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Style and design, by Bóboli. |
Increased styling and design features prevailed at the International Fashion Fair for Children and Young People (FIMI) in Valencia, as producers expected good growth despite the economic downturn that still deeply affects Spanish and other European markets.
In particular, producers rated the better OEM goods produced in China, which were more innovative and of better quality.
Some Spanish designers at the show, looking to provide children's wear for Spring and Summer 2011, said the emergence of India as a base for production had become a new factor for OEM production but it would be a long time before China-made products could be under threat from subcontinental manufacturers.
According to José Verdú Alicanteto, Vice-President of the Spanish Manufacturers Association of Children's Products (ASEPRI) - which looks after local and overseas trade - the sector was robust and had become streamlined during the recession.
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| ASEPRI: Eastern European promise. |
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Meanwhile Dolores Segura, ASEPRI Director said: "during this year the expected increased growth will come from the internationalisation of Spanish enterprises, following 2009, when many companies tried to consolidate external markets, strengthen their image, participate in trade fairs and open emerging markets."
ASEPRI said childcare producers, as well as fashion companies, were likely to see Eastern European countries offering new opportunities, with niche sectors arising in these emerging markets.
Competition was tough among Spanish manufacturers in the children's fashion sector, with style at competitive prices being sought by all.
This competitive factor was less marked in the babies' sector, with volume sales for goods being the telling item, along with safety. An exception lay in the gifts segment, because many Spanish people bought for new babies.
Retailers themselves report no significant falls in demand. Miguel Cadarso, General Director at Spanish retail chain, Tuc Tuc, said: "the crisis will go away in the same way as it came - gradually. So, we can start working positively."
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| Tuc Tuc stand. |
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Algás: distribution chains winning. |
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Regulation watch for kids' products. |
Managing Director and Founder of Spanish kids' clothing producer Bóboli, Francisco Algás, commented that, "one of the facts that has marked the evolution of this sector has been the loss of weight of multi-brand shops in favour of large distribution chains."
As well as overseas sales, multi-branding allows better sales through virtual stores, which is becoming a far stronger channel for kids' clothing.
At the same time, Spain's Association of Inspectors (Soivre) remains a strict gatekeeper of EU regulations relating to children's clothing. Items from overseas are closely inspected, for example, directing recently to remove strings with knots that were very common in hoods fitted to sportswear.
New features in design and fabrics
Among the novelties at this FIMI from 22 to 24 January were those presented by UK brand Littlebigness, which exhibited at the show for the first time. A key product was its Cuddly apron towel in funky cow prints, designed for bathing babies.
The towel was made from fine quality organic cotton and bamboo snag-free towelling, that allowed for keeping hands free for bathing and lifting the child, while keeping the adult dry. In keeping with the line, there were additional toddler bathrobes that could retain their softness after washing, unlike pure cotton products.
Another accessory, produced in China, was called a Washmitt, a high quality product designed to complement Littlebigness' baby and toddler towels. The set came as bouquets of flowers - specifically aimed at the gifting market - which when opened up resembled roses twisted as clothing, such as pyjamas, bibs, caps and a pair of socks.
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| Littlebigness selling a host of goods. |
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Clothes twisted inside the bouquets. |
Other articles which proved very successful for buyers looking towards 2011 were scarf bibs with original prints. The three layers of fabric perfectly protect a baby's chest. The design allows for adjustment to the child's neck size from 0 to 7.
Spanish textile promotion firm Luvansa has evolved over 10 years, with its own designs manufactured in Italy. It presented colourful, thick tights manufactured with micro fibres. The retail price was at about Euros8 per piece; pyjamas were priced at between Euros6 to Euros7, while bibs sporting a teddy bear motif were set at about Euros9.
Manufacturer Garvalín Kids presented biotech footwear for babies as an important new trend, developed by the Biomechanics Institute of Valencia (IBV). The product was based on flexibility, perspiration and activity, ergonomics and general comfort, priced at about Euros60 per pair.
Highlighted too was a children's footwear line designed by top producer, Ágatha Ruíz de la Prada. Her company came up with a product which sported bright colours such as fuchsia, violet and aubergine in patent leather. A pair sells at around Euros60.
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| Biotech approach from Garvalín. |
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Tenerife Carnival presentation. |
A novelty at FIMI 2010 was the stand devoted to the Tenerife Carnival, sponsored by the Canary Islands authorities. A series of fancy dress for children was presented by Canarian designers, Santi Castro and Leo Martinez.
Models were inspired by legendary princesses and heroes of adventure tales. All were handmade, using fine lace, exquisite silks and bright velvet, together with Swarovski crystals.
Children's fancy dress has become popular as a gift for Christmas and the Three King season - and even for birthdays - with retail prices ranging from?Euros45 to Euros80. There were also fancy dress sleeping bags for babies at around Euros80.
Creative looks for Autumn/Winter 2010
Kids' trends for Autumn/Winter 2010, according to ASEPRI, are expected to range from mix-and-match, "magic" and layering - all the way to gothic legends.
The hallmarks for these fashions consisted of simplicity, but with fine materials and detailing.
In the recycling or "folk" look, mix-and-match combined cultures, featuring an oriental look with Scandinavian sweetness and respect for the environment. One approach was the rust effect added to vibrant colours, with fabrics thick woven and soft knitted, with flannel cottons and soft wool with regal flourishes.
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| Mix-and-match leggings. |
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Sweetness in design from Pataletas. |
The "Magic" formula combined a British style reminiscent of the 1970s. Large pockets were featured in jackets, trousers and dungarees. Garments were rounded in cut with tartan patterns and finishes in mouton. One novelty was the combination of two fabrics in the same garment.
Under the "Urban Tribes" trend was the combination of folk and streetwear. A tribute to the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, layering, elegant and futuristic touches, comfort and functionality were plainly evident. The fabrics were detachable and consisted of printed and knitted garments, tapestry, velvets, thick cords, sportswear fabrics, shiny and "metallic" fabrics and washed wools.
Under the "Legends" style, gothic and romantic accents were in equal measure. Pleated garments suggested a college look. Vichy fabrics, flannels, velvets and cotton duck fabrics were in combination with others.
The prevalent show colour was brown.
from special correspondents Isabel Herrero and José Alarcón
