Summer Lovin’

Swimwear is awash with retro prints for 2013.

With the summer in full swing, we jetted off to Malibu, CA, to unveil next year’s swimsuit collections. In “Mellow Yellow,” we celebrate the sun, the surf and the good times that the season brings. Designs had a distinctly retro vibe, captured by West Coast photographer Rachel Bank.

And that’s not the only summer traveling our team has been doing. Our fashion editor hopped across the pond to Italy for Pitti Bimbo in June to suss out the latest in global fashion. In “Spring ’13 Trend Report: Italia,” she reveals what’s new and next in childrenswear, as previewed at the European trade show. We also take a deeper look into Pitti in “Made in Italy,” and chat with CEO of Pitti Immagine Raffaello Napoleone to find out more about the Pitti online trade show platform, how he puts together the extravagant show every year, and where the next global fashion opportunities lie. Our trend pages this month are dedicated to soft pastel green, a popular neutral for infants, and children’s rainwear that brightens stormy days.

Speaking of trends, in “Temporary Treasure” we survey some stores that have jumped on the pop-up shop craze and learn how to make the best of a temporary space. And, to celebrate the start of the holiday season (for retailers) we delve into holiday windows in “It’s the Holiday Season” and get some tips from Fifth Avenue heavyweights like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue on how to maximize a store window display.

This month we also take a closer look at shoes in our special section “Sweet Feet.” We highlight the trends and break down how children’s boutiques can build and make the most out of a footwear section.

Last, but certainly not least, we proudly release the Earnies voting ballot, with four deserving brands in each category that the retail community tapped as “best of.” Voting will take place this month, so please go to www.earnieawards.com and cast your votes.

Congratulations to all, and see you at the shows!