Bubblelicious: Spring 2007 Finds Designers in Good Form

There was a buzz of excitement at the second Bubble Kids Trends Observatory held August 6-8. Buyers and retailers were in attendance offering the approximately 45 vendors positive feedback for good reason. Designers, who arrived in the Chelsea, New York loft space from as far away as Russia, displayed small, well-edited lines with a common aesthetic. The manufacturers expressed their modern take on kids' clothing through clean, uncluttered shapes and gorgeous fabrications often colored in muted tones.

To discuss prevalent trends at the show is to miss the point - these manufacturers work from the inside out. They may be aware of color trends and pattern direction, but their items are more about personal expression than seasonal trends.



This tiny collection of great graphic designs and richly colored blankets, pouches and T-shirts shows a lot of promise.

Outstanding piece: Deer in the headlights? Nature meets commerce? Whatever the message the designers are aiming for with the "Stag" tee, it's evocative.