Petites On Parade

For the first time ever, New York Fashion Week now has a children’s division: petiteParade. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, the event helped kick off Fashion’s Night out on Friday, September 10. The show was attended by a select group of writers and photographers, fashion mavens, celeb-u-tots and their excited parents, all hungry for the latest in kid couture.

Rykiel Enfant
The show was opened by Rykiel Enfant by Sonia Rykiel, a Parisian designer known as the “Queen of Knits.” Her label was started in 1962, the same year she opened her first boutique in Paris, and is recognizable by the distinct stripes, rhinestones and lace used in her designs. A mother of three daughters, Sonia developed her children’s line during her first pregnancy. You can see how her designs have transcended beautifully into Rykiel Enfant. Available at SR Kids (130 Madison Avenue) and L.O.L. Kids (22 West 21st Street).

Charabia
The Charabia label was started as a newborn gift collection in the early nineties by Lena Henriksson-Barenton, a Swedish stylist from Lanvin and Eric Barenton, a Parisian advertising agent. It is one of the first of its kind for natural, ecologically-based, higher end children’s clothes. I was stunned by the sheer beauty of the pieces with their shimmer and sparkle. Available at Barneys (660 Madison Avenue) and Bonne Nuit (1193 Lexington Avenue), and L.O.L. Kids (22 West 21st Street).

Simonetta
Maria Bianca started the label Simonetta–named for her daughter–in the early 1950’s in a medieval town in Italy. She focuses on elegance, wearability, detail and comfort. I would absolutely wear these dresses myself. Available at L.O.L. Kids (22 West 21st Street), Estella (493 6th Avenue), and Mon Petit Child (1761 46th Street, Brooklyn).

Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli formed his company and label in the 1960’s in Florence, and has since started many divisions in addition to womenswear haute couture. The ethereal inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2011 Devils collection is beautiful, with super clean lines, bright colors and pretty touches. Available at L.O.L. Kids (22 West 21st Street).

On Saturday, they dressed the runway up a bit with balloons, pink gift bags and champagne, and we got a little taste of the collections for older girls:

Inca Girl
As bizarre as it was to see little girls strutting down the runway in bikinis, this was one of my favorite collections. Inca was started as a resort line 10 years ago by Stacy Josloff, a Sales Executive at Ralph Lauren and MaxMara. She brought in IncaGirl 5 years later for little fashionistas from ages 4-14. I loved the fringe, the shine and bohemian elegance of the line. The girls looked like they just hopped off a plane from the beaches in Brazil.

Custo Barcelona
Custo Barcelona was started in the 80’s by the The Dalmau brothers, Custo and David, after they traveled the world. As someone who used to actually wear Custo, I was really excited to see what they had in store for the younger crowd (i.e. my children!).%uFFFD I was pleased to see that their colors and styles remained fairly consistent and they stuck with their bright designs and psychadelic style. Available at C & C Children’s Wear (12 West 32nd Street, Fl 9).

Monnalisa & Miss Grant
Italian childrenswear brands Monnalisa and Miss Grant have been the premier Italian brands for years. Super chic and trendy, these styles are for girls ages 7-14 who really like to get fancy. Available at L.O.L. Kids (22 West 21st Street) and Mon Petit Child (1761 46th Street, Brooklyn).

Love Therapy Baby Angel by Elio Fiorucci
Both collections are designed by the Elio Fiorucci Italian fashion house known as “Daytime Studio 53.” Love Therapy focuses on younger girls, while Baby Angel is more for early teenagers. Bold colors and lines, vivacious, daring and lively trends that are meant to be mixed and matched.

I had a blast watching the children prepare and walk the runway during petiteParade.%uFFFD They were full of energy, excitement, and sassy little moves that led me to believe they had been practicing for a while. The designs themselves were beautiful, and the show was the perfect way to kick off Fashion’s Night Out. I’m definitely looking forward to the future of Kids Fashion Week, and plenty more petiteParades to come.
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Photos and coverage by Jessica Shyba of Momma’s Gone City.