Today’s post written by Leah, photographs by Edwina.
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The Life InStyle trade-only event, incorporating Kids InStyle, the baby and kids component of the show, was held at the Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter, Australia, from 25 February – 28 February 2010.
Showcasing 180 baby and kids brands, and over 300 lifestyle and homewares brands, the event delivered on its promise to “bring style to life”.
Edwina and I attended the show, and we have put together our top 20 picks from this edition of Kids InStyle for you. The next edition of Life InStyle and KidsInstyle will be held in Melbourne from 10-13 August 2010.
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1. Lad & Lass displayed oh-so-cute lighting and prints. Hung on the branches of a large white tree, this designer lampshade range is fresh and breezy, with white backgrounds that display a range of prints in a colour selection appropriate for most nurseries. The latest print collection includes the limited edition Animal Alphabet, which has been sourced by some well known museums, and the Forest Family Pedigree which can be customised for up to 4 generations. Distributed by Ball and Skittle, this range is sure to become a favourite.
2. Aunty Ollie designer (and mum of three!) Jodie Hampshire showcased the latest fashion pieces from Aunty Ollie with panache. Ranging from size 0 to 10 years, this UAE made, Australian designed label offers pieces that are fun but simple, with patterns that include cupcakes (yummy), florals, Japanese print and retro boys. The latest baby range made me all clucky with the most divine contrast print rompers for boys and vintage pretty flounce dress and pants sets (you’ll want to take a bite from the apple print).
3. Old Soles were the stand out shoe display for me this year, but I may be biased, with my youngest currently learning to walk in this very shoe! The winter range included side zippered boots in a range of colours with leopard print lining. These shoes are 100% leather, fit extraordinarily well even on the widest foot and come in the most divine styles. Vicki Lever, Old Soles designer (and once that of Hound Dog) also showed us their latest concept – a snake skin inspired creation that is certain to be snapped up by all mummy-stylists for their daughters when it hits stores later this year. My favourite? The black and white “Chanel” inspired slipper, perfect for indoors and out and stunning accompanied with the perfect dress.
4. Tea Princess has come a long way since its genesis 5 years ago when Kate designed her first range and stocked it in the B&M store Charbella in Cronulla, NSW. Tea Princess has acquired a huge following, and is currently stocked in a number of KidStyleFile’s favourite online stores, and has recently been picked up by both NZ and UK department stores. Run by three sisters, Kate, Belle and Tanya, Tea Princess stands out from the crowd with a classic colour palate of fresh pastels, embroidery, lace and luxury materials. This is a classically beautiful range, perfect for now, and to share again as a family heirloom.
5. Ruby Luxe is the perfect jewellery and accessory range for girls 9 years and beyond. Designed by Australian Helen Bailey, the items in this range are sure to be stolen from your daughters jewellery box to compliment your latest outfit! I was immediately taken by the necklaces, which I think really need a hyphen, (“neck-laces”) as many of the items are tied at the back of the neck rather than being a continuous loop or sporting a clasp fastening. The range is quirky, with acrylic shapes in the form of horses, squirrels, butterflies, fairies and birds amongst others, taking the centre stage amongst beads and ribbons.
6. Me 2 Me 2 have solved some of my questions around what unique gifts to buy for some of the 4+ year old nieces and nephews in my family this year with their children’s ‘professional’ kits. Offering a belt kit for the budding hairdresser, a tool belt for the chippy, cooking set for your master chef, or gardening kit for the child with a green thumb, Me 2 Me 2 understand the importance of role play in child development. Me 2 Me 2 design their own fabric patterns and have used these to create my favourite item- matching mother and daughter aprons which I’m sure can transform me into a Stepford Wife, along with a range of other gift accessories.
7. Gabrial Saynte has produced yet another range of t-shirts that every dad is going to fall in love with and snap up for his little boy. Screaming attitude, these tees pay homage to some of the cultural icons of literature, film and television. The shirt names had me giggling with such labels as ”Augustus Gloop”, “Micky O’Neill”, “O-Ren Ishii” and “Devon Banks” , all anti-heroes, although you will find Charlie Bucket in their somewhere. This range exemplifies rock star hip and is on my list of staple must haves.
8. Down to the Woods was a stand out exhibition. I almost found myself tiptoeing over to the stall to ensure I didn’t startle the magnificent creatures that stood amongst the grass. They were in fact the beautiful hand finished Heico German lamps. Whimsical, dreamy, and awe inspiring, these lamps will almost convince you that you have fallen down a rabbit hole and arrived in Wonderland. Only just arrived in Australia, the range will be in store in the next 10 weeks and include geese, scotty dogs, mushrooms, rabbits, and more, to light up your nursery (or perhaps even your lounge room?).
9. Lark once again produced a stunning display of retro-imspired goodies. My eyes were instantly drawn to the Ladybird Activity kits which included Tricks and Magic which will turn your little one into a magician with their very own magic cards, trick collection and multiplying balls, and Let’s Get Crafting, which has so many favoured craft goodies such as wiggly eyes, foam shapes and threads, your little one could be amused for weeks. Also new to Lark are Belle and Boo hand finished cushions, which feature original Belle and Boo prints finished with hand embroidery, to accompany the existing range of wall art produced by UK illustrator Mandy Sutcliffe. Other new items coming your way soon from Lark are the new edition Miller and Goodman Shapemaker, Sukie notebooks and journals and Anorak Magazine.
10. Bluebird & Honey used wooden ladders to showcase their signature pinafores, with knit dresses, cushions and cardigans alongside, providing a vision of warmth to a label whose appliques and attention to detail have me crying for more. The Little Boy and Little Girl cushions are simply divine, and their baby giftware sets are perfect for a new baby. This winter, Bluebird & Honey have also expanded their colour palate and range for boys, which has me grinning from ear to ear.
11. Red Wagon balloon covers win the prize for most innovative new product. These retro-fabric covers slip over any standard balloon to add visual interest and prevent the balloon from breaking. A great idea to safely facilitate interactive ballooon play with very small children, or jazz up bedroom decor.
12. Villa Carton - has just arrived in Australia from Holland with a product range guaranteed to coax any child’s imagination into play. All the props are there: a castle, doll house, rocking throne, and an array of costumes – but they’re all a bit like the first television broadcast – devoid of colour, simple and in black and white. It is up to your child to provide the colour theme, to source their inspiration of how the colours should interplay. Affordable and great fun, Villa Carton shone from the pack.
13. Knuffle Kid’s Rainy Day Games A/W10 Collection was a beauty to behold. Every season Knuffle Kid’s designer Emma Strybosch designs and prints her own fabric and produces her range in Melbourne. The woollen ‘Moonface Reversible Cape’ is a triumph, as is the vintage floral ‘Connie Reversible Dress’. Keep an eye on this brand: every season they get better and better, and I’m already aniticipating the summer 2010/2011 Aloha Hollywood collection.
14. Banter & Frolic debuted their stunningly detailed and unique range of party packs at Kids InStyle. Designers Sharntel and Felicity have road tested the contents of each and every pack with kids to ensure that both parents and children will love the contents, which include invitations, loot bags, masks, games and more, in a great selection of themes.
15. Mae wall stickers continue to thrill, with their new release Mini Mae stickers (affordable laptop decoration is here!) and Dress Up Dolls making their debut at the show. Besides their beautiful designs, you can scrunch, stomp on, infinitely reposition and tear at these fabric wall decals and they won’t bat an eye. Australian designed and made, Mae is a true pioneer in wall decal design and usability.
16. Hilly Chrisp is coming soon to Australia, and I cannot wait! Designed by NZ expat Alexandra Weston, now resident in Hong Kong, the Hilly Chrisp range was born some three years past when Alex designed a skirt for her daughter that received constant compliments. This carefree collection gives a nod to 1940’s-1950’s style, and features dresses made from 100% cotton in a range of beautiful prints and patterns.
17. Miss Haidee, a Tasmanian-born, Byron Bay based label offers items for both boys and girls from 0-8. With small runs each season, this quirky and original label will ensure your kidlet stands out from the crowd and proudly shows off their individualism. Utilising vintage tablecloths, tea towels and lace doilies, this collection fuses together romantic/gypsy/bohemian aesthetics into a stunning result. Upcycling at its best!
18. Nutcase Helmets make head protection cool! Yep, the humble helmet has had a makeover! Nutcases’s ‘Little Nutty’ collection brings fashion to headgear with a comprehensive range of designer helmets, which this season includes the 1960’s inspired Little Nutty Tie Dye and Little Nutty Flower Power designs. I also love the Nutcase “I Love My Brain” philosophy, which reminds us that our wee ones are never too young to have their assets protected.
19. Kek deliver a Danish explosion of colour into Australian homes, with the funkiest items handpicked from Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Everything on display served a function, from immaculately detailed cushions to RICE branded table wares and storage. Watch out for the Pakhuis Oost children’s lifestyle range which is designed in Amsterdam.
20. Home and Human Fashion took us into the world of the French label La Marelle with ethereal treats found in the exquisite illustrated colouring books including Australia’s first Lucy and the Ephemeral Spirit. These books are so amazing; each one is like a work of fine art. Small cases, cards, tea sets, tableware and bags were richly illustrated in true La Marelle style.
Honourable mentions go to S/S’10-’11 collections exhibited by Babes in the Shade (long sleeve SPF50+ rashies), Little Horn (stripes, bows and padlock print purses from), and Peggy (floral fashion temptations).
