In some ways I was more excited by the accessories and toys this season at Bubble London than by the kids clothes. With a few notable exceptions and new arrivals a lot of the offerings bore more than a passing resemblance to last winter.
As at Pitti Bimbo the trend for brocade as a party dress fabric is present here and also the green and mustard shades are strong. Bubble is also great for finding new quirky niche labels, a lot of companies begin here and then move to overseas markets and the little spaces in the top mezzanine galleries were full with interesting offers.
My favourite picks are below and I have concentrated on the labels and new ideas not seen elsewhere as I know many will cover the more popular names in the blog world. A lot of the more established labels were at Playtime and I will pop them into a separate report.
Also a large number of exhibitors are reporting an increasing problem with copying, one exhibitor at Playtime said her graphic print had been copied line for line with no attempt to alter at all. Exhibitors are understandably nervous about outside trade release of designs. This could be the current climate where designers are put under extreme pressure for multiple collections by commercial giants or could be that the easy access on the internet to visuals has resulted in lazy design.
Absolutely beautiful silk baby sleep bags by Su Bach at Bubble London for fall 2013
Brilliant flash card and wood building sets due for Feb launch at MOMO and the V&A Museum by Hungry Little Minds
Little Duckling’s felted family ball toys, they come in a great printed bag too. At Bubble London kids fair for winter 2013
Modern patterns on socks overlooking the stalls at Bubble London from Wee Marcel, best of all, they do adult versions too!
Sweet graphics on notebook, bags, tins, badges and babywear by Froy and Dind at Coos Agencies.
Beau Loves with their distinctive monochrome designs and new bedlinen, at Bubble London for winter 2013
New exhibitor Gravel and Grass have a minimal chic feel to their well made kids collection for winter 2013.
Rachel Riley inspired by the London events recently has a beautifully made new Dressing Up collection with matching teddy outfits and celebratory chic Royal baby items.
New Scandinavian exhibitor Leopold and Livia from Sweden had an assured and chic collection with amazing pearl hangers.
A group of Peruvian exhibitors included some beautiful super soft shawls made of baby Alpaca from Royal Knit
Retro polaroid display from 70′s inspired French brand Dis une Couleur at Bubble London
Great new fair-isle style pattern by No Added Sugar incorporating their signature logo for fall / winter 2013
New baby label Belle Enfant had transfers made to stick on the walls of flying birds, worthy of a mention alone, the baby range looks classy and well made and I couldn’t leave out the rabbit!
All photos by Smudgetikka – all rights reserved
All posts copyright Smudgetikka – permission must be asked for reproduction 2009 – 2012
