Story Time
Portuguese-based brand Andorine was launched in 2015 by Maria João Lito and Luísa Amorim, with hopes of sparking passion and adventure in children. According to its founders, the brand’s name comes from the Latin word for swallow, an iconic Portuguese symbol. With each collection comes an original story to inspire young children. The brand’s logo doubles as each episode’s signature character, allowing children to fly around the world with every new collection. Based on Andorine’s journey from Porto, Portugal, to Tokyo, the first collection includes Japanese-influenced pieces, like a kimono-style shirt and a sweater reflective of the nation’s flag. Available in sizes 2 to 14 for boys and girls, the collection offers everything from dresses and jumpsuits to scarves and shoes. Retail prices range from $68 to $370. Visit www.andorine.com for details.
Fancy Footwork
Megan Linke decided it was time the children’s shoe industry kicked it up a notch. “My husband and I were not happy with the styles and fit of the shoes on the market, and the fact that very few were made in the U.S.A.,” Linke recalls. Taking matters into her own hands (literally), Linke became Manhattan’s next mompreneur by handcrafting a kids’ footwear line, which she dubbed Lili Collection after her son Liam’s nickname. Available from newborn to age 6, the collection offers everything from lace-up oxfords to booties and loafers. Wholesale prices range from $23 to $36, and all of the brand’s designs, including its signature Animoccs (moccasins sporting animals faces) are made in America. Visit www.lilicollection.com for more information.
Sound of Style
Take Cover
“As parents living in sunny Florida, it was a constant battle between enjoying our time outside and staying protected,” explains Maureen Schmidt. “So we set out to make a collection that is fun and fashionable.” Together with her husband Fred, the duo developed Shade Critters, a line of colorful swimwear that provides UPF50+ protection from the sun. Befitting the couple’s home in Palm Beach, the collection offers a bright array of beachready patterns. (Think watermelon, pineapple and palm fronds for girls and stripes, sharks and lobsters for boys.) Available for kids’ from 6 months to 10/12, the collection includes swimsuit sets and infant sunsuits, as well as camp shirts and leggings for girls. Retail prices range from $28 to $58. Check out www.shadecritters.com for more information.
Established in Toronto in 2013, Aisabobo was launched by husband and wife co-founders Jinka and Sharon Kagami as a gift for their future daughter. “Aisa,” the intended name for their first daughter and “bobo,” the sound of a kiss on the cheek, unite to form the brand’s unique name. “This is how we want to dress our future children,” explains Sharon. “Very elegantly. Very classic.” Fittingly, Mozart’s Minuet in G major served as the inspiration for the Fall ‘16 collection, debuting in the U.S. at the January edition of Children’s Club. True to her vision of boys and girls dancing to the tune in a ballroom, the collection comes in a spectrum of classic hues, including black, blue, red and gray. For girls’, the line offers structured yet feminine silhouettes with impeccable tailoring, while highlights of the boys’ line include a black twill blazer with red trim and an ice-gray wool jacket with navy trim. Wholesale prices range from $15 to $50, and sizes range from 3 to 12. Visit www.aisa bobo.com for details.