Bimbalina

This is a guest post from Carlos García, a journalist based in Spain. He worked as a stylist at this FIMI Fashion Show!

Being at a Fashion Show it’s always fun, but there is something special in the air when it’s a kids’ one. FIMI Valencia (International Children’s and Young People’s Fashion Fair) is back with his 76th edition and a catwalk full of color, trends and, most importantly, kids.

Do you want to know what our children are going to wear next winter? The wait is over. It’s Russia time. Fur, coats and a bright green Emerald –Pantone color of the year 2013- are the key elements in the world created by Bimbalina, the perfect collection to go on a trip to snowy Moscow.

Backstage at Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

The always fun Agatha Ruiz de la Prada put a touch of color and heart in the runway with a collection full of ‘pretty clowns’. Being one of the biggest names in Spanish Fashion it was obvious that backstage was going to be just crazy. Those magical minutes where the work of months make sense. But one thing we can’t deny, and it’s that kids just wanna have fun and Miss Ruiz de la Prada knew how to make smile all the little girls at the backstage by giving them the amazing red shoes they wore at the catwalk. You should have seen their faces – it was like Christmas!

Larrana + Jo&Jo

Get your tickets because we’re heading to the train station with Larrana and Jo&Jo. Texture, soft colours and timeless designs as we’re at one of the most theatrical fashion shows of FIMI. Barcarola and Oca Loca also worked the stage with our very own Anna Wintour (Well, a mini version of her) and a wintery adaptation of Skyfall.

Miniature version of Anna Wintour!

Lea Lelo

But Lea Lelo was the real deal when we talk about ‘a theatrical show’. Susana Mazzarino, the designer behind the shoes brand, created a version of Tchaikowsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ to present her new collection. The Mouse King, the Prince and even the little mousses came to life showing that kids’ fashion can be just a game, and who doesn’t want to play?

Rochy

Foque

Rochy and Foque added some British style while Bóboli showed us the rural side of our little models. FIMI has become one of the biggest fairs in Europe so don’t forget to book your flight to Spain next summer. See you all at 77th FIMI Valencia in June!

And here is a complete list of brands participating at FIMI Fashion Show: Agatha Ruíz de la Prada. Bimbalina. Rochy, Lea Lelo, Larrana + Jo&Jo, Foque, Oca Loca, Barcarola, Bóboli
 
 

I just came across this fantastic online boutique for kids’ fashion called Ladida! It is very well curated with many of my fave labels such as Bellerose, Caramel Baby & Child, Jottum, Marie-Chantale, Max & Lola just to name a few. And the great news is they are having a fabulous 70% off sale right now. I have shared some of my picks below with you that took my fancy. Check out the website here and the super sale here!

Max & Lola Red Collar Dress

Eliane et Lena Tunic

C De C Sequined Cardigan

Anais & I Peacoat for a baby boy

Named after the designer’s two sons, UK label, Little Paul and Joe shows great similarity to the designer’s older line.  The Winter 2012 collection is all about warmth and comfort, while still being effortlessly trendy for children.  Grey features big in many different shades, as well as graphic prints showing off wolves and bears in sweaters. And the pieces are easily interchangeable within the collection.  For the full collection go here.

Here is an old French favorite of mine. Tartine et Chocolat have been around since 1977 and had a lot to do with changing the face of childrens’ fashion. I do love the simple luxury of this label.. and the pieces are timeless. The girls have some Tartine et Chocolat in their wardrobe and are quite attached to the pieces. This Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is in keeping with their toned down color palette – stylish yet comfortable with attention to detail. I am really liking the taupes and browns with navy and the very à la mode splash of red. You can shop the collection at Melijoe.

Gap has a real winner on their hands with this one. A fantastic and timely idea and very well executed. Their Peter Rabbit collection is not only pulling my nostalgic heartstrings but also my girls as like their Mama, they are completely enthralled by the books of Beatrix Potter. And Gap have captured the whole mood and world of Peter Rabbit without merely printing images of the characters – although there is some of this, which is sweet. Here is a taste of the collection, which can be viewed in its entirety here.

And to celebrate the collection, Gap is hosting a special reading series for children on January 26th at select babyGap stores in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington D.C. During the events, guests will be treated to a reading of Emma Thompson ‘s sequel, The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, while enjoying activities and snacks. Gap has also partnered with Milk + Bookies, a non-profit organization that encourages children to donate books to children in need, so shoppers can donate books for others to enjoy. For more information go to Gap’s Facebook page.

Anais & I

The first ENK Children’s Club show of 2013 had Pier 62 packed from front to back with new and old kidswear companies from around the globe. Many trends were on view for fall/winter of 2013. Here are our picks from the show: Wheat, Gil & Jas, Anais & I, and Me Mini. And more upscale lines, Blush by Us Angels, and A.Bird. Overall, lots of color and bold prints and downsized adult looks for the seasons to come!

Blush by US Angels

Wheat

Gil & Jas

Me Mini

A Bird

Manuketa
 
 

And now for a serving of Dutch fashion by entrepreneur Olcay Gulsen. The wonderful and edgy women’s line, SuperTrash, has branched off in the creation of a girls line for ages 6-16. Just the name had me…and I love the freedom and fearless spirit of this range: the bold geometric patterns mixed with fun prints and interesting details. Cool, very wearable and price accessible. In 2010, this label also opened a New York headquarters, so if you are in NYC it’s now possible to see them before buying. Or you can shop online here if you are anywhere in the world!

Here are both the girls in lovely winter outfits from one of our favorite luxury shops, L.O.L Kids right close by in Chelsea. Their service is phenomenal and they stock mainly high end Italian labels such as Sarabanda, Miss Grant, Monnalisa and Silvian Heach to name a few. L.O.L in NYC  is at 22 West 21st Street, and they also have a shop in LA on Sunset Blvd. Or you can just shop online right here!

Oona’s outfit: Dress: Sarabanda, Coat: Sarabanda, Scarf and Handbag: Miss Grant

Solène’s outfit: Shirt: Sarabanda, Leggings: Miss Grant, Jacket: Sarabanda, Hat: Miss Grant

Fab golden dress with wonderful pleating in the front

Here’s the Summer 2013 range from Belgian designer, Anne Kurris that I have been dying to see. She really knows how to mix vibrant colors in a way that makes every child excited to get dressed- and of course, there are her trademark photographic animal prints in the mix there too. The clothing also transitions well for different occasions, making it easy to take your child from one activity to the next. For stockists, check here.

What a lovely collection by Lili Gaufrette in their Fall/Winter 2012 “Collection Enchantée”. It’s an eclectic fairy-tale of polka dots, tartan, feathers, lace, lamé and preppiness. And all beautifully shot by photographer Dennis Felix. Available at shops like Saks, Neiman Marcus and Barneys. Or online, at a Child’s Closet.

I wasn’t really aware of the Hugo Boss Kidswear range till now and it’s quite sweet, simple and of good taste and blends well with their adult ranges. I like the balance they have achieved with their boyswear looks. To see more of this range and to find store locators, go here.

Here’s a little farm shoot of the little munchkin in her fab Miss Sonia Rykiel quilted down jacket from the wonderful online boutique, Shan And Toad. I love the “Frileuse” appliqué on the back, which is French for someone who feels the cold. Shan And Toad has the most amazing selection of kidswear brands – lots of my faves like Talc, No Added Sugar, Pale Cloud, Caramel Baby, Bobo Choses and so many more. And they are having a special holiday discount of up to 50% off. Check out all they have to offer here!

What a discovery these handcrafted Albert et Henriette leather shoes by Aurélie Lécuyer are – just exquisite. And the way she photographs them as if they were characters in an art installation is charming and somehow nostalgic. Check out her website here and her romantic and beautiful blog, Ledansia. You will be charmed!

I am absolutely charmed by the Talc Autumn/Winter 2013 range. They never disappoint with their French flair and upscale casual loveliness. I just love the unexpected furry vest for the boys. Available on Smallable.

Here’s more from one of my fave French brands, Finger in the Nose- Autumn/Winter 2012. And they have launched a new teen label for girls called Blackbirds, below, which is just lovely and trendy. And the other big news is that they have opened a new shop in St. Germain des Prés – right near where I used to live in Paris!

New Finger in the Nose shop in St. Germain des Prés

What a cool new unisex Polish brand CzesioCiuch from Warsaw. CzesioCiuch pieces are funky, fun and very comfy. Makes hand-me-downs a really easy affair! The designers, Czeslaw Mozil and Dorota Zielinska have not only created a label with an unpronounceable name, but have surprised us with their unexpected and innovative take on kids’ fashion, incorporating a vast array of primarily knitted fabrics.

Red Urchin’s new Moro collection will be officially launched at Bubble London in January, but they have made stock available pre-Christmas as these are such festive colours for girls – perfect for Christmas day! So if you want these before everyone else, you can nab them here!

Lanvin has just released their spring 2013 season for girls and you can get it online here. I am liking the playful and more accessible direction they are taking with this line and love the lime yellow dress above and the white coat is very smart…and then there is the Lanvin pleating of course. Also, take a look at the Russian inspired nesting dolls and cute coloring set.

Glitter lace up brogues by I Pinco Pallino

Kenneth Cole Glitter Espadrilles

My girls are absolutely crazy about glitter shoes. In fact, when they need a new pair of shoes, they don’t say that they need shoes, they say they need new “Sparkly Shoes”! So, I am dedicating this post to their obsession… as we all love glittery things for Christmas and the Holidays anyway.

Roberto Cavalli Glitter Dolly Shoe

More Sparkly Shoes!

What a delightful cutout dress in gold! Also, adore the mouse shoes.

Another great look with the furry, quilted vest.

The new Little Marc Jacobs line for FW 2012 offers a concentration of Mix n’ Match for kids 0-12 years. Iconic Marc Jacob signatures are scattered throughout the girls’ collection of three themes, “Like a Bird”, where knits and crochets are queen, “Jungle Family”, humor and glamor in a joyful range where the animals of the jungle are king. And then there’s “Purple Heart”, for end of year chic and sparkle, with 5o’s inspired dressy, but comfy outfits.

As for the boys’ collection – a play on marrying contrasting fabrics and colors beautifully. Available online at Little Marc Jacobs or if you are in Europe, Atelier de Courcelles.

Boys cool with unexpected winter yellow and puffer jacket.

Sweet looks with oversized heart print on this adorable jumper.

Full woolen skirt with more hearts on this upscale casual cardigan.

Luxurious winter faux-fur with great, large hood.

Striking asymmetrical color block sweater with cranberry pants…nice.