KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by London correspondent Kat, who was at Bubble for KidStyleFile. Kat writes her own blog, Housewife Confidential, and is also features editor at top UK baby and kids blog Bambino Goodies.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

The European spring/summer 2010 collections were presented at the latest edition of Bubble: The Kids Show, held in London from 20-22 June.  Islington’s stunning Business Design Centre once again played host to the twice-yearly event, with buyers flooding to London from all over the world to witness the best and brightest fashion, nursery goods, decor collections presented by over 200 exhibitors hailing from 20 countries from around the globe.

Stand out trends for spring/summer 2010 include bright colours, nautical trends and a resurgence of lacy trimmings. Organic and ethical production values maintained their strong presence in the market, with designers manufacturing their goods on home turf a focal point.

Australian brands were once again causing a splash with Three Little Trees, Oobi Baby & Kids, Tea Princess, Snugglebum and Mae all seeing lots of footfall on their stands, as was quirky New Zealand label Minti. (Here’s a little trivia for you: while at the show I discovered that the designers behind Tea Princess, Mae and Munster all attended the same school!)

Without further ado, enjoy the show! ~ Kat, in London.

PS For more great Bubble coverage click over to Bambino Goodies.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. 4Funky Flavours were one of Miki’s show picks from Bubble London AW10. Their collection for Spring Summer 2010 centres on the theme of animals and features a strong line of bold and retro cotton jersey clothes. The natural ‘flavour’ for SS11 translates into a mix of small repeat prints, stripes, solids and large animal prints. Mustard, purple and green was a stand-out colour combination.

4Funky Flavours are not stocked in Australia, stockists can be found on their site.

2. Pettiskirts are the must have item in the dressing up box these days and Angel’s Face wow with their combination of funky and chic colours. Their stand was as enticing as a candy store with row upon row of frothy, frilly, twirliness spilling out of their gift boxes. Even the anti-pink likes of me were swooning all over the place and struggling to pick a favourite.

Angel’s Face are not currently stocked in Australia.

3. Mandy Sutcliffe’s Belle & Boo illustrations have received acclaim the world over. Since launching the original ‘Lost’ dress in collaboration with Tea Pony in 2008 the demand for Belle & Boo clothing has grown and so has the range. Both AW10 and SS11 were on show at Bubble beautifully modelled by Belle herself.

The SS11 collection of girls’ clothing features Mandy’s illustrations printed around the hems of dresses and skirts as well as hand finished embroidery embellishment. There is a reversible skirt and shirt set which has Boo the rabbit on one side and a rainy day parade on the other. Not only were the new clothes on show but prints, home accessories and the new range of fabric wall stickers which will soon be available from Chocovenyl who ship internationally.

Belle & Boo ships internationally and is available in Australia from Lark.

4. Boys&Girls (which takes inspiration for its name from the traditional children’s rhyme) launched at Bubble and is a brand spanking new delight. Unlike the working children in the original rhyme these bright wardrobe staples are made in ethical, fair trade factories from organic cotton.

The London based UK brand caters for children 0 – 10 and combines funky, wearable, organic clothing with an affordable price tag. They have long and short sleeved tees, sweatshirts, jackets, trousers, shorts and dresses with minimal branding and maximum appeal. This collection will be shipping from January 2011 and is definitely one to watch out for.

Boys&Girls is currently seeking stockists.

5. Dandy Star are another hot Brit brand who put the softness and colour of their clothing above all else. Their new lines for the coming Autumn Winter season as well as SS11 are full of their unique typographical handwriting. New clothing joining their existing line up of long and short sleeved tees, sweatshirts, rompers and dresses are: bomber jackets, skirts and jeans all in the distinctly Dandy muted yet bright colours.

Not only do Dandy Star produce stunning clothing but they also have a range of prints, greetings cards and homewares including bags and mugs. All products convey their messages of peace, love and circus style.

Dandy Star are not currently available in Australia although stockists such as Little Fashion Gallery will ship internationally.

6. Fluke (named after designer’s sons Finn + Luke) were causing a stir and their quirky shop window stand was drawing the buyers in. The designers behind this English label design for clothing giants and are now stepping out on their own.

Their retro styling with the emphasis on comfort was very much in keeping with the fashion forward brands. There was lots of smocking for the girls on bodices, sleeves and swimwear. The boys can expect simple shapes and a welcome lack of pockets and logos. I was bowled over by their blankets and baby clothes which are made from the softest combed cotton I have ever touched.

Fluke are not currently stocked in Australia but they welcome overseas orders.

7. Planet Friendly Green Baby opened its doors over ten years ago and their original store in Islington stands opposite the Business Design Centre where Bubble is held. Their unwavering commitment to supplying ethical, planet friendly products for babies and young children has seen the growth of their ethical clothing.

Their clothing collection for next summer sees wardrobe basics with simple prints in red, white and blue as well as the more punchy oranges, pinks, blues and turquoise in the fashion pieces. This collection showcases fun applique and cheerful all-over prints. The range incorporates sleepwear, vests, long & short sleeved tees, trousers, dresses, skirts, shirts and accessories.

Green Baby are currently expanding their international stockists and may well be in Australia soon. Until then you can order direct as they ship overseas.

8. In Sweden every playschool has a basket of moccasins for the children. London based Swede Anna decided to bring the magic to the wider market and Moccis was born. A selection of washable leather soled slippers they are an absolute essential in the Winter. Having used Moccis for the last couple of years I can say they are brilliant for babies and children and are the only slippers my children keep on! The Moccis are all produced in Sweden and have a good spread of cute and fun designs. Best of all they come in adult sizes too.

Although Moccis are not currently stocked in Australia I did hear a rumour that a well know Aussie brand was showing serious interest…

9. Little Duckling showed a unified red, white and blue collection with a strong seaside nautical theme. They even brought a beach into their stand! Their fish print is seen across vests, rompers, tees, dresses, pants, hats and leggings. While the rest of the collection echoes the colours in stripes, checks and solids. With seven different styles of dress from fine knits with Bretton stripes to colour block sailor dresses. Often boys’ clothing can disappoint but as a Mama of a boy I was pleased to see classic linen trousers, simple twill shorts, sailor sweaters and short sleeved shirts to name but a selection.

Little Duckling ship worldwide.

9. A few years ago a Swedish chum of mine told me to watch out for Nova Star. Her boys were dressed head to toe in their colourful clothes after a trip home. This was their first UK trade show and I liked them as much as I did the first time. The brand was founded in 2004 and has gained popularity in Sweden where their comfortable everyday clothing can sell out within days of hitting the stores.

The collection they showed was filled with bold solid colours and soft jerseys. Their trousers and jeans come with a band of stretch fabric at the top which as the Mama of a little boy with a tubby tummy was a stand-out feature for me. Many of the trousers also had cuffed ankles so they don’t drag and catch as children play. The girls have some bold pink, red and purple pieces including a superb tiered jersey dress. Sizing is from 68cm to 122cm which translates to 6 months to 8 years.

Stockists can be found via the Nova Star website as they are not currently in Australia.

Please check individual brands for postage and delivery charges to your location.