Windows overview

Christmas windows are flourishing here and there in London, simultaneously with the first cold days and the high street decoration lights. There's a great lot of maximalist-kitsch-overload and color explosion, as seen at Christian Louboutin, Conran Store, Selfridges and Marc Jacobs. Is Santa also going to be in excess mode packing his bags this year, that is the question...

mor mor rita is back on tracks

After a year long break to be with her family, Ryan Roche is back with a mor mor rita collection. The new line features well priced basics including leggings, simple but perfect underpants, tees, sweatshirts, stockings and jeans in beautiful organic cotton. The cashmere blend knits will make your heart melt. Don't miss the women's size stockings in mor mor rita's unique color palette.

On the subject of brand identity

Ola&Olek is a newly launched UK-based line from designer Eliza Lopatowska. She gets inspired from her native Poland and her little cousins to create a delicately touching line of organic tees and retro dresses & cardigans. Introduced at Bubble London last June, the collection is small but perfectly put together. The visuals are the strength of the identity of Ola & Olek. So much is communicated in those few images, immediately drawing us into the spirit of the brand. For the discerning buyer who likes something different with a strong point of view.

Milk Deco 3 launch party at YoyaMart, NY

Milk Deco, the bi-annual style supplement of Milk Magazine is out. This 3rd edition takes us to the usual places (New York, Paris, London, Tokyo) but also to Tanger, Stockholm and Utrecht for a greater diversity of home inspirations. YoyaMart's owner Stephane Gerbier (featured in the booklet) hosted a party at his Meatpacking district store last week. Stephane takes the pose with Isis Colombe Combeas, founder-owner of Milk, and her son Aliocha.

At home with Cocoon Couture

Launched in 2004 by Designer Ingrid Daniell, Cocoon Couture started as a collection of beautiful children’s bean bags. The brand has grown since, adding a range of wooden room accessories: height charts, bookends and wall arts. The vintage inspired Enchanted Tree is the perfect tool to hang one's little secrets. Cocoon Couture will exclusively exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010 at the Business Design Centre.

The little stories of Karin

Featured in Junior Magazine, Vogue Bambini, Elle decor, Glamour, Karin Nussbaumer is an Austrian photographer based in Amsterdam. Karin loves telling little stories, using photography to play with fantasy, trying to tell as much as possible in each of her images. Playing widely with light, tones and props, Karin makes her stories a pleasant travel for the viewer. Karin is represented by Julie Seguinier at juliesagency.com.

One step ahead

Anorak Magazine is always a step ahead. This fantastic UK children magazine, labeled as the Happy Mag for Kids, now has its own iPhone & iPod Touch application. Happy words search games. Happy colouring-in pages. Happy cycling game. Available from early November on iTunes. iWant it now.

Imagine

The British designers MillerGoodman who brought us ShapeMaker have launched yet another beautiful children's toy called PlayShapes. It's a unique and fun modular set of geometric wooden shapes which can be endlessly arranged or stacked to produce hunders of 3D creations. Beautifully crafted from durable rubberwood, they engage every child's imagination. As Albert Einstein put it so well together: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all, we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." It will launch soon on www.shhhop.com and is available for wholesale in select stores.

Little Bean Shop Launches

Christine Visneau, from Baby Bean Vintage Daywear and Small Magazine is striking again with a very attractive new online shop, following the opening of her store in East Dallas. Of course it carries her eponymous vintage line Baby Bean, but it also sells a nicely edited selection of Clover New York, Mini Rotation and more. All Bubble favorites.

Stella for Gap

So good to see that designer & the high street (aka main street) are collaborating in the kids world as well. Stella McCartney's line for Gap Kid and BabyGap will be unveiled this November 4th, available in the UK, France, Japan, the US and Canada. The line includes cashmere blankets for newborns, brushed cotton blazers with silk lapels, wool military jackets embroidered with gold thread. Prices go from $14 to $128 for jackets and they're going to fly from the shelves, or so we think. The ad campaign has been shot by Ryan McGinley, above is a preview of the sweet images.

0-77 Photo Exhibit at YoyaMart

YoyaMart is working on a serie of photo exhibits, the first one to be launched next week. The intention of YoyaMart is to create a design environment related to the children's world but compatible with adult's taste. The first two participating artists are Ron Agam and Marc Dumas. The exhibit will coincide with a party held at the store for the launch of Milk Deco 3, on October 29th. For more info tel +1 212 242 5511.

Ron Agam flower portraits "In Full Bloom" point to the grandeur of Nature as reflected in some of its most fragile creations. His images are relevant to this time of ecological crisis. Ron spent his childhood between Paris & Rehovot, Israel.


Marc Dumas divides his time between Paris and Savador de Bahia where he captures the energy of Brazilian kids. He is a Professor of visual communication at Ecole Camondo in Paris.

Innovative design for a crisis

Trio of Swedish architects Claesson/Koivisto/Rune is proving that innovation is the best weapon in times of crisis. With the help of STFI-Packfosk (research&development) and Södra (Production factory), they have created Papuru, a chair for children made of DuraPulp (derivative of paper) and PLA (bioplactic extracted form corn starch). It's all very technical and it has to be, to achieve that performance : the chair is waterproof, recyclable, stackable, colorful...and it should cost half of the price of a classic plastic chair. We can't wait to see it in stores (2010).

Straight from the 50's, with a twist

A newborn in the family of inspiring online stores, Edmond offers a selection of furniture and vintage objects from the 1950's. Their children's selection includes miniature chairs, bedside tables, lamps, French school desks in a large array of prices. The pieces are either left in their vintage state or restored and actualized. Next to the collector's items signed Thonet, Charles & Ray Eames, Marcel Gascoin, Jean Prouvé, Edmond has added its own line of limited editions, which uses raw materials such as wood and wool. We particularly like the raw-wood miniature stools.
Photos Annabel Salesa

Myths, legends and Mini A Ture

Founded in 2001, Mini A Ture has established itself as one of the leading Danish brands in Europe. For their Autumn/Winter 09 collection, designer Katrine Lemvigh Montag has found inspiration in the magical world of fairytales inhabited by ogres, enchanted animals and beautiful princesses. The result is a high quality and contemporary collection with signature colour combinations. We can’t wait to discover what's next with the brand at Bubble London January 2010!

where the wild things are

Where the wild things are is drawing inspiration on everyone at the moment...Kudos to LA-based Entertaining Elephants and its sweet interpretation of thermals and bunny hats.

The life of dolls

Argentinian artist Paola Zakimi spent her childhood and part of youth in cold Patagonia. Her independent nature led her to Buenos Aires where she studied Arts and Graphic design. She is now based in Villa Giardino (on the Argentinian seaside), where she is a full-time artist making art doll, painting, drawing, illustration.




Zakimi could have been created by Goldoni; she has taken after Gepetto. She says about her dolls "They all have names, feelings, emotions and life histories. Each one has its own character, point of view and statement. We never struggle or fight, we become friends, we trust each other. All of them like to read but sometimes I read to them. They always listen, Im not sure its because they enjoy it or they are just being polite."
The dolls are sold on Paola's website and on Etsy.

Molo world!

Available for boys and girls age 0 to 10, Molo Kids brings a serious touch of style to any child’s wardrobe. From knit cardigans to denim and colorful leggings, the looks are always fresh, funky and urban. Autumn/Winter 09 sees the launch of a footwear range with leather ballerina flats for girls and winter sneakers for boys. Molo Kids will exhibit at Bubble London, for the fourth season, to our delight.

Iconic brand

It's clever, it's stylish, the fits are perfect, it lasts forever...we hear so many good things about Finger in the nose. We are fans ourselves. The new collection just reached the Brooklyn store Sweet William. Hurry up before the sought after jackets and jeans fly off the racks and shelves! Finger in the nose is also available at Harvey Nichols in London. Their own online store is due soon...stay tuned!.

Eco fabulous

Set up in 2006 by designer Hannah Evans, Piccalilly is about modern and stylish eco clothes for babies and children. The collection features nightgowns, blankets and hooded tops. It is made from the softest organic cotton sourced in India through the Chetna Project. If you are looking to make little girls happy, keep in mind that Picallilly's fairy and ballerina dresses make fabulous gifts. Piccalilly will exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010.

the selling power of words

Food for thought. There's an interesting experiment going on on Ebay right now. A series of 100 objects bought from junk shops have been put up for sale under the project name Significant Objects. 100 writers have each been assigned one object, and asked to write a compelling story about it, in order to make it, well, significantly sellable. So far the sale has totalled $2,141.62 on an original value of $90.97. A nice reminder of the objective vs. subjective value of things.

Bohemian effect

Charming collection for girls aged one to eight, Nixie Clothing is inspired by the folk arts movement. For her one of a kind pieces, Nicole Frobusch uses vintage fabrics and reconditioned wools . All the materials are locally sourced and produced ethically in London. The must have this season? The 70’s kimono style coat. Don’t miss Nixie Clothing at Bubble London: 31 January & 1 February 2010.

Cream of the crop

Emilie Perez is a French mother based in London who designs fresh and inspiring decor items. Emilie says she it all started trying to make the life of her son Mael more fun and lovely. Her line featuring guitars, saxophones, cushions rattles, mobiles, poufs is called Creme anglaise. Pure pleasure. Check her on Laurette and Bobo Kids.

Little Munsters!

Based on a fictional little boy named Mikey Munster, the brand Munster Kids is one of the coolest on the market. Designed in Australia, the collection is inspired by music, arts and street culture. Initially for boys only, Autumn/Winter 2010 sees the launch of Missie Munster, Mikey Munster's little sister … double trouble!
Munster Kids will exhibit at Bubble London 31 January & 1 February 2010

Fairy walls

Illustrator Adolie Day created a fairy univers of repositional, restickable matte finish wall decals for Chocovenyl. A giant face that blends with the color of the wall and a bunch of smaller elements to play with the way you want, or better, the way the little master of the bedroom wants.

Jennifer's little entreprise

Jennifer Valez is a busy bee. Specialized in fashion design & illustration, this mother of two succeeds in combining a job of art director in an advertisement agency and her own little enterprise, Sophie and Lili. She creates her fabric dolls on illustrator and digitally print them on 100%cotton. The back is made out of patterned new or vintage fabrics, making each doll different from the other. Sophie and Lili dolls are sold on etsy.com and through a bunch of online stores (fawnandforest.com, littlebeanshop.com).

Good catch!

If you are looking for well made, creative + funky tees, Lucky Fish will make you happy. The Brooklyn based brand has an incredible selection of shapes, colors and prints, all with an irresistible rock'n'roll twist. You will find Lucky Fish at Yoya New York, Nonchalant Mom and many other good stores across the US. Check www.soluckyfish.com for more info.

We'll miss you Cookie...

It's just been confirmed and it's a sad news : Cookie Magazine won't be published anymore. All our thoughts go to the entire team who worked very hard and brought us joy with a unique magazine during the four last years.

Twisted wardrobe

Maarten De Ceulaer's creations embody the characteristics of the Academy of Eindhoven, whom he graduated from : conceptuality, poetry and emotion. His 100% leather handmade piece Pile of Suitcases was nominated for the Best New Product Award at the 100% Design exhibition during the London Design Festival, September 24-27th. Milan based Nilufar Gallery commissioned the Pile of Suitcases in a smaller size, as well as a desk called Pile of Briefcases. In a smaller size? Probably because the humor charged and fun wardrobe really calls for a child's bedroom... (Photographer Astrid Zuidema).

London, Paris, New York

Famille Summerbelle makes us travel once again with a beautiful new city map, this time it's New York, New York. Based on the original paper cuts of Julie, the founder and designer of Famille Summerbelle, those printed maps are not missing any details of our favorite cities.

Color me crazy

We've spotted the perfect gift for little artists on the go : the well designed Artisti-Kit from kicokids. The kit comes in six exciting shades of canvas; each one has 6 non-toxic wooden color pencils, a colorful kicokids sketch pad and a little wooden pencil sharpener. We're happy to inform our readers that Kicokids currently offers free shipping in the US with any purchase of an Artisti-Kit. www.kicokids.com

Cuddly, adjustable, ecological and silent

Antwerp firm Buzzispace.com provides innovative solutions to divide home or work spaces. Their products are all in an environmentally friendly material called ecofelt, a 100% recycled material from PET bottles and has a very natural hand feel which creates an intimate/cocooning atmosphere. Available in 5 colors, the wall dividers can easily be decorated, a great way for children to make their corner become a very private own space of fun and expression.

art and commerce

We love it when kids retailers team up with kid-centric artists to generate buzz and promote art in general. Pomme is doing it (again) this week end with Brooklyn-based photographer Davina Zagury and her work on Love Triangle, The land of Lost Toy and Animals sequence. Davina's exhibition is part of Dumbo's Art Under the Bridge festival (Brooklyn, New York) taking place until Sunday Sept. 27th.

Lalalala...Lale!

Lale is a delicious line of home decor, multi-function luggage and other playful accessories available in varied colorful patterns. Spongy duvets, cheeky bumpers, sweet muslin, dummy or spare pants, poetic cushions, tear-drop bean-bag, fantastic dolls...the inventory is as long as the designer's immense imagination and talent. Lale is sold in New York at Kisan and Pomme, in London at Elias&Grace and Petit Aime, in Paris at Le Bon Marche and Merci, among other stores all over the world. contact@lale.fr

Marc who?

If you plan to spend Christmas at the beach, don't miss the new Little Marc Jacobs swimwear collection. The line features Little Miss and Mister Marc signature cartoon graphics pulled from Marc by Marc Jacobs' apparel and accessories. The collection features about 50 styles for age 2 to 10, with a retail price around $75-90. A perfect cruise item, so chic!

V.I.P.'s secret

After years spent at Donna Karan, Bonnie Young launched her own children's line in 2006 : bonnieyoung. Very "Modern Couture", this beautiful and precious collection is already the favorite of many famous names. bonnieyoung goes beyond clothing with a whole lifestyle range, including furniture and home decor. The designer opened her own boutique in Aspen and her collection is sold in a selection of the best international stores. Until October 12th, bonnieyoung is one for the guests of the exhibit Paris-Los Angeles at Le Bon Marche in France. A good occasion to discover the brand while it is still very exclusive.

Paris Design

A new Design Temple is born in Paris with Silvera Wagram : 5,000 sq feet designed by duo Patrick Jouin & Sanjit Manku. The airy space offers a unique selection of functional and decorative pieces (furniture+objects), a well as a great mix of fashion accessories, books and targeted magazines. The store illustrates how much designers get increasingly involved with the objects that surrounds us in life. The children's section is impressive, featuring iconic items as well as more exclusive ones. A real pleasure.
SILVERA WAGRAM - 41, avenue de Wagram – 75017 Paris

Design help needed?

If you need a little art direction help for your business, it is worth contacting friedamaria design studio. They can help you find the right concept, design, image, styling, window display. Their poetic + dream inspired mood is infused with a twist and their creations cope very well with the children's world. Among other things, friedamaria loves : home-made, contraditions, granny stuff, eccentric, white and powder tones with a spark of fluorine, painting, Dr. Marten shoes, steel wire, Alison Goldfrapp, wine, fairy tales, nostalgia, Bjork, Sweden, dresses with short puffing sleeves, Lee Miller, melancholic, the forest...that's probably enough to give you an idea!

Cozy Wilson

Donna Wilson's infamous knitted creatures are irresistible. Handmade in the UK, the 100% lambswool collection is now available in independent designs shops in over 15 countries. Golly! With chilly Autumn nights around the corner, the talented designer has been busy knitting new scarves, blankets and cushions thinking some of you would love to wrap their little one in a Rainy Day Mini Blanket or the Wooly Wood scarf...

Newcomer at Bubble London

Designed and made in Wales, Pili Pala which means butterfly in the local language, is a new and stylish clothing line for boys and girls. The range uses the softest organic cotton and is bursting with colour and print. Our favourite pieces include the stripy leggings and unisex jumpsuits. Pili Pala will showcase their first collection at Bubble London 31 January – 1 February 2010.

Robin Wood

Talented duo Sophie Demenge and Michael Ryan of Oeuf are launching a new collection called Robin, with sweeter prices, yet with the same quality and style than the other products of the label. We love the simplicity and natural feel of this wooden crib. Among a long list of US stores, we recommend Lavish, Belly, Sprout, and in France Bonton, 82 Rue De Grenelle Paris.

(Bugaboo) Red

Dutch company Bugaboo is once again ahead of the game in the stroller world. Starting October 1st, they will be donating 1% of their global sales to the Global Fund to help provide for AIDS programs in Africa. Keep an eye out for a special collection (Bugaboo) Red Cameleon with denim fabric, black frame and red (natch) handle brake.

Stick to Mae!

Brighten up any room with a new range of wall stickers made of fabric! Coming from Australia, Mae’s beautiful designs are removable, re-usuable and washable which is important when it comes to those precious yet impossibly grubby little ones. We love the Dress up dolls designed as an interactive toy for you or your child to style some fabulous outfits. A new range will be released next year, we can’t wait...

Precious index

Play All Day is a 240 pages hardcover book documenting the most vibrant and stimulating design products and concepts for children. Innovative toys, playgrounds and play environments, room decor, wall covering, furniture, kindergarten architecture, etc. It is very well documented, even featuring a section on illustration and photography. Our favorite names in the children's world are part of it : Our childrens Gorilla, Areaware, Wovenplay, Zid zid kids, Milk magazine, to name only a few.

Color, paint, draw, and imagine

Taro Gomi is a genius. My children started with his books "My friends" and "Everybody poops" (around 3 years old, tons of laughter and good sleep guaranteed with the latter). Then they discovered the Doodles and Scribbles giant coloring books and generously decorated each page again and again. This summer we came across a great postcards booklet over our holiday travels. We had silent afternoons and personalized mail for the whole family. Perfect found! Check Chronicle books for the new Squiggles Coloring book, freshly released.

And now...GREEN!

When we first met the Danish Crafts Rocking Sheep at ICFF a couple a years ago, it was pure, off white. Travelling from fair to fair, country to country, town to town, it turned pink, brown, grey, black. It looks like it took a break in the countryside this summer (unless he met Luciano Benetton in the Venitian hills) and decided for a green outfit. Exactly the touch of optimism (and a reminder of the ecological threat) that we need in the house before entering a long winter...Note that the sheep also shrunk and became a lamb for those who have tiny flats.

Little prosperous factory

Launched 5 years ago, Winter Water Factory is a small design and production facility in the heart of Brooklyn. The company started with a single item, knit hats, sold in one store on New York’s Lower East Side (we saw them grow nicely season after season at Bubble, The kids Trade Show). Today the brand offers an array of products that are shipped as far as Alaska, Sweden, Japan and Australia. The line includes clothing for kids and adults, accessories and items for the home, most of them in the house signature print that you can also order by the yard, to create your own items.

The September Issue...

...OF MILK, of course! It's called "Temperament Mode": 240 pages of fashion, decor, ideas and fun! www.milkmagazine.net