WELCOME TO KIDS À LA MODE #14!

Dear Readers,

I recently enjoyed attending a performance of The National Ballet of Ukraine, held at the beautiful New York City Center. I was struck by the seamless visual melding of the venue’s elaborately decorated Moorish  architecture, with the richly decorated folkloric costumes of the dancers. I had previously seen similar and equally striking attire on dancers at the Ballet Folkloric de Mexico, a look that provides inspiration for  contemporary fashion as featured in this issue’s “Viva Mexico!” trend pages.

In Kids à la Mode #14, we’re highlighting some fantastic brands hailing from around the globe, including two countries represented in our magazine for the first time: Selini Action’s hand-crafted decorated beachwear from the isles of Greece; and the vibrant, travel-inspired artwork of Hebe Studio, based in Australia. Other articles in this issue include: profiles of two outstanding girl’s sportswear brands, Maan and INDEE-- both from  Belgium; the 70th birthday celebration of Djeco, a famously creative French toy company; and an inside look at the  London design studio of the fabulous Stella McCartney Kids. We touch on both coasts of the USA, from a retail report of Just Jake’s in Brooklyn, to an exclusive photo essay shot in Los Angeles by international kid’s photographer Emily Kornya.

It’s fun to see the overlapping of elements and influences from various cultures and countries, as this “blending” helps create the very best in design. Our cover picture is from Holi & Love, a company founded by a Belgian woman living in India, based on wood-blocked printing and artisanal skills found there. Our cover shows the  success of this venture!  

But some things are universal… and we are quite sure that our cover model’s expressive charm and attitude will delight everyone, everywhere.The very best ideas are those that transcend time and locale. Truly great art, music and design can resonate with anyone, anywhere and anytime. In this edition, we present some ideas that we believe fall into this category.

Best wishes,

Janet A. Jacobs Editor-in-Chief