3 minute read

CREATIVE MINDS

from Earnshaw's | April/May 2023

from Earnshaw's | April/May 2023, page 34

FINAL CUT

of view, but they all share the same commitment to creating a special buying experience for the customer.

When it comes to design, it can be challenging to develop new looks, season after season. But Paige Lauren makes it look easy. This California-born and New York-educated business owner never worried about what the competition is doing; she believes in her own vision and follows her instincts to create her sustainable line that focuses on the coziest clothing for little ones. Enjoy reading about her Renaissance-esque background that ultimately led to her passion for making baby clothes in “Loungewear Elevated,” on page 31.

foam shapes from Etsy and together with photographer Zoe Adlersberg, experimented with the props and light to build a magical backdrop. They cast cherubic little models to match the theme, and voila—you have our imaginative take on baby and toddler fashion for Fall/Winter 2023. We hope this inspires you to explore different brands and dream up fresh ideas for your store. Before we know it, the summer Playtime/Kid’s Hub shows will be here, and it will be the perfect time to try something new.

WE’RE ALL FAMILIAR with the adage “great minds think alike,” but creative minds are also connected, through common behaviors and innovative ways of seeing the world. A creative mind can think outside the box, color outside the lines, try new things without the fear of failure. A creative mind zigs when others zag.

Here at Earnshaw’s, we celebrate the creative minds of childrenswear industry professionals. Our feature story “Unique Boutique,” starting on page 12, highlights three retailers from across the country who have become small-business pillars in their communities. Each store has a distinct point

We also highlight a children’s licensing footwear company, Esquire Brands, started by Isaac Saada. He slowly but surely expanded his business over nearly 15 years; DKNY Kids, Jessica Simpson, Marc Fisher, and Kenneth Cole are now sold in more than 6,500 doors. We interview President Peter Roccamo about how Saada’s entreprenurship helped build his leadership team and fashion footwear brands in “Seeing the Glass Half-Full,” starting on page 14.

Earnshaw’s further celebrates the creative minds who develop the content of this magazine. Our fashion story, Squish (starting on page 16), is visually dynamic, textured, bold, fun—and incredibly original. Fashion Director Mariah Walker bought

We’ve got one more thing to celebrate. The Society of Publication Designers nominated our very own creative team of Nancy Campbell and Trevett McCandliss for a medal in the fashion/beauty category for “Culture Club” in the January/February 2022 issue. Take a look at this stunning fashion story, shot by Zoe Adlersberg and styled by Mariah Walker, on our website, Earnshaws.com.

How do you think outside the box and color outside the lines? What inspires you to create, design, merchandise, and find new and inventive ways to grow your business? I would love to know, so please email me at michele.silver@wainscotmedia.com.

Michele Silver Editor-In-Chief

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

RAMY BROOK, a New York-based contemporary women’s brand, has expanded into childrenswear. Ramy Brook Kids features take-downs for Mommy & Me looks for spring. The collection includes dresses, coverups and swimwear for ages 18 months to 12 years old.

The brand already appeals to an intergenerational customer. Designing for girls was always a dream for Founder and Creative Director Ramy Brook Sharp. Sharp has happy memories of her mother dressing her and her sister in matching looks as a child, and she always got such joy coordinating outfits with her own daughter, Stevie. The collection retails for $98-$168 and is available at RamyBrook.com and at the brand’s flagship store on Madison Avenue in NYC.

HAPPY 70TH, LAURA ASHLEY

LAURA ASHLEY, ONE of the world’s best-loved home and lifestyle brands, is celebrating its platinum anniversary with limited-edition products, designer collaborations and new seasonal ranges including an heirloom inspired quilt, keepsake infant blanket and a toddler dress for girls. The collections will carry the brand’s anniversary stamp, which features the iconic bramble that is recognizable from the early brand logo, developed by Laura Ashley herself and her love for wildflowers and British hedgerows. The brand has 27 licensees serving the Americas with a breadth of product, including sleepwear, childrenswear and accessories. “Customers continue to be drawn to our timeless style and iconic prints even when presented in fresh, modern way,” says Penne Cairoli, President Laura Ashley Americas.

Laura Ashley, which started from the eponymous founder’s kitchen table in London, England, has evolved into an international powerhouse with products available in 81 countries. It is set to extend its retail footprint worldwide, entering new markets like Australia and adding to the global store portfolio with openings in Japan and Korea.

Easy Breezy

KICKEE PANTS HAS developed a new feature to its best-selling and super soft footie— a two-way zipper for fuss-free diaper changes. Along with integrated fleece padding to keep little feet warm and easy-to-use flip mittens, staying cozy is child’s play. The 15-year-old bamboo apparel company has also introduced a flip-foot convertible coverall. “Our Kickee community of retailers and consumers has been an incredible resource for creating new styles, meaningful innovations, and meeting and exceeding market expectations. We regularly engage directly with the moms and dads who use our products and with retailers who carry the line,” says Co-founder Nick Cloke. Kickee Pants prides itself on producing hypoallergenic apparel and bedding for consumers and dependable shipping and knowledgeable sales representatives for its retail accounts.