Trend Report: Playtime New York July 2011

The same day that I visited the ENK Spring 2012 Show, I also hopped over to Soho to see Playtime New York, a smaller, independent trade show featuring emerging talent in kids' fashion and design. Here are some trends I noticed among both American and European designers:



Trend #1: Colorblocking. Personally, I've loved this trend ever since watching Vogue put together a colorblock article for The September Issue. And it is a trend that works especially well for kids.



Tank dresses by French designer Bakker made with love





Colorblock sneakers by Bensimon





Colorblock coat by A is for Apple







Trend #2: Jungle animals. I'll say it again--owls are on the way out. In now: elephants & giraffes.



Ties by 'Lina Bean







Elephant print dress by Ode Kids







Giraffe tee and jumper by Little Esop







Elephant tote by Acme Tees









Trend #3: Rompers. Rompers & jumpsuits remain popular for the 2nd year in a row, and have even branched out to maternity wear (if you dare...I would not have).



Delilah Romper by Tala Bee Kids







Orange organic romper by Green Baby







Maternity romper by en sainte





And, here are some finds that don't fall into any particular trend, but I thought were just plain lovely and wanted to share with you:



One pieces by Lucky Wang





Handmade sleepsacks by Woolly Boo





Lightning Tees by Acme Tees





White Swiss Dot Shirt by Tala Bee





It's a busy month for trade shows. Next weekend I am judging the best new baby & children's products at the New York International Gift Fair. Stay tuned!