The Winners Circle

Congratulations to the 19 makers and creatives who scored the coveted honor of an Earnie Award. This mix of first-time and new companies share their unique design aesthetic and how their passion translates into childrenswear. We at Earnshaw’s tip our hats to all of you!

Accessories

Bows Arts

Designer: Liz Pham

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023? Fabric headbands that included specialty textures such as faux fur, embellishments and beaded snowflakes for winter and fluorescent neon bows for summer.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Our classic grosgrain, organdy and velvet bows. Our grosgrain have been our tried-and-true style for more than 40 years. Organza is a notoriously difficult fabric to work with, and our craftswomen do a beautiful job making them delicate and fluffy. Our velvet bows are double-layered with our beautiful and shiny satin.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Classic, colorful, youthful

What do you love about being a designer? Working with my hands and experimenting with new ways to create our hair accessories. It’s really fun to tinker and fine-tune designs until they’re perfect. I love that our accessories are regularly featured in family photos and holiday cards, and it’s wonderful to know that Bows Arts is part of such special memories for families around the world.

What makes our industry special?

The memories that are made for families and children at this stage in life. Children are only little for a short amount of time, so the childrenswear industry has a very special part to play. We contribute to those forever memories and help create whimsy and happiness for kids and families.

Baby/Toddler Apparel 

Magnetic Me

Designer: Lauren Levy

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

RightFit, our new patented fabric allows us to make loose-fitting pajamas that are naturally flame-resistant without the use of toxic chemicals. We also launched toddler and big kids’ playwear, which allows kids to use our magnetic technology to dress themselves in soft and functional daytime apparel.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Our magnetic ‘no drama pajamas’ for toddlers and big kids because it eliminates bedtime struggles, and our adult line of magnetic fastening pajamas and loungewear with strategically placed magnets for easy nursing access.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Whimsical, fun, vibrant

What do you love about being a designer?

Having the unique opportunity to cater to different types of parents and gift givers—from the fashion-forward to the classic traditional or boho chic. We add our whimsical touch to every type of aesthetic.

What makes our industry special?

It’s a happy and hopeful place no matter what else is happening in the world.

Boys’ Apparel 

Me & Henry

Designer: Mark Jeynes

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

To celebrate our 10th collection, we designed a collection of tees using the graphics from our free bedtime storybooks we give out every season. We did a poll on IG for parents to tell us their top 10 fave illustrations from the books, and those are the ones we used. This past fall, we launched a collection of sherpa fleece jackets and tweed three-piece suits.   

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Our woven shirts and matching baby one-pieces, quick-dry hybrid swim shorts and our huge collection of sweaters and cardigans.    

What three words to describe your company’s design aesthetic?

Classic, super soft, colorful    

What do you love about being a designer?

Playing with fabrics and created unexpected looks. Having a store or parent come back season after season is the biggest compliment ever.    

What makes the childrenswear industry special?

The reps and community who buy and sell are amazing. It’s a very special club that I for one, being a Brit selling to Americans, feel honored to be a part of.

Children’s Footwear 

Oldsoles

Designer: Vicki Lever

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

This season we added a sporty line, Squad Sneakers. They are more than a sneaker with a two-tone flexible sole, protective toe bumper for long wear and they have standout styling.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Our Little Tot for the timeless classic sneaker, the Oldsoles Kix sneaker with the O logo and Squad sneakers for all-day style.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Tastefully stylish, playful, chic

What do you love about being a designer?

I get to play and have fun with my creativity. Having an idea come to life is exciting and rewarding. There is nothing better for me that seeing kids playing in the shoes that I’ve designed. Kids are quite opinionated when it comes to their shoes, they often won’t wear them if they aren’t comfy and don’t like the styling.

What makes our industry special?

We can share in the joyous, playful times that children experience, and we get to have full creative license.

Girls’ Apparel 

Rylee + Cru

Designer: Kelli Murray Larson

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Loungewear for both relaxation and play and more coordinated sets of merchandise.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Our hand-illustrated sets and dresses, which are loved for their softness, comfort and unique artistry. The playful illustrations and timeless color palettes really capture our customers’ hearts.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Artistic, playful, timeless

What do you love the most about being a designer?

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of taking an idea from conception to reality and watching children enjoy the products that we’ve created. Seeing the joy on their faces is a constant reminder of why we do what we do.

What makes our industry special?
The fashion industry is made up of passionate individuals who truly enjoy what they do. It’s impossible not to smile when we come together at trade shows and witness the beautiful creations crafted by talented designers. We feel privileged to be a part of this incredible and inspiring industry.

Juvenile Products 

Wubbanub

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023? 

Our detachable pacifier collection and replaceable silicone pacifier pack.

What are the most popular items in your collections? The detachable cow and bear and three-pack pacifiers.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Soothing, functional, comforting

What do you love being a designer?

Witnessing how babies interact with our products and making a positive difference by soothing them as well as their families.

What makes our industry special?

The sense of community and the visible commitment to safety and sustainability that impacts our children’s future. Children are the leaders of tomorrow, and having these concepts at the core of what we do as an industry sets a positive example.

Newborn 

Angel Dear

Designer: Kim Perrin

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Twirly dresses and tutus

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Footies, dresses and sunsuits

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Fun, happy, sweet

What do you love about being a designer?

Creating a new collection every season that feels current.

What makes our industry special?

Our relationships with our stores, of course. The buyers in the kids’ space are the best.

New Brand 

The Sunday Collective

Designer:  Jay and Chloe Kim

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

TSC Naturals, a sustainable, all-natural collection of everyday clothes for children that leaves less of a mark on the world.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

The Natural Dye Everyday Zip Up, Fairy Tulle Dress and Organic Friday Pants

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Timeless, sustainable, quality

What do you love about being a designer?

Constantly growing and learning new practices and ways to do things better. Bringing our vision and aesthetic to life in the highest quality and most sustainable ways gives us a sense of accomplishment.

What makes our industry special?

Making children’s clothes and designs that we would want to wear, too. We think of children as smaller versions of ourselves, and they deserve high quality clothes just like us.

Personal Care/Beauty Products

Little Lady Products

Designer: Arda Tashdjian

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Our ever-so-popular Duos and Collection kits. We completely
redesigned the packaging and love the way it turned out. They feature a convenient slide-out tray that keeps all the polishes in place. The bright colors and size make it the perfect go-to gift or stocking stuffer.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Unicorn Wishes confetti glitter nail polish, Flamingo Dino Duo and Marshmallow Clouds nail polish.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Playful, cheerful, whimsical

What do you love about being a designer?

I enjoy making products that bring joy to kids and creating whimsical, memorable experiences.

What makes our industry special?

It blends creativity with a sense of wonder. This industry embraces vibrant colors, playful details and imaginative themes, which also spark the imaginations of young minds.

Outerwear 

Hatley

Designer:  Nick Oldland (Co-Owner and Creative Director)

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

We are most proud of our winter outerwear. The garments are very technical and are designed to withstand the elements but at the same time, really fun with just the right amount of flash to keep the winter blues at bay.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

We have been known as a sleepwear and rainwear brand, and these categories are still our bestsellers. But we have worked very hard to develop our fashion line and now our No. 1 sellers are girls’ dresses and skirts. Our 2023 sequin dress outsold every item in our line.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Print, fun, well-made

What do you love the most about being a designer?

It’s practical, never boring and always challenging. Mostly,
I love receiving finished samples and watching the collections come to life—it’s so satisfying, especially when it’s a success.

What makes our industry special?

There are no creative rules and you never have to take your designs too seriously. At Hatley, the more fun the garment, the better.

Sleepwear 

Bellabu Bear

Designer:Tamara Jarrar

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Our collaboration with Nickelodeon has been huge for us. It was a long-time goal to be able to offer our kids their favorite characters such as PAW Patrol in pajamas that are soft on the skin.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Milk & Cookies convertible footie, 7-pack bamboo underwear and our family matching sets for the holidays.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Whimsical, nurturing, clever

What do you love the most about being a designer?

Creating a beautiful print and watching it come to life. It’s so fun to go from a simple sketch to a child wearing the product while excitedly pointing out all the details in the print.

What makes our industry special?

I think it’s a very happy industry by nature. We get to be part of so many special moments, celebrating births or milestones such as first steps. It’s truly rewarding to be a part of those.

Special Occasion 

Appaman

Designer: Harald Husum

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Driven by environmental factors and sustainability, earth tones and timeless/seasonless colors dominated our FW 2023 collection. There may be times in spring that become chilly at night, and you can still wear an item from Fall/Winter. Some items are reversible for multi-use and we used natural fibers in consideration of our planet.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Stretchy Mod Suits, Kyla Puffer Coats for girls and our Everyday Stretch Pants for boys that can be easily dressed up or down.

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Street-smart, expressive, trendy

What do you love about being a designer?

Seeing the clothes worn with joy and personality. Kids who love the clothes so much they refuse to take them off, even for bedtime. It’s amazing to see them take charge in their personal style and embrace their individuality.

What makes our industry special?

Kids aren’t afraid to have fun with their clothes, and in return, we get to have fun designing them! There is a unique opportunity through design to encourage creativity, imagination and self expression—all of which is incredibly important to encourage from a young age. It is our responsibility to design with this in mind.

Sustainable 

Flap Happy

Designer: Laurie Snyder

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Our Long Surf and Shortie Surf swimsuits made from recycled plastic bottles! We added the Kai Adventure Hat with adjustable and breakaway safety chin straps and an adjustable toggle and our baseball-style Cam-Cam Cap.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Floppy Hats for babies and kids in our basic solids and seersuckers, the girls’ Delaney Hip Ruffle Swimsuit made from recycled plastic bottles and the boys’ Wesley Swim Trunks also made from recycled plastic bottles. All of these items come with UPF 50+ sun protection.

What three words to describe your design aesthetic?

Colorful, fun, beachy

What do you love the most about being a designer?

Seeing kids wearing my designs and my designs making them happy!

What makes our industry special?

For me, it’s the wonderful relationships I have built with store owners and buyers throughout my 35 years in business. In addition to being great people to work with, they are always excited about the new designs we launch each season.

Swimwear 

Shade Critters

Designer: Maureen Schmidt (Chief Creative Officer)

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

An abundance of new textures including crochet styles. We also further expanded our popular botanical looks and launched more mermaid styles.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Our traditional sun protection swimwear, dress up/costumes and sequin styles

What three words describe your design aesthetic?

Fashionable, functional, fun

What do you love the most about being a designer?

Seeing the reaction of our customers.

What makes our industry special?

We are a part of milestone moments. Our swimsuits are typically worn for birthdays, vacations and summer time fun. There is nothing more special than that.

Teen 

Malibu Sugar

Designer: Jil Garcia (President & CEO)

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

Several collections with seamless fashion, sublimation prints and screened and embellished looks; new color palettes for Spring and Fall; and an expansion of our accessory line.

What are the most popular items in your collections?

The new color palettes of our basics, embellished hacci styles and smiley face accessories

What three words to describe your design aesthetic?

Fun, colorful, super soft

What do you love about being a designer?

I love designing clothes and accessories that allow girls to express themselves as well as feel happy and confident.

What makes our industry special?

For the teen market, it’s based on what is trending in the adult market with a playful and age-appropriate twist. It focuses on individuality and style and allowing children to express themselves.

Undergarments 

Esme

Designer: Sara Oh

What new product or collection did you launch in 2023?

The addition of many beautiful and fun prints in our classic styles

What are the most popular items in your collections?

Underwear, long sleeve pjs, dresses

What three words to describe your design aesthetic?

Color, style, comfort

What do you love the most about being a designer?

Being able to create prints that children will love to wear and live in.

What makes our industry special?

The creativity and styling from so many designers all over the world, for every occasion that you can think of, is amazing.

Denim 

Levi’s by Haddad Brands

Since Haddad Brands produces denim from the company behind the world’s first blue jeans, Levi’s, they aim to continue the brand’s unwavering commitment to innovation. While they create their denim collections through the lens of the Levi’s DNA, they also integrate new fabrics, techniques and embellishments to keep the brand relevant and on trend. Haddad Brands aims to keep this evergreen brand going strong while ensuring that its manufacturing processes make the least possible impact on the environment.

Gifts 

Beaufort Bonnet Co.

With its timeless and classic collections of children’s apparel, hair accessories and doll clothes, Beaufort Bonnet Co. has certainly evolved from its beginnings as a manufacturer of baby bonnets. The company’s core mission of embracing motherhood remains at the heart of its business. New for 2023 was the introduction of a collab with The Seaside Style, beach-inspired casual wear, for a Daddy and Me line.

Loungewear 

kickee pants

Designed with comfort and safety with a delightful touch of whimsy, KicKee Pants garments are made from ultrasoft and lightweight and sustainable bamboo. While the designs aim to be fashion-forward and pleasing to parents, the company is dedicated to the babies and children who wear their clothing and appeals to their needs to play and dream. A gender-neutral gold ribbon print was introduced in 2023 for baby blankets and dresses as well as coordinating T-shirts for adults.