Playtime Paris previews kids fashion summer 2019.
Firstly I have to mention the heat, because it was the first thing on everyone’s mind.
There’s a history here, two years ago was a similar heatwave summer in June and as the main Playtime building is an eco building it doesn’t allow air conditioning and it became too hot, last year was not so bad, this year we were back to debilitating heat.
I don’t know what the answer is but the effects are very hard if you are trying to work, your brain becomes fogged and your energy level saps. I know I didn’t cover the fair as thoroughly as I would normally and its a shame for buyers and exhibitors alike. Even buyers from hot climates find it hard because they are used to air conditioning when the temperatures climbs in their own countries.
Its also a shame because Playtime has one of the most comprehensive collections of smaller independent kids fashion labels around, nearly every exhibitor has something you would want to buy. Plus an expanding maternity selection and a very cute kids decor/interiors offering too.
Colours varied between washed out warm earthy shades, cinnamon, mustard, sand, mud and zingier yellows, oranges, pinks and red. There was also a good selection of white shades and classic pastels. What is on the way out is the monochrome collection here, as in Pitti Bimbo with brands such as Beau Loves introducing more primary punchy colour.
Apron fronts, gathered necklines or sleeves and ruffled yoke trims are in nearly every collection, fabrics tend to natural cotton and linens, there is much towelling with sporty elastic edge trims especially for shorts and slim dresses and the bomber jacket reigns as the most popular outerwear style.
Prints are washed out and retro in feeling and the word T-shirt is still very much alive but more in a repeated style a la Balenciaga rather than a slogan while vegetables are taking the place of the usual tropical fruit print.
For dressier styles lace and eyelet work is still on trend either in full or used for inserts and trimmings.
Faded prints on sports styles here at Wander & Wonder Playtime Paris kids fashion for SS19