IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME

Little Miss Junior has had a busy week, and has seen her new friend Santa all over London!

First stop was Harrods children’s clothes floor for a spot of designer Christmas party outfit shopping. As she was browsing through the sparkly sequin dresses Little Miss J spotted a glittering green grotto. Lo and behold, as she approached she saw that it was the Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz, and sitting in the middle was Santa. After a lovely chat, where Santa established that Little Miss J had been a good girl and really did deserve that faux fur muffler she had had her eyes on earlier, he gave her a signed copy of The Wizard of Oz and a massive chocolate coin. What a way to start the festive season!

Next up was Selfridges, because Little Miss J had heard that they had face-painting and pantomime performances in the Children’s department. Never one to miss out on a bit of glitz and glam she quickly trotted up before all the glitter paint ran out. On her way in she noticed a train moving through the store, and jumped on. She ended up in another Grotto and saw her friend Santa again. They had a quick photo before Little Miss J got hungry. So she said her goodbyes and went off in search of a filling festive meal.

She’d heard that the Rainforest Café had a new resident – Santa in his grotto! So she jumped in a cab (it had started to snow and the moisture plays havoc with her hair) to Shaftesbury Avenue. Just as she was tucking into her banana split dessert she heard a familiar ‘HoHoHo” and followed the noise through the frozen rainforest, where she found an elf who showed her to the grotto. She had one final chat with Santa who promised Little Miss J would get her heart’s desire on Christmas day. Before she left, Santa gave her the cutest little soft toy reindeer, then she stepped back out into a snowy London.

What I found today

Doll £124 by Gabrielle Aznar www.lillibulle.tyepad.com/boutique

What I found today

www.clementinehenrion.com

STELLA'S BACK

As regular readers of Junior will know, Stella McCartney’s recent collaboration with GapKids has been a great success. So much so that a second collection has been announced for Spring 2010

Stella told Junior that her children’s ranges are designed “ to find a balance in the wardrobe, to give a child everything they need. I don’t want someone to have to go somewhere else to get their kids’ clothes.” And now they don’t have to . . .

Gap have announced that the new collection is planned for March, so the sell-out Miller jacket won’t be making a comeback, but we predict more of the pretty mesh tutus and funky T-shirt designs.

Marka Hansen, President of Gap brands, said of the continued collaboration: “The combination of Stella’s unique aesthetic and our brand’s quality and store experience has resonated with our customers around the world. We’re thrilled to be working with Stella on a Spring collection.”



By JESSICA BARON

THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Marie-Chantal, the home of luxurious children's clothing and accessories, is holding a sample sale just in time for Christmas.

Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece prides herself on creating classic, timeless designs that are also wearable and well made. And, as a mother of five, she believes she is well placed to create outfits for children to live and play in, and also to feel a little bit royal in!

So keep your baby cosy in a cute cable-knit cardigan, or make your daughter’s Christmas by buying her this gorgeous faux fur coat.
You’ll have to hurry though – the sale only lasts for two days and I’m sure that the fact that this is a children’s label won’t stop the infamous squabbles and snatching that you find in the world of adult sample sales!

December 14 and 15, at the Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London SW3 5EE. Monday 14th 10am-8pm, Tuesday 15th 10am-5pm

By JESSICA BARON

Through the Eyes of Pregnancy

Junior magazine attended a breakfast at the Connaught Hotel this morning for the launch of Nicky Hambleton-Jones' eyewear.
The collection was inspired by Nicky's passion for colour and travel, which she describes as a "journey to self discovery". Nicky wants women to have fun, to try different styles and to be adventurous when it comes to wearing their glasses.

Even though the collection will be available in January 2010, Nicky has other plans before the launch. She is due to give birth this month, and true to style, she has been looking fabulous dressing her bump in Isabella Oliver and Blossom Mother & Child.

WINTER WARMERS

Your children can step out in style this Christmas thanks to the pop-up UGG shop on Selfridges 3rd floor.

Following in the current trend for pop-up shops, UGG has opened a children’s only footwear concession, so that trendy children can face the ravages of winter a la Miley Cyrus.


The UGG department can be found within the Step2wo concession on the third floor and is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. As well as the well-known classic UGG boot, the pop-up shop will stock seasonal styles, metallic versions and sheepskin trimmed boots all in a luxurious Christmassy surrounding decked out in traditional UGG sheepskin style. So you can relax in the shag-pile chairs while your progeny strut their stuff in the luxury boots.

The concession will be open until the end of January.

www.selfridges.com

By JESSICA BARON

Beckham Boys Follow Mummy's Fashion Steps

All five members of the Beckham family are going to become fashion designers for a charitable cause.

David, Victoria and their three children, Brooklyn, ten, Romeo, seven, and Cruz, four, will be the designers of a range of limited edition T-shirts for Sport Relief 2010.

The job was originally offered to Victoria, but she decided her boys should be involved in the project too! David will be designing the men's T-shirts, while the three boys will do sketches for the childrens' tops, and Victoria will stick to designing for the ladies.

The t-shirts will be for sale in March 2010.

For more information go to http://www.sportrelief.com/

Happy Birthday Little Fashion Gallery

http://www.youtube.com/user/LITTLEFASHIONGALLERY#p/a

Little Miss Junior’s Week in Fashion

Tuesday - Little Miss Junior tries on the recession and likes it

Today Little Miss Junior ventured out to see what’s happening on the high street. Being mindful of the pennies, Little Miss J had to catch something called a bus then a train, as her chauffer was on strike - bloody interns! Four hours later, rather hot and crumpled, she arrived at her first press day: Tesco! Little Miss J loves Tesco, ever since they collaborated with designer ‘Elspeth Gibson’ to produce delightful party dresses for next to nothing. For spring she also adored the funky baseball boots in grey with Las Vegas blazoned across them.

Boden was next on the list, set in the charming location of Chiltern Studios in Marylebone. The collection was brimming with beautiful prints, bold polka dots, star hoodies and budding buds patterned over sundresses, raincoats, shoppers and trainers. The brownies were good too. Centre to the clothes was a large Indian parrot; Little Miss J loved Mr P until he chirped “Get Lost” rather loudly. Within walking distance was Marks & Spencers, who had dedicated a whole press day to the pursuits of pregnancy, baby and childrenswear. Little Miss J pre-ordered the sweet sun dress in grey with Indian beading, beyond! Last visit of the day was Littlewoods who have brought in the Ladybird label, which was originally with Woolworths and what an improvement! Lots of cool sports wear, distressed denim, plus she received a lovely portable DVD player in her goody bag.

Wednesday– Little Miss Junior Goes to Paris

A prompt 7 o’clock start, Little Miss Junior, awoke bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and jumped into her armoured Mercedes and heads to St Pancras to catch Eurostar to Paris. Wearing her chic Monalisa dress coat and D&G handbag and of course not forgetting her polka dot beret, Tre’s chic – non? Today she is interviewing Mr Serge Cajfinger, the founder of Paule Ka.

Paule Ka has been a favourite of Little Miss Junior’s mother, Madame Junior. But they had yet to introduce a childrenswear collection, until today, their official launch and collaboration with La Redoute. At lunchtime, Little Mis J meets Mr. Cajfinger in a beautiful townhouse in the centre of Paris to ask some important questions “ I love the white and black pleated dress, with bow and the denim A-line dress, plus the blue slip dress with black trims. Can I order those, pretty please?’ Little Miss J also excitedly finds out that Paule Ka mainline are also planning a possible girlswear collection, for which she is the muse! Adorable.

Thursday Little Miss Junior Needs to wear glasses

Little Miss Junior was very upset to find out that she may need glasses “How unfashionable” she had sulked. “I’m going to look like the biggest geek ever”. Her feelings soon changed when she spotted her old school chum Albert Cocker all over the style pages wearing his frames “Geek is now cool” she declared. Today, she booked an appointment to meet her favorite glasses company Zoobug, who have launched an adorable collection. Dr Julie Diem Le is an expert optician and founder of Zoobug, so Little Miss J was in good hands. Dr Julie Diem Le suggested she get the ultra cool Harley Design “Not out in the shops yet, but you can have them first”. Litte Miss J looked adorable; chocolate brown frames really do bring out the colour of her eyes.

Barbie Gets a Fashion Makeover

The new line of Barbie Fashionista dolls by Mattel Features Barbie in all the season's key trends. In the past, she's been dressed by Armani, Burberry, Givenchy Haute Couture, Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Dior.

As one of the world's top fashion icons, Barbie has always embraced the latest fashions and trends. Taking inspiration from the catwalk, the Barbie Fashionistas are wearing this seasons key trends including nautical stripes and bold prints.

To celebrate the launch of the dolls, Mattel has also produced a music video titled ‘Do the Barbie’ set to a new, re-recorded version of the 90s hit song ‘Barbie Girl’.

There are six Barbie Fashionista dolls to collect: Sassy, Cutie, Girly, Glam, Artsy and Wild, each in outfits designed to match their distinct personality, including a glam evening dress, a rock 'n' roll look and a hippy style printed dress. Junior’s favourite is Girly Barbie, who opts for a classic Barbie look with an adorable pink party dress, and a sophisticated classical haircut.

Suitable for children aged 3+, they are available at www.toyrsus.co.uk for £9.99.

Monnalisa hits Milan

Monnalisa opened its new boutique in the fashion centre of Milan on November 3. Located in Via della Spiga, it features a fresh yet romantic design and is set to be a heaven send for fashion-conscious little girls.

The boutique’s interior has an exciting array of shocking pink, sleek shiny surfaces and sophisticated black glass, and an elegant ambiance with delicate and retro classicism through its tables and wardrobes in white decapé finishing.

Italian brand Monnalisa is currently undergoing major retail expansion to increase its number of stores all in the most exclusive and prestigious locations world-wide, from New York to Sydney and Dubai.

Spring Tales with Little Miss Junior

Last week Little Miss Junior ventured out of the office in her chic new Miss Grant paisley print dress to preview the spring/summer collections. A fitting location for her stylish new dress was Centre point’s swish private members club Paramount, which housed the Replay boys and girls collection. Little Miss J reported “Replay carried on last seasons love affair with Americana, the collection sporting baseball inspired tops, footy style tees and baseball caps”.

At her much-loved Bonpoint shop on Marylebone High street, Little Miss J tucked into Laduree macaroons whilst being shown around the spring/summer collection, taking to the bright net dresses and beautiful cotton scarves, ideal for her trip to Barbados later in the year.

At Hackett, Little Miss J browsed the boys’ offerings - some gorgeous paisley and floral scarves and nautical-themed soft tailored jackets were her favorites, perfect for Chuck her boyfriend.

When lunchtime came, Little Miss J changed into her floral tea dress from Caramel Baby and Child, hopped into a taxi to Covent Garden’s Piazza, where Joules were showcasing the new collection at a townhouse which was decorated in a fifties theme. Joules creative director was eager to hear Little Miss Junior’s verdict: “I love the chubby ginger cat modeling in your look book and the floral raincoat is adorable, do please send me one”.

Gap didn’t fail to disappoint and had hired a grand Georgian town house. Downstairs sat a large restaurant with a gourmet chef, Little Miss J adored the pumpkin and goats cheese tart, even asking for more! Then, tucked away at the top of the house, Little Miss J discovered Gap’s spring/summer children’s collection, all fashioned in a blue and white nautical theme, which has been a running trend in the shows. Little Miss J was inspired as she is planning a cruise to the Black Sea in her Easter break. One of her favorite events today was Little White Company and Little Miss Junior was excited about making her pre-orders. “I want the cashmere dress in grey, the cute beige dungarees and some of those stripe jersey tee’s. Its all very minimal yet girly, perfect for me”!

Christmas at Harrods

Harrods Christmas Parade takes place on November 7 and, as always, it will be a magical display. This year's theme is The Wizard of Oz featuring Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow. The procession starts at 8am outside the famous Knightsbridge store.

To add to the fun, Replay is holding a complimentary Children's Styling Event on the fourth floor between 10am and 4pm. At this fun-packed day of entertainment, face painting and fashion, children can model for a photo shoot and will be able to take a complimentary print home.

While you're there, take a look at the Christmas Tree Trail which also launches in November, until December 14. You can enter a competition for the chance to win an exclusive designer decoration from each of the 11 trees. Designers include Georg Jensen, Nicole Farhi and Swarovski. The trees will be displayed in their respective departments creating festive focal points. They can be located in the home & furniture departments on the second and third floors.

Stella McCartney for Gap Kids

Stella McCartney’s long awaited collection for Gap Kids hits stores nationwide tomorrow. You can check the collection out in the new Junior (on sale Thursday 5 November), read an inclusive interview with Stella herself, plus top tips from Stella and the Junior fashion team on how to wear it with our exclusive fashion shoot, get shopping! For details visit www.gap.eu

Go British

Today the Junior team ventured to the chic surroundings of Claridge’s Hotel to see the launch of a new e-shop Go-british.co.uk. The website is dedicated to British designs and offers womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. In the childrenswear department, snatch up goodies from Linda Farrow; note these cute shades, aptly titled Luxe Kids Minx and Hunter wellies and rain coats. Or for you, we loved the novel hats from Victoria Grant, especially the daring kryptonite tracks beret!

Mink kid frame with dark grey lenses £225 by Linda Farrow at www.go-british.co.uk

Next Generation

Next has announced they are staging two fantastic fashion competitions for aspiring models and designers.

Next Generation is seeking four - to seven-year-old models to showcase their Spring/Summer 2010 collection in Next Directory. As well as starring in a fashion photo shoot, winners will also receive representation from children's modelling agency Urban Angels and a shopping spree at Next.

Meanwhile, young designers up to the age of 16 are also being invited to design a T-shirt, with winning designs being manufactured and sold at Next and profits donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for sick children.

Next Generation launches on Facebook November 4 - to enter, log in here. From this date onwards, parents and guardians can upload photos and family and friends can vote. Voting closes on November 25 and the top 100 entrants in the modelling competition and the top 50 T-shirt designers will be invited to the grand final party in the Deer Park at Woburn Abbey Safari Park on December 21. The party will include dance workshops hosted by Britain's Got Talent finalists Flawless, while Urban Angels will be on hand to provide modelling advice and contestants will also receive professional photographs to take home.

Meanwhile, the Junior team attended the launch of Next's Spring/Summer '10 collection. A traditional English country theme was prominent for boys as plaid shirts and waistcoats featured strongly, while there was a feast of festival-inspired pieces for girls, such as floral skirts, animal-print maxi dresses and brightly coloured playsuits.

New childrenswear line, Olsenboye, for spring 2010

The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, have joined forces with the US department store JC Penneys to create a childrenswear line for girls - from newborn to 15 - named Olsenboye.

It follows the theme of an oversized-sunglasses-wearing globetrotter. Featured products will include cropped blazers, jean leggings, oversized graphic T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags and footwear. The pattern-heavy collection reflects the Olsen boho style through florals, plaids and stripes.

They already run two successful fashion labels within their company and the range will add to their growing empire. Released in spring 2010, "Olsenboye is an opportunity to add something unique to the marketplace," says Ashley. "It complements and strengthens our business portfolio."

In July, the sisters were inducted into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, along with the likes of Alexander Wang.

Olsenboye will prelaunch on jcp.com and in 50 JCP stores on November 6. The full line will debut in 600 stores in February.

http://olsenboye.com/

Adams - the Topshop of Childrenswear

On October 21 the Junior team attended the Adams Kids relaunch at the Mappin Pavilion, London Zoo, where the brand boldly proclaimed: "We're back in fashion!"

While we were there, we were lucky enough to see the current Autumn/Winter collection. We also got a sneak preview of the upcoming Spring/Summer '10 pieces, which feature a more directional look, with products emphasising detail and embellishment for girlswear, and an extensive denim collection for boys. "We want to make it the Topshop of childrenswear," explains product director Lindsey Williams.

The key new pieces from the collection include nautical-inspired tees, structured blazers with matching high-waist shorts, trench coats and cropped leather jackets.

The relaunch followed the new ownership of Adams by Pakistani group Habib Alvim, who vowed to return Adams to its previous position as a high-street leader. Adams has already re-opened five of its former stores in the past six weeks and will open five more before the end of November. Store expansion is set to develop even more with 15 new stores in proposal for Easter next year.

Fun and Spooky Events

To celebrate the launch of the childrenswear collection in their Kingston, Dundrum (Ireland) and Manchester stores, French Connection is holding several exciting events.
The events will take place in Kingston on 24th October from 12 - 4pm, Dundrum on 7th November 12 - 4pm and in Manchester on 31st October 12 - 4pm.
For more information visit www.frenchconnection.com, where the winners of the Model Making competition will be displayed.
Also this month, have your broomsticks at the ready as Caramel Baby & Child will be holding in-store Halloween events on October 30th and 31st. You and your little monsters are invited to pop down for some scary sweets, terrifying treats and other Halloween themed fun, including make-your-own witches' hat or mask and decorating a spooky haunted house!
The events will take place at their Ledbury Road, Pavillion Road, Brompton Road and Richmond stores between 12pm and 4pm, so be there and prepare to be scared...

Launched just in time for October half term, Kickers has teamed up with Lego to create a colourful range of boots for boys and girls aged 4 - 10.

The iconic Kickers Kick Hi boots have been updated with Lego's bright colours and classic building blocks in the form of straps, fastenings and eyelets. The Lego details on the boots share the same dimensions as true Lego blocks, which means that children can further embellish their new shoes with real Lego blocks and figures, and each pair of boots comes with a free ticket for one adult and one child to Legoland Windsor.

"Kickers and Lego is a match made in heaven, with both companies sharing a fundamental aesthetic in our DNA of vibrant colour, creativity and huge positivity" says Ian Blackman, Managing Director for Kickers. "We're so happy with the results - the shoes have exceeded our expectations by miles."

The leather boots are available in different combinations of bright red, green, blue and yellow, as well as white leather with the classic Lego block print.

The boots are available in store and online, with prices starting at £50.

For more information visit http://www.kickers.co.uk/

Gant

The Spring/Summer preview at Gant carried on the classic Gant jet-setting style, inspired by Miami life. Bright pastel yellows, greens and pinks are neatly packaged into stylish polo shirts and rugby tops, with splashes of nautical influence in their navy and white lightweight jackets amd striped socks. This delicately colourful trend was also carried over into their new babywear collection, with the pastel colours being transferred to lightweight cotton dresses and miniature rugby tops.

Get ready for the party season with Mamas & Papas new collection, designed to smarten up your little ones in time for the festive season.

Heritage style jackets, jumpers, waistcoats and flat caps for boys are a traditional yet trendy leap into winter whilst the berry red and snowy white tones seen in the girlswear give a hint of cosy glamour.

There are gorgeous party dresses and cute cardigans aplenty, with no shortage of accessories to match. Thick tights with a touch of sparkle keep the party look going whilst on-trend ballet pumps will keep your little ballerina dancing all night long.

For the boys, there is an effortlessly stylish collection of interchangeable chocolate coloured courduroy and check pieces with grandpa-style knitted jumpers to keep him warm on those chilly evenings!

Ages newborn to 23 months, the collection is available in store and online. Visit http://www.mamasandpapas.com/ for details.

Grey Matters

U.S girlswear label Whitten Grey has launched its standalone online shop and charitable initiative 'Project Little Grey Dress'. "Whitten Grey is inspired by little girls and their need for well made; environmentally friendly clothing that does not lose its detail or edge". Their clothing is sold in 13 stores and 10 online stores worldwide.
The fall 2009 collection uses organic fabrics to create timeless pieces with classic schoolgirl charm that have the opportunity to help change the lives of other little girls in the worlds poorest countries.
'Project Little Grey Dress' is a unique initiative that allows customers to donate a Whitten Grey dress (courtesy of Whitten Grey) with each dress purchased. In additon, you can choose the colour of the dress and the country of donation, as well as write a personal message to the recipient.
The collection, for two to six year old girls, consists of simple shift dresses and crisp white shirts, complete with intricate pleat detailing and wide puritan style collars, ideal for parties or playtime. Prices from £43.
For more information on UK stockists and delivery sites visit www.whittengrey.com

When Iggy met Ziggy

How cool is this? Rock stars David Bowie and Iggy Pop are to join the elite rank of LEGO mini figures - whose number already includes Indiana Jones and Darth Vader - in the new LEGO Rock Band game.

The animated Iggy explodes typically shirtless to show off that toned torso with all his trademark intensity wearing only a bandage and blue skinny trousers, whilst Bowie is debonair in a demure white shirt with open bow tie, braces, beige trousers - and great attention to detail with his distinctive one green eye and one brown.

The new LEGO Rock Band is compatible with existing Guitar Hero and Rock Band consoles, and features classic rock and pop hits such as Bowies Let's Dance and Iggy's The Passenger.

The inclusion of a new 'Super Easy' mode also ensures younger rockstars (the ones who can stand up long enough to hold a guitar) can also take centre stage (when Daddy will allow it).

LEGO Rock Band is available on Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii & DS in November.

Ronit Zilkha launches new luxury childrenswear range

International womenswear designer Ronit Zilkha is due to debut her luxury childrenswear range at online boutique Madison Browne. The girlswear collection will launch under the label 'LuLLilu - created by Ronit Zhilka' and will hit the online store tomorrow!
Ronit Zhilka was born in Israel, and graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Design before introducing her first womenswear collection in 1991.
The new collection features a range of chic and eclectic cashmere cardigans and dresses as well as accessories, gifts and babywear, which are all intricately assembled with signature Ronit Zilkha antique craft style details. The range will be available exclusively online in sizes 4 to 10 years.
For more information visit www.madisonbrowne.com

Paul Smith Relaunches Childrenswear Collection

Paul Smith, one of the most influential menswear designers of recent years, is set to relaunch his childrenswear label for autumn/winter 2010, the press office confirmed last Friday.
Famous for his multi-stripe signature, Paul Smith is one of the few labels to report significant profit increases (up 22 percent to £15 million to be precise) for the year ending June 2008.
The label will be an expansion of the existing childrenswear label which is currently limited to printed baby-grows and T-shirts.
Sir Paul will not head this new venture as Groupe Zannier, who also holds the licence for Kenzo and Little Marc Jacobs, will be designing the collection under licence.

Eco-warriors and butterflies

Adorable eco-warriors Pili Pala Childrenswear have recently launched their first collection, in sizes ranging from 12 months to 5 years.

The collection is the perfect combination of cute, fun and free-spirited shapes and vibrant colours, compiled simply into matching striped and printed tops, dresses, trousers and jumpsuits.

Made exclusively in a converted farmhouse in Aberystwyth, Wales (Pili pala is welsh for butterfly) their cute and comfortable clothing is made from 100% organic cotton and recycled velour, meaning all good eco-mums can sleep soundly in the knowledge that they are doing their part to keep the planet green, and their little darlings well suited.

For more information visit www.pilipalachildrenswear.com

Agatha Ruiz De la Prada and Tweezerman launch new designer series

Famous for her shows at Pitti Bimbo and a favourite with Junior, Agatha Ruiz De la Prada is branching out to launch a new series of Tweezermans. The new collection comes in a white leather case decorated with magenta hearts, orange flowers and blue clouds.

These limited edition tweezers cost £25 exclusively at Harvey Nichols. For more information visit www.harveynichols.com

Mamami's new range of stylish baby bags

Mamami is the new range of baby bags launched by Chena Patel, designed for practical needs of day to day life with a baby but keeping great style. The bag combines crinkle patent leather with a matt canvas, it features a chunky zip that opens all the way round allowing easier access; inside water resistant clear pockets perfect for nappies and wipes, which also comes with a baby-changing mat. At the front and the back, there are deep pockets perfect for all your essentials. The bag comes in black or silver and we love the decorative pleated details.

Mamami bags cost £289 and are available at www.mamami.co.uk

Madison Browne launches clothing line for babies

Stylish online retailer Madison Browne (knows as the net a porter for children) has launched its own line for babies. The range offers gift box sets and individual pieces including knitted jumpers and stripy cardigans in pale pink for girls and in baby blue for boys, all made from 100 percent cashmere. The collection also includes knitted baby boots, gloves and hats.

Prices start from £48.00 for the pale pink and baby blue striped cashmere jumpers.

For more information visit www.madisonbrowne.com

Goodwood Revival

This weekend the junior fashion team headed to the southcoast for the Goodwood revival's three-day festival, reliving the circuit's 1950's and 60's golden era of motor sport racing. Whilst there, we checked out what children were sporting and were most impressed with how current a revival can look!

Find your Alter-Ego at mamas & papas

Alter ego is the latest range from Mamas & Papas, and boast an exciting mix of colours bright prints and futuristic detail for little boys.
The collection has a range of playful dungaree sets, cute cardigans, alien invasion knitted jumpers and hats. The Alter- Ego collection will be available in stores from October, in sizes newborn to 23 months.

For more information visit mamasandpapas.com

Diesel childrenswear comes to Selfridges

Diesel has introduced a childrenswear line to join its adult's concession at Selfridges Oxford street.
The collection has been inspired by the world of motor racing, with hooded tops and motorbike jackets featuring bright boy racer style graphics. For the girls, the range has been influenced by acrobats at the circus, with strong colours and quirky patterns in bright colours.

Visit the diesel concession on the ground floor at Selfridgesat 400 Oxford Street w1 or visit www.selfridges.com

Kit n Kin

Mummys Online the luxury children’s web boutique has introduced a new unisex line of baby t-shirts called kit n kin. The collection uses photo transfers printed on long-sleeve round neck cotton t-shirts, in black, pink, red, white or blue and a variety of designs that sum up urban style. The designs offer a fun and quirky take on children’s t-shirts.

Kit n kin t-shirts £17.99 (ages newborn – 24 months), visit www.mummysonlinebabyshop.com

Massimo Dutti launches childrenswear

Yesterday, Massimo Dutti, the Spanish high-street brand launched their new Oxford Street store. To celebrate the unveiling, press were introduced to the boys’, girls’ and baby collections, exclusive to the Oxford street shop.
The collection which was fashioned in a winter palette of greys, dirty greens and browns, sported playful sleeveless cardigans in cable knits and soft tailored trousers for girls, preppy shirts and tailoring for the boys and a small capsule collection of wool rompers, ribbed hats and herringbone booties all colored in a stone grey for babies.

Visit the new Massimo Dutti store at 420 Oxford street, W1 or visit www.massimodutti.com

John Smedley unveil their newly designed flagship store

Last night the Junior team attended the unveiling of the newly re-designed John Smedley store on Brook Street, Mayfair. Designed by the Four IV design group, who have also created interiors for luxury boutiques Emporio Armani, Mulberry, Harvey Nichols and Duchamp. The store is filled out with dark oak, slate steel fittings and floors of pale stones sourced from John Smedley's local Derbyshire home. In the basement the children’s collections feature beautiful knits in the form of brightly colored cardigans, their classic three button merino wool sweater and a selection of beautiful merino wool girl’s berets with velvet trims.

Visit the new John Smedley’s store at 24 Brook Street, London W1 or visit www.johnsmedley.com

Children’s Worldwide Fashion (CWF) launch childrenswear store at Westfield shopping center

Children’s Worldwide Fashion (CWF) the European leader in high-end and luxury children’s fashion under licenses, have unveiled a store in Westfield shopping center. The store, which opened yesterday, is called Atelier de Courcelles a reference to the spirit of couture, it will feature all of CWF’s collections for girls and boys from 0 to 16: Burberry, Chloé, DKNY, ELLE, Escada, Hugo Boss, Marithé+François Girbaud and Timberland. The store has been created in collaboration with French designer Christophe Pillet and will house an imaginary garden composed of large pebbles and giant vases, a cosy corner for babies from 0-2 years and of course CWF's older ranges.

Gucci collaborates on a children’s book

The Italian label Gucci, better known for making collections inspired by sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll are launching a children’s book. The book, titled ‘A Snowman in Africa’, will support the charity UNICEF. Fridda Gianni, Gucci’s creative director collaborated with fashion director of Vanity Fair, Michael Roberts who is the author/illustrator on the project. The book will be sold in over 200 Gucci stores worldwide and on Gucci.com from November 25th-December 31st

New children's fashion trade fair to be launched

Vogue Kids fashion trade fair will take place at ExCel in London in January. The show will run at the same time as Bubble London and will be run by US based company Showbiz Inc, who already run trade fairs in Canada and the US. The news will come as a big blow to Bubble, which has become the UK’s main children’s fashion event after the demise of Premier Kids. According to insiders at Showbiz Inc, Vogue Kids aim to fill the gap and has big ambitions to become the UK's biggest Children's fashion trade show.

Vogue Kids will take place at ExCel on January 31 – February 2nd 2009

Cowshed and Pink Lining launch a limited edition bag

To coincide with the launch of Cowshed’s Maternity and Baby skincare range, the luxury beauty brand have collaborated with Pink Lining (the market leaders for designer mother’s changing bags) to create a limited edition nappy bag. The distinctive Cowshed wallpaper print makes using this bag a fabulous ‘must-have’ for any fashionable new Mother.

Pink Lining for Cowshed Mother’s Bag £65, visit www.cowshedonline.com or
www.pinklining.com

The Emerging Realm of Children’s Fashion in India

For a long time many fashionable parents in India were left dissatisfied at the lack of stylish attire for their children. So designers Falguni and Shane Peacock made a big impact on the crowd at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in New Delhi when a group of children dressed in tees and matching jackets walked down the catwalk alongside the adult models, it is still a rare occurrence to see children on Indian catwalks. “Most of us are doting parents and like to dress up our children. Unfortunately, children’s fashion does not have many players and hardly offers a choice. We thought it would be a good idea to explore the market a bit,” says Falguni.

Katie Holmes to launch new fashion line for women and children

Celebrity mother Katie Holmes has developed a new clothing line for both women and children. The line is in collaboration with celebrity stylist Jeanne Yang. The collection is called Holmes and Yang and the mini-me designs were inspired by Katie’s own daughter Suri and Jeanne’s two daughters Zoey and Sydney.

“We started about a year ago,” says Katie, “sketching different things, trying to find comfortable clothing for my daughter that is also pretty and cute.” The collection has been described as having a ‘classic style.’

The line will debut in LA this September.

American Apparel launches new youth line

Due to popular demand for children’s clothing, American Apparel has shrunk down their current adult designs for their children’s apparel line.

Marsha Brady, a creative director for American Apparel says, "We've received so many letters from parents asking us to 'shrink down' some of the signature styles for their children. The ones we started with are simple, practical, fun solutions for parents.”

The store already sells children’s and babies clothing in 70 stores within the US.
For more information on the new youth range check out their website on www.americanapparel.co.uk

Hackett teams up with Harrods and Aston Martin

Hackett has teamed up with Harrods and Aston Martin for a fantastic event to launch their new Autumn/Winter 09 Childrenswear collection.
They are offering a brilliant photo shoot opportunity where children can have their photograph taken in a miniature vintage Aston Martin whilst dressed in pieces from Hackett’s Aston Martin Collection.
You can even take home your complementary photograph with out it being essential that you purchase from the clothing collection. The prices start from £45 and the size ranges from 2-16 year olds.
It all takes place on Saturday 24 October between 11am and 6pm on the fourth floor at Harrods.

Bamboo Baby Spring Summer 2010

Bamboo Baby’s Spring/Summer children’s collection is to be called ‘Bamboo Sporty’ and the collection has been inspired by quintessential English summer sports, where girls wear tennis dresses with large white sashes and short-sleeved pink and white striped T-shirts. Boys can choose from stripy cricket and rugby jumpers and classic straight leg jeans. For babies there are fine knits, stripy all-in-ones and soft white sleep suits.

Not only are you getting excellent quality in clothing, you can take heed in knowing that you are doing your bit for your planet. Sisters Chloe and Sophie Tostevin who run the south London based company are well known for their 100% natural use of bamboo fabrics that are especially designed for babies and children. “Bamboo fabric is organic, sustainable and super eco-friendly whilst being gorgeously soft”, says Chloe.

For more about the Bamboo Sporty range email bamboo-baby@hotmail.co.uk or call 07881 827741. You can also shop online at www.bamboobaby.co.uk.

Clothing range direct from Hollywood

Following in the footsteps of other famous mothers such as Nicole Richie, Tori Spelling is launching her own range of children’s clothing.
The former Beverly Hill 90210 actress is said to have been inspire by her own children, Liam 2 years old and Stella 1 year old. “I pay close attention to what styles and materials Liam and Stella feel most comfortable in, and then I add the stylish element."
The clothing range is called ‘Little Maven’ and will be launched in the USA this autumn.
The collection includes a large range of colours and styles, with polka-dot and zigzag stripes for girls and for the boys a lot of grey, muted greens and blues.