bamboo a sustainable crop that grows without pesticides or fertilizers, but as a fabric it is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antistatic. Did you know that bamboo fabric absorbs water 3-4 times better than cotton, keeping skin comfortable instead of sticky in warm weather? They note that their apparel line is convenient for moms (and dads), comfortable for babies, and offers a playful and charming style. A favorite spring item of ours is their bamboo layered ruffle dress that retails for $56. Visit their website for more information and to find your nearest retailer.
 Grana & Mau will have your little boy or girl styling while sleeping. These super cute Euro style boy’s pjs embroidered with an anchor are $48-$52. Classic and comfortable pajamas are what this new company specializes in, but also offer adorable bloomers and dresses for girls. Marina Grana started Grana & Mau in 2007 with the idea to dress kids in clothes that reminded her of her very happy childhood spent partly in Italy and partly in England. These 100% hand embroidered cotton pajamas, dresses and shirts for girls, and sheets are all made with love in Vietnam. A percentage of proceeds go to CNCF, an international partnership dedicated to serving children and maximizing the potential of each child. If you love your child’s pjs you can also buy yourself some to match! Visit http://www.granamau.com
A definite attention grabber, France’s 3 Pommes desginer children’s clothing line is all about fashion, fun and a huge wink! 3 Pommes is natural, fun, easy to wear and yet so different from the others making it very popular around the globe. 3 Pommes targets babies and children alike and uses original cuts and materials, like imitation fur for winter or overlays and transparencies for the summer, A member of Group Zannier, 3 Pommes is produced with broad pallet of colors and fabrics, with original prints and it remains faithful to its ambition : maximum creativity, minimum price. They offer fashion and quality accessible to all. Their trendy and comfortable clothing are for children sized 0-12 years.
Walking around the MAGIC Marketplace made us a little hungry so we were extra excited to come across Peace of Cake! Not only did they have mini cupcakes for grabs, but also some funky faux fur jackets and adorable accessories. Here is one of the jackets I personally would love to get my hands on for myself and my daughter! (Perfect year round in San Francisco!) |
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 Growing up I always wanted (and sometimes still) to be a fashion designer. I would have loved to have a Harumika doll! We got to play with this new dress-form fashion doll from Bandai America at the show and totally fell in love with the concept. Now my daughter can play with her aspirations of becoming a designer. She can let her imagination run freely and create her own styles and show off her creations on www.harumika.com beginning June 2009, with the product available at major retailers in July 2009.
A couple of noise-makers that are must-haves we came across are Squeaky Bow-tique shoes ( http://www.squeakers.com) and Bumble Bells ( http://www.bumblebells.com). How can you go wrong with having delightful shoes and dazzling jewelry to help let you know where your little one has gone? These items make perfect gifts. Visit our store Zenspired and get one today.
If you got a little hipster on your hands, Mini Fine and Disney Couture Baby by Mighty Fine will suit his/her needs for a fun and fashionable statement. Celebrity children have been seen all around Hollywood sporting these fun t-shirts adorned with Sesame Street, Peanuts and Snoopy, Disney characters, musicians/bands, and more. Available at hip kids boutiques and better department stores.
Is your little one looking for a cute and fun backpack or a duffle bag for an overnight trip? Kreative Kids’ plush accessories will make your child the talk of the sleepover! An ultra soft stuffed animal is included with most of the bags so she will never be alone. They also offer cozy slippers to match!
 We all have seen the soft-soled leather shoes decorated with princesses, pirates, dogs, sports balls, flowers, etc for newborns through 4 year olds, otherwise known as Robeez. Mothers and fathers love these shoes because they allow their child to “feel” the floor while toddling or walking. Robeez Footwear is recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of soft-soled leather footwear for newborns through four-year-olds.
Started by Sandra Wilson in 1994 when she was downsized from her airline job, Robeez now surpasses $15 million mark and still continues to grow! Celebrity children such as Zahara, Kingston, and Ryder have been seen sporting their Robeez while out with their parents. For about $30 you can choose from hundreds of styles to suit your child’s personality. Check them out at www.robeez.com.
All in all, we had a great time discovering new brands and reacquainting ourselves with brands we have already known. We will definitely see you again in August MAGIC!
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 Quite honestly, this is hands-down one of our favorite outfits Acara Mia will be wearing this summer. Little Peanut, available at Peek… aren’t you curious, is right on track with this season’s bold new prints. The lightweight cotton top, bloomer and sweater are perfect from birthday party to a day on the beach. Paired here with a sleek hot pink metallic sandal from Squeakers, available at our store, Zenpired, this combo could mix and match with endless sweaters, shoes and even leggings for colder days.
Bumble bells
Heirloom, jewelry, keepsake and safety device all in one, Bumble bells are the “must-have” infant accessory. Recently spotted on Gwen Stefani’s little tyke, celebrities and fashionistas alike are strapping on the bumble bells as a fashion piece that keeps your child only a pitter-patter of ringing bells away. Acara Mia was mesmerized the first time her foot jingled, as endless requests poured in on where to purchase them. Acara Mia Magazine is now proud to announce the availability of Bumble Bells in our new store, Zenspired. Interested in purchasing a pair or perusing our online racks? Click here...
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Squeakers shoes
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but not when it comes to these squeakers shoes by Squeaky Bow-tique. New on the scene of up and comers, these shoes will make you say “wow!” when you put them on your little one’s feet. Not only do they have excellent support, they come in trendy, off-kilter colors, like the metallic hot pink (shown here), gold and silver. Along with classic colors, like black, brown and white-- adorned with intricate cut-outs and patterns. Sandals (shown here), mary janes, even boys and girls sneakers, oh my! But the very best part is these shoes have built-in squeakers, so you can find your little one quickly if he or she is playing hide and seek in the department store racks. Acara Mia loves them! Get our “must have” Squeakers sandals by clicking here…
Get our spring/summer “must haves” at:
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