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Youth gets luxe treatment at summer show

By Carole Sloan -- Kids Today, 9/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

Increasingly, home textiles for kids are becoming more luxurious, at least in terms of the fibers and constructions used in their sheets and blankets.

At the New York Home Textiles Market and the New York Home Textiles Show last month, luxury for the younger set was an important theme. Embroideries and prints were featured on more all-cotton constructions with thread counts of 200 and above. Fine wool and cashmere blankets also were seen in increasing numbers for kids of all ages.

Imports from countries like Italy and Portugal reflected the fine craftsmanship of those countries needlework heritage. In fact, the only juvenile/youth company honored by The New York Home Textiles Show for Best of Show was Madeira, Portugal-based Silva, Andrade & Calda for its handmade, cotton Madeira-embroidered baby crib sheet.

"Innovation is a key driver of success and the New York Home Textiles Show is delighted to recognize these quality companies and their new and original products," said Gracelyn Monaco, show manager.

Cute and novelty design themes still account for a major part of the introductions at both events with licensed programs from Miss Kitty, OYO (On your Own), Olive Kids and a new license — Warner Bros.' Scooby Doo at WestPoint Home — proving the long reign of characters still prevail in the kids' world.

Dan River launched its license with Hilary Duff, which covers four lifestyle statements inspired by apparel and attitude. The Broken English group is pieced together from updated hipster 60s British rocker looks; Global Hippie blends a multi-ethnic feel in a "comfortably Bohemian" fashion; Night Flight is vintage, inspired by romantic soft tones accented with touches of black; and Gothic Romance is a softened apparel feel with a harder cool rock edge.

The color palette for kids has become somewhat brighter with some quasi-neon effects and sheen in the combinations for older kids.

Russell Simmons bowed five patterns in his Phat Farm collection, including Argyle, featuring of course argyle appliqués and embroidery combined with a sueded herringbone textured fabric. The Baby Phat debuts covered both adult and back-to-school with seven patterns including Bling Bling, an over-the-tip pattern of opulence and Hollywood-glam.

Decorative pillows with embellishments ranging from sequins and beads to camouflage effects and appliqués are enhancing bed coverings for all ages as well as creating opportunities for add-on sales. Accessories like floor cushions to stack for seating, bolsters to use on the beds or other furniture, and pajama bags that double as pillows also were featured.

Donna Sharp expanded its Primary Pinwheel design, first introduced as a baby quilt, into its youth line. The primary color pinwheels are backed with white, and the quilt reverses to a red star pattern. It's offered in twin and full/queen sizes.

Kimono Kitty, the newest in the Miss Kitty series from CHF Inds., is printed on a faux raw silk with an engineered print sham, elaborate decorative pillows and Japanese text on the sheets.

Mermaid, a whimsical multi-colored print bed on a cotton/polyester blend, is one of the new designs from Olive Kids, licensed to JLA Home. The comforter has outline quilting around the printed mermaid motifs and the sham's mermaid features appliqué with plush and satin fabrics as well as embroidery. The sheet set is 200-thread count and the comforter and sham are 180.

Broken English, from the new Hilary Duff collection from Dan River, is pieced together from updated hipster 1960s British rocker looks, perfect for tweens.

Bunnies bounce across this bedding set designed by Anne Geddes for Zambaiti, a digital print on 200-count cotton percale; the five piece set includes a dust ruffle, quilt, bumper, small sham — all in a gift box.

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