Scene & Heard: August 2018

Dsquared2 Goes to Prom

Twin designers Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2 are celebrating the fifth anniversary of their children’s takedown with a ’50s-inspired “5th grade prom” capsule collection. The lineup of lace dresses, with frothy tulle skirts and tutu-style bodices, as well as ice cream-hued tuxedos with ribbon trim and ruffle shirts, ooze vintage nostalgia.

“From a creative point of view, the childrenswear collections drive us forward in new directions that we’ve never explored,” Dan Caten says, noting the leap from 0 to 12 million turnover since introducing kids’ apparel. “To celebrate five years, we wanted to create a collection that embodies one of the most special and iconic moments in the lives of children.”

Debuted on the first night of the recent Pitti Immagine Bimbo show in Florence, Italy, Dsuared2 transformed a local sporting center into a throwback American prom venue, complete with corsages, photos, live band and dancing on the basketball court. The design duo even made an appearance in a vintage gelato truck, serving cones to the party’s guests.

The capsule collection will be available online and in Dsquared2 stores and major retailers beginning in November.

Floafers Makes a Splash

Floafers (short for floating loafers) do just that. They’re also lightweight, versatile, waterproof, comfortable and affordable (SRP: $29.99 to $39.99). They make for an ideal beach/camp/casual shoe, according to Hayes Brumbeloe, founder and CEO.

Available in 10 colors, the unisex driving mocs are in response to popular demand from Floafers’ adult customers. “Our consumers, who I call navigators, have been asking for a children’s takedown for months,” Brumbeloe says, adding that the affordability for parents will be a huge driver. “Usually when you think high fashion, you think high cost,” he says. “I took a step back and knew that if I could provide a high-fashion product for a cost that Middle America could afford, it would be a hit.”

First launched via a Kickstarter campaign in February 2017, Floafers are made from environmentally friendly, closed-cell antimicrobial foam that is odor- and stain-resistant. Sectional traction outsole pods made from TPR-bonded scuff-proof material help prevent slipping while 360-degree ventilation keeps feet cool and allows water and debris to drain away. In fact, Floafers are rooted in functional footwear that dates back 100 years when brogue patterns were actual holes that allowed mud and water to drain out of men’s oxfords. “Over time, broguing became more ornamental than functional, but we are bringing that unique design idea full circle with modern driving loafers and smoking slippers,” Brumbeloe says.  

Little Belle Nightlights’ Bright Idea

Little Belle Nightlights of New Zealand is coming to the U.S. market for the first time. Debuting at the August edition of NY Now, the fairytale-inspired collection of porcelain nightlights are designed to comfort and reassure children as they drift off to sleep or wake in the night. Powered by a lifelong LED bulb, each nightlight is ethically crafted and tested to meet U.S. safety standards. “Many hands are used to create each light and no two are alike,” says Founder Laura Burbery. “Our nightlights are true keepsakes because they’re just as much pleasure to give as they are to receive.”

Burbery started Little Belle after discovering a gap in the market for quality children’s nightlights, adding that her four-year-old daughter was the inspiration behind the design. “She loved stories about fairies as she drifted off to sleep, and I wanted a quality light that I could leave on for her all night,” Burbery says. “I wanted our little fairy, toadstool and elfin houses to provide an opportunity for parents and children to snuggle up and bond with bedtime stories—those are the special moments you never want to forget.”