In the Aisles: Playtime New York

International trade show Playtime welcomed childrenswear professionals to Manhattan last month, showcasing more than 180 brands (including 53 first-time exhibitors) at the Metropolitan Pavilion and neighboring Altman Building. The show presented a wide variety of Spring/Summer 2019 offerings including fashion, shoes, accessories, baby gear, nursery decor and gifts to nearly 2,000 professional visitors. Attendance numbers showed a particular increase in buyers from California and Florida, while the proportion of international buyers remained around 6 percent including names like Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, Bella Baby in Saudi Arabia, Kool Kids in Thailand and Oceana Boutique in Kuwait.     

Over three days, attendees explored the aisles and admired inspiring trend spaces styled by Earnshaw’s Fashion Editor Mariah Walker. The themes spanned “New Tribes” of timeless artisanal workwear with an installation by artist Aran Baik; “Neo Optimism” of comfortable outfits in soft pastels with joyful messages and “thought bubbles” by artist Sui Park; and finally a delicate garden space “Nova Gaïa” including a mobile made of mica by artist Christina Watka. 

Trend Space: New Tribes

Trend Space: Neo Optimism

Trend Space: Nova Gaïa

On the final morning of the show, Earnshaw’s “Be the Buyer” panel provided an educational experience for exhibitors, discussing how to build a relationship with buyers straight from the buyer’s perspective. Speaking before the highest attendance to date, panelists included Earnshaw’s Editor-in-Chief Emily Beckman, Adrian East of Adrian East boutique in Bronxville, New York, Jeannie Yoon of Jeannie N Mini in Irvine, CA, and Sandi Sidoti of Bringing Up Baby in Boston, MA.

Buyers share their perspective at Earnshaw’s “Be the Buyer” panel.

Other highlights from the show included a kick-off cocktail party, Nailmatic’s temporary nail bar of non-toxic water-based polish and Pirouette’s One To Watch Awards. (In case you missed it, Spanish brand Kisse was awarded the Fashion category while French brand Lunii won Lifestyle with its audio stories.)

Guests enjoy summery refreshments at kick-off cocktail party.

Pirouette presents One To Watch Award for Lifestyle category to Lunii audio stories.

The next edition of Playtime New York will take place in the same location from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12.  For more information about the show, visit the website.