Kids À La Mode #9

contributing staff Janet A. Jacobs Editor-in-Chief

Janet has been involved with nearly every aspect of children's fashion. Graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology, New York with a degree in children's wear design, she has been working continuously in the industry ever since. Janet has designed kid's apparel and products for a wide range of clients in the United States and South America. As a photo/journalist, she has written and photographed for major fashion and trade publications, traveling the world to follow the latest design trends and current news. Janet also enjoys teaching swim and aquacise classes for children and adults.

David Jacobs Contributing Editor

David's love of literature started early and continues to this day. He is the author of over sixty published novels and works of nonfiction, covering diverse genres as action/adventure, true crime, science fiction and especially American Westerns. For decades he has brought his unique and witty writing style to fashion publications as a copywriter, proofreader and contributing editor.

Studio Toebosch Layout and Graphic Designer

Studio Toebosch is a graphic and surface pattern design studio based in Amsterdam.

Studio Founder Marie Claire Toebosch graduated from ArtEZ University of the Arts with a degree in Fashion Design. She has a diverse range of experience in the fashion industry as designer, graphic artist and supervisor. Studio Toebosch works on a variety of projects including magazine design, children’s wear design, and creating patterns for textiles, interiors, and wallpaper.

Rick Celano Art Director

Rick is a graphic designer and illustrator from Montclair, New Jersey. His love of graphic design, comic books and all things Art came from the fact that his father, his mother, and his grandmother were all artists. He just didn’t have a choice. Also known as “Rickman,” he has taught art and design to ages 5 to 95. Some of his art and design can be seen on his website RickmanArt.com along with the comics and children’s books that he’s published.

Maria Bowden Layout and Graphic Designer

Maria began her design career early by sketching designs for her father’s embroidery business. She went on to study art and design at New Jersey City University, and textile design at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. As a freelance designer she has created designs and graphic art for many children’s apparel and product companies. Maria’s interests extend to all forms of art including water color painting, house portraits and Costal art.

Carly Michelson Layout and Graphic Designer

Carly is a New Jersey based photographer and graphic artist.

She studied art and art history at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. She currently works as a product photographer, while also shooting landscapes, family portraits, and events on the side. In her spare time, Carly volunteers with local animal welfare group New Jersey Strays, contributing her skills in photography, design and social media marketing.

Lauren Schramm Layout and Graphic Designer

Lauren is an undergraduate student at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is pursuing two degrees in cognitive neuroscience and international affairs with a minor in French literature. In her spare time, she enjoys building websites and refining her graphic design skills.

CONTENTS Kids à La Mode #9

and James 9 AHarper fun and stylish kid’s tabletop brand.

Powder Mountain Lodge 12 Staying fashionably warm all Winter.

76 14 AO Exclusive profile of a special brand from Belgium.

Magnuson 18 Molly The art of a well-known fashion photographer.

Trends 22 Essential Key looks from Fall/Winter 2022-2023 collections.

Spain!

28 Hola Spotlighting a country filled with culture and kid’s clothes.

Rosalita Senoritas 30 Bright and original designs for girls.

CONTENTS Kids à La Mode #9 continued

Babykid Spain + FIMI 34 The Spanish show for children’s apparel, baby products and kid’s décor.

NU 38 Elegant, functional furniture that looks to the future.

Trends 42 Color Fresh palettes for the new season.

Swissmade 48 AFrilo family-owned company celebrates its 95th year. showUp 50 The inspirational Dutch trade show for home and gift wear.

NY NOW 52 Highlighting hot products from the New York Gift Show.

54 Extragalactic There’s space for everyone!

COVER Picture from AO76 AO76.com Sales@ao76.com @ao76_official Cover design by Studio Toebosch

Joe Schoenfelder CEO 511 Central Avenue Cedarhurst, NY 11516 1-631-708-1278 joe@Showroom21.us

Showroom21.us

Laura Schoenfelder VP 511 Central Avenue Cedarhurst, NY 11516 1-631-708-1277 laura@Showroom21.us

About the brand!

Where to buy?

All products are sold on their website: Harper and James Kids was cofounded by two New York www.HarperandJameskids.com moms, Amanda & Tara, who wanted to create a fun and stylish kid’s tabletop brand. When shopping for their daughters, they never could find feeding products that they Select items are sold on other websites and in select boutiques. could get excited about.

Please use coupon code kidsalamode for 20% off.

With their combined 15+ years of experience of product development in kitchenware and fashion, they launched Harper and James Kids in 2019. Their mission is simple: create products that parents and kids want to use, not that they have to use.

About the product!

Their products feature a colorful, bright, tie dye design that everyone (babies included!) truly gets excited about! The plates and bowls include a suction bottom. All their products are made from FDA approved and BPA free silicone.

Their top selling item, and what sets them apart from other brands, is The Perfect Gift Set. Days of not knowing what to send for a newborn baby or first birthday gift are gone with this amazing set! Each set is hand packed in a clear gift box with tie dye ribbon and a note. The set includes a plate, bowl and spoon. It retails for $39.

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namuk is a leading premium sustainable outdoor brand for namuk namuk prides children. As the first Swiss outdoor kids label, namuk itself on developing products while surrounded by high mountains and deep forests, developing innovative products that are technical, functional and made to last with highquality craftsmanship. From fleece made from recycled namuk products plastics to Primaloft Reversible Jackets, namuk's are for little "heavy users" who play outside in every type of weather In December 2021, namuk announced their expansion into namuk solved a need for the North American market. "namuk parents looking to find functional clothing that allowed kids to have unlimited adventures outside without compromising quality, durability and style," said Franz Bittmann, namuk Founder and CEO. "This expansion is a culmination of building a unique, positive brand image in the Swiss market.

Backed by the belief that kids need clothes that allow them to experience nature with all of their senses no matter the weather, and our goal is to now become the most important global outdoor brand for kids." namuk is built exclusively for kids ages zero to 12. Products namuk are tested by kids and continually improved based on their feedback to deliver durable, well-thought-out apparel that is both sensible and fun. As Switzerland’s first outdoor children’s namuk products are made from robust materials and label, namuk produced with high-quality craftsmanship. namuk namuk combines functionality, durability and design to offer products derived from recycled materials and upcycled collections resulting in apparel that is made to last and be passed on for multiple generations.

For the Fall/Winter 2022-23 collection, namuk namuk offers such new items as the Crusade upcycled ski pants, Neo Primaloft jacket, and Eon backpack. Using light, waterproof, and durable fabrics, these styles offer all kinds of practical features, making them indispensable for outdoor adventures or everyday use.

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By Janet A. Jacobs

business bloomed and he distributed all over Europe.

For decades I have enjoyed visiting the AO76 stand at European trade shows. In addition to great clothes, there is always a wonderful atmosphere created by the stand’s imaginative displays. One season I noticed a perfect row of evergreen trees visible outside the window in back of the AO76 display at Playtime Paris.

With their season’s theme being “Forest”, I remarked how lucky they were to have that view. I was told, “That’s not luck! We brought the trees ourselves from Belgium to enhance our display.”

In 1988 his youngest daughter Caroline joined her dad at the firm and became his right hand in business. In 1995 she was joined by older sister Nathalie and middle child

It was a pleasure to re-connect with AO76 and learn its unique history, speaking to Patricia Vandemoortele, Owner and Head of Design, and her son Gaspard Poelman, Creative and General Manager.

The company’s story started in 1976 with Etienne Vandemoortele, the early founder of American Outfitters and father of three daughters. He had discovered American sportswear and thought, “That’s something we need in Europe!” Shortly after, he rented a small warehouse in Destelbergen, Belgium and started contacting U.S. brands.

With a trunk packed with Hanes, Fruit of the Loom and Jerzeys, he hit the Belgian cobble roads on the hunt for his first customers. That was the beginning of the brand “Action Wear.” Despite the recession of the 1980’s, the 14 | Kids à La Mode

with minimal disruption. On August 26, 2011 the company took its first web order – a milestone!

By 2017, they decided to concentrate on the kid’s collection, with the goal of creating more for juniors as well. 2019 saw the debut of their second shop on the coast, a new boutique in the upcoming seaside town Nieuwpoort. Since 2022, the business has been in the hands of Patricia Vandemoortele and her son Gaspard Poelman. Now working on her 60th collection for AO76, Patricia says the arrival of Gaspard in the company was a logical step. “I need young people,” she explains. Gaspard says, “As a little boy I could already be found in the company. I was a model, I contributed to the designs, I worked in the shops and even renovated shops. When I was sixteen, I knew for sure: I want to join the company!

Because I already knew all the ins-and-outs of the fashion world, I started studying architecture, specializing in art history. After that I did a marketing and business study and obtained a master's degree in commercial sciences. Then I was ready to fully focus on my job at AO76.”

Patricia. Nathalie was general manager, Caroline was responsible for the sales team, and Patricia was the creative brain and source for the collections. Patricia turned the garage of the family home into a pop-up shop. It was a huge success! This made the three sisters realize the power of retail and their own brand. Because their father was so passionate about the USA, they named the company “American Outfitters” an American-inspired brand designed in Belgium.

As a creative mind, he has already come up with many original concepts, such as “BeKindCrew,” which encourages children to do something kind for someone else or for the planet, like walking a neighbor's dog or writing a letter to grandmother. “We call on the children to send in a photo of their BeKindAct,” Gaspard explains. “We place these on our website and in exchange they are

In 1997 Etienne Vandemoortele passed away. Later that year, the company’s office in Destelbergen burned down. After a few difficult but successful years, the sisters opened their flagship store in De Kortedagsteeg in Ghent in 2000. A former butchery, this beautiful building is still the Ghent flagship store today. In 2002 they opened their second flagship in Antwerp; one of the fashion capitals of Europe. The store was an immediate success.

In 2003 the new logo AO American Outfitters was created, a strong logo true to its roots. It was time to start focusing more on kid’s and women’s wear. In 2005 they stopped producing men’s clothes. The women’s collection was a great success. In 2006 they opened their first boutique at Knokke on the coast. AO76 survived the 2008 recession

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collection. On the quality side, only the best is good enough, and lots of research make AO76 pieces last much longer than one season.

The collections are split 50/50 between boys and girls to ensure that both have their choice of the best and most attractive outfits without having to shop elsewhere. Ages range from 4 to 16 years. The brand has now become more teen-minded because children of today are becoming adult faster. They are thinking about adding a S-M-L range exclusively for teens.

admitted to the BeKindCrew. We hope that this will start a positive movement.”

AO76 strives to create a warm and genuine atmosphere, staying connected to its target group, youngsters in a world of evolution where local becomes global and families become communities. A brand with values and ethics: not chasing trends but looking for authenticity. Creativity being its DNA, all prints are created in-house and new techniques are constantly being integrated in the

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The boy's collection focuses more on cool, creative artworks, new techniques and up-to-date styles.

Because the boys are dressed more classically, prints and styles are more important. The girl’s collection is more focused on new styles and fabrics that can’t be found anywhere else.

“So, I would say the girl’s collection is for kids that know what they want, and want to stand out from the crowd with unique AO76 items,” Gaspard says.

The brand is distributed around the world, with a network of five flagship stores in Nieuwpoort, Knokke, Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges. AO76 also has shops within shops inside the INNO, Le Bon Marché and Galleries Lafayette in Paris, and several important stores in Belgium. The collection is also sold online at www.ao76.com.

its different tones of ochre, brown, red and turquoise is one of the key elements of the color palette.

The first color theme has different shades of blue and green tones, representing Machu Picchu by day and by dusk. The fluorescent green, one of the highlight colors of the palette, stands for the vivid green fields and fresh grass. The second color theme has different shades of red, with washed pink for the girls, combined with denim blue and turquoise.

Tones and color combinations were inspired by such Peruvian motifs as the facades of houses and in textiles like rugs and traditional fabrics. The third color theme has earthy colors like brown, cinnamon and sand, mixed with golden yellowish colors like marigold. This theme represents the countryside with its indigenous animals and food, like alpacas and roasted corn. Graphics contain such elements as mountains, llamas and ethnic geometric patterns and stripes. They are combined in the AO76 collection with “can’t miss” themes such as skate board and ski; wild animals; cool texts and messages; sporty details and color blocking.

In June 2022 AO76 will be present at trade shows Pitti Bimbo, Playtime Paris, and Supreme Kids in Munich.

“Each season I will make a different selection of fairs in Europe because I think that this way we reach the most potential clients,” Gaspard says.

For Autumn/Winter 2022-23, the theme of the collection is “Peru”, which serves as the inspiration for the colors, styles, shapes and print ideas. The line usually features three color themes for presentation in its shops. For the Peru collection, the Rainbow Mountain or Vinicuna with “We always want to create a unique dreaming atmosphere for our clients. It’s not only clothing that we are selling, but a feeling of joy.”

Gaspard Poelman and Patricia Vandemoortele

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artist profile

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essential trends

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Elisabetta Franchi

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Nadadelazos

Pan Con Chocolate

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Weekend House Kids

Boboli

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Igor

Canada House

Babidu

Pan Con Chocolate

Say hello to a vibrant country filled with culture-amazing art and architecture, cuisine and kid ’s fashion!

Boboli

Senorita Lemoniez

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Upon entering the main hall at FIMI, one is immediately drawn to an eye-catching display of vibrant, original clothes for girls. Welcome to the super bright, super fun world of Rosalita Senoritas! Kids à la Mode is delighted to re-connect with Julio Martin Perez, Founder and Export Area Manager of this iconic Spanish brand.

What was the original inspiration for the brand?

We actually started by designing earrings for ladies. Then we did accessories like hats, then women’s clothes. Twelve years ago, we started to do kid’s styles. We

wanted the mother to wear something similar to their kids, so the styles were similar and we used the same prints.

All of our prints are exclusive, designed by a team of five designers and illustrators. This is our original concept: clothes for mothers and daughters, using different styles but the same prints.

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Where does your fabric come from?

Our fabrics are all from Spain, they are printed in Spain, and 85% of them are sewn in Spain.

Some items such as coats are done in China, but that’s only about 10% of the line.

The prints and graphics of Rosalita Senoritas are unmistakable, truly works of art! Big dots, big stars, lots of flowers… and of course, the adorable character artwork.

We have a team of designers, but I’m also very involved. I try to coordinate the collection, and I like to participate in everything in design. We started to do graphics of characters twelve years ago, and we still do it — the characters are always there. And we always have some graphics of faces, such as our Carmen Miranda inspired design. We are known for our bright, intense colors, which I personally prefer.

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In which countries is the line sold?

We sell mainly to Spain and nearby countries like Portugal, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany.

They especially like our designs in France and United Kingdom, and we also sell well in Japan. We sell directly to some stores in the United States, but we do not have an agent there yet. The US is not an easy market.

How do you best sell the collection? Do you think trade shows will come back to pre-pandemic times?

Yes, trade shows will come back but we need time. It’s still 32 | Kids à La Mode

not easy to travel. We are happy with this edition of FIMI, the exhibiters and fair are very good.

We also sell directly through our website and are pleased with our internet sales. We sell through the most important market places such as La Redoute in France and Zalando in Germany. We want to expand in Europe through market places such as these.

There are so many great styles in this collection!

Please show me two of your favorite designs [see picture].

Gracias!

Julio Martin Perez

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In Valencia, February 2022, Babykid Spain-FIMI hosted a long-awaited reunion of professionals in the worlds of children’s apparel, accessories, baby products and kid’s décor. The show welcomed a good mix of Spanish and international buyers, exceeding the expectations of the exhibitors and adding to the enthusiastic mood of all.

The FIMI part of the fair showcased a nice selection of baby and children’s wear, starting out with a superbright, graphic-focused collection by Rosalita Senoritas, as featured in our interview with the company elsewhere in this issue.

Paz Rodriguez 34 | Kids à La Mode

Other companies presented more classically styled lines of highquality dresses, sportswear and knitwear made in Spain. Paz Rodriguez, one of the most established Spanish brands, drew many local and international visitors with their lovely

Monnuage.bcn

coordinated groups for babies and toddlers, including finely-knit sets, dresses with smocking, luxurious outerwear, and styles combining sweater knits with textured woven fabric.

Another beautifully classic collection is Manuela Montero, who featured elegant girl’s wear in sophisticated shades of blue and green, brown and gray.

An area where Spanish brands particularly shine is kid’s accessories. Igor is a well-known brand that has been manufacturing water boots and beach sandals exclusively in Spain since 1974. The shoes are comfortable, stylish and available in a big variety of colors, making for an eye-catching booth display. For Fall/Winter, the line features boots available in shiny or matte finishes, with decorative bows or functional toggles. Sienna is a family-owned company that

Allondro

Manuela Montero Deglingos

manufactures everything in Valencia. Their vast collection of hair accessories for babies, girls, teens and women are all made by hand. The creativity and variety of these intricate items attracted a lively crowd of visitors at all times.

Babykid is the show’s segment dedicated to baby and kid’s furniture, toys, baby products, accessories and décor. Exhibitors included many large, internationally known companies as well as innovative young brands. Suenos de Ciguena presented a unique line of original wall decorations that are originally painted by hand with water colors. The 160 designs are self-adhesive and ready to stick onto walls in children’s rooms. Twelve of the most popular designs are also available as a collection of

Yuko b

bedding, and some designs are done in vinyl for floor coverings. Micuna is a 45-year-old Spanish family business dedicated to designing and producing environmentally friendly products for babies such as high chairs, cribs and other furniture.

From the company’s location next to the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia, they export to more than 35 countries. All products are made with wood from sustainable forests and finished with water-based paint that has anti-bacterial protection.

Renowned for their modern, artistically designed furniture, Micuna’s high chairs are on display at MOMA in

Bimbidreams

Bimbidreams Kids à La Mode | 35

Igor

Siena

New York and the Museum of Modern Art in Valencia.

Bimbidreams specializes in baby products featuring textiles. This 40-year-old company uses only high-quality organic textiles for their blankets, sheets, quilt covers, cushions and other items. Many of the textiles feature delicate prints that inspire themes for the various collections.

The company is based in the Region of L’Alcoia, an area of Spain with a long and intriguing history in the manufacturing of textiles. The origins of this industry in the area actually date back to its beginning in the year 1278! Bimbidreams was one of the many exhibitors who expressed satisfaction with the fair, saying, “These have been very good days, both nationally and internationally.

Especially for export, since this time it has been even higher than in years before the pandemic. As for new clients, we have also obtained many who have gone on to order directly.”

Asepri, the Spanish Association of Products for Children, had a large 36 | Kids à La Mode

Luma

Suenos de Ciguena

stand situated between the Babykid and FIMI show areas.

Besides offering help and information, they also provided comfortable chairs for tired attendees to rest. And those attendees who had enough energy after the show to explore Valencia were treated to an amazing city rich with history, culture and stunning architecture ranging from Medieval to futuristic. Yet even more reason to return to the next Babykid Spain-FIMI show this summer!

Micuna

Valencia bike tour

City of Arts and Sciences

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color trends

Raspberry Plum Raspberry Plum Fracomina

Please Kids

Pan Con Chocolate

Byblos Fun & Fun

Scotch & Soda 42 | Kids à La Mode

Fall/Winter 2022-23 Dixie

Dixie

Fun & Fun

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Tutto Piccolo

Il Gufo

Maan

Emanuel Pris

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Weekend House Kids

Fall/Winter 2022-23

Raspberry Plum

Nanan

Maan

Il Gufo

LUCKYBOYSUNDAY

Nanan

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Fun & Fun

Fun & Fun Simonetta

Fun & Fun

Fun & Fun

Vlasta Kopylova 46 | Kids à La Mode

Fall/Winter 2022-23 Raspberry Plum

Fun & Fun

Raspberry Plum

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Extragalactic There’s space for everyone!

Scotch & Soda

Blue Seven

Molo Circu Canada House

Canada House

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Raspberry Plum

Images of stars, planets and rocket ships take kids to another dimension.

Byblos

Nununu Molo

Micuna Rosalita Senorita Kids à La Mode | 55

A GLOBAL REVIEW OF CHILDREN'S FASHION, DÉCOR AND LIFESTYLE

Our next issue will feature first-hand reportage from international trade shows: Pitti Bimbo, Playtime, Baby Kid and FIMI, SundaySchool, NY NOW, and showUp. It will also have: profiles of important brands, interviews, seasonal trend reports, color palettes, and more.

Please join us and be part of Kids à la Mode #10 !

Publishing date: October 14, 2022 www.kidsalamodemagazine.com KidsALaModeMagazine

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