Rainbow Bright

Pop goes the color for children’s fashion this fall.

For Fall 2012, clothing in a rainbow of colors and a kaleidoscope of spots and stars takes center stage: What better way to give some much-needed pep to autumn’s traditionally muted shades and welcome the back-to-school season? Photographer Frances Tulk-Hart gave our models free reign in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn, studio to dress up, dance and play in their high-voltage sportswear with park balls, sleeping bags, crowns and masks.

In addition to this season’s pop-art influence, the British are coming. From traditional threads to an upswing in Union Jacks, all things English have hopped the pond in preparation for the London Olympics this summer. For older kids, following the release of the site-crashing Missoni for Target collection, chevron print is all the rage. To dial it down, we also explore slumber party essentials, like PJs, slippers and plush.

As our fashion feature focused on girls, we spotlight sporty lifestyle brand Questkids, which gets top marks from the boys, too. We also feature footwear brand Naturino and its pediatrician-recommended “sand effect system,” the epitome of healthy Italian footwear. We took a worldly look at childrenswear in this issue and, in “Global Fusion,” spoke with Thai designer Rujira Lawonvisut, the fashion force behind Andrew & Audrey and Millions of Colors, about the unexpected opportunity that led her on a journey into children’s fashion. And we caught up with Salvador Gamito, managing director of Groupe Zannier USA, in “Continental Shift” and learned how he plans to build its suite of European brands in the United States.

After a whirlwind of European children’s fashion shows, in “Ready…Jet…Go…!” we delve into the trends spotted at Pitti Bimbo, Bubble London and CIFF Kids, like bright poppy colors, lumberjack looks and pretty pastels. And as more brands branch into accessories in Europe and here at home, we delve deeper into the trend and do the math on how these add-ons can really add up for retailers in “Add ‘Em Up.” Shifting our gaze from the global market to back home in our feature “Local Lessons,” we set our sights on neighborhood businesses outside of the children’s industry for tips on marketing and growth.

As we gear up for our Anniversary issue, we introduce a throwback section, “Retail to Go,” inspired by an Earnshaw’s childrenswear plan book that was released in 1975, in order to assist store buyers as they embark upon the fall show season.

Happy buying,
jennifer Cattaui