Norvegian brand Jumina is back at Bubble London with a new collection and another remarkable photo story by  Jens Haugen.  Key items in Jumina’s S/S 2012 are the “ballerina” dresses as well as gorgeous jumpsuits and embroidered pieces. All in organic fairtrade certified cotton.

Click here to see another post on Jumina (from March 16).

Cool sunglasses by zoobug – Bubble London, Sunday June 19/Monday June 20 – stand D12

Among the brands that I am looking forward to discovering at Bubble London next month is Olive’s friend Pop. This new Australian label was created in 2009 by Julia Ferguson & Lea Walker. “The naive charm of Olive’s Friend Pop evoke a strong sense of nostalgia: of days spent outdoors making mudpies; of teddy tea-parties; of running until the point of collapse in fits of giggles, and the high quality fabrics and construction ensure that these will become heirloom pieces that you can pass down to your grandchildren.” (KidsStyleFile). The brand is designed in Australia and the production is facilitated out of Hong Kong. Available in about 30 boutiques around the world, including  Kido Store (Sydney), Kawaii Kids (online) and Bambie (South Korea).

Yellow boots (Mini A Ture) to step into puddles, retro-modern sneakers (Pippo) for a long walk in the forest, deep sea blue sandals (Theluto)  for beach time…that would make the perfect trio to pack for the summer holidays. All brands available at Bubble London (S/S 2012 collections, trade only) - Business Design Centre - 52 Upper Street, Islington – London, UK.

Another Bubble London, another consistent message from the exhibitors : they are very happy with their show. Is it because Bubble London is small? Because the UK buyers don’t travel much? According to a survey published by CWB, only 20% of them do their buying at overseas shows. It might be the combination of many elements, and whatever they are it is always pleasant to visit a show where people are happy and positive. At the entrance of Bubble, an exhibit by London store Kidsen, encouraging retailers to focus on strong windows/visual displays.

Wallpaper is back, no doubt. It has become the main ingredient in stand’s decoration. Above, The Old rectory and P’tit Chic de Paris.

A young man is wearing an Alpaca fur hat and sweater from Waddler, a brand created by his parents. Above his picture, the irresistible knits from Kidscase; below, the successful message tees and dresses from Dandy Star.  Each season, the brand comes up with fresh, exciting new products and graphics. Here below, Little Ducklings (very beautiful collection (their 3rd I think) – very attractive prices) and K for Keeps, a new comer at the show.

It is sometimes a frustration to visit shows and not to have a store. If I’d had one, I would definitively have picked No added sugar, Hucklebones, Popupshop, Lucky boy Sunday, Pale Cloud, Waddler, Little ducklings, Dandy Star, Kidscase. I would also have added pieces from Boutons (dresses, skirts, jackets, PJ’s – all from traditional handmade fabrics from India) and from Nyoki (merino+kit mohair handknits from Kosovo).

Fashion Bible Trends expo. (Colorful trunk by Deluna Kids)

A few more facts on UK retailers (Source : CWB) * Were sales for 2010 up or down on 2009? Up 41% – same 28 % – down 31% * Where do you do your buying? UK shows 66% - overseas shows 20% – showrooms 66% – agents visiting stores 56% * Have you changed your buying budget for A/W 11? Cutting back 44% – staying same 39% – investing more 17% * Do you plan to drop any labels for A/W 11? YES 71% – introduce any new labels YES 60% 58% of retailers say that online sales are an important part of their business and 66% will focus on investing in website/online sales for 2011*

Busy busy start of the year for Kid’s wear magazine who’s team will attend all the main children’s show around the world : kleine fabriek (Amsterdam), Bread&Butter (Berlin), Pitti Bimbo (Florence), FIMI/ SEE ME (Valencia), Playtime (Paris), Bubble (London), CPH kids (Copenhagen), Playtime (Tokyo); Playtime (New York). All that in two months. Safe travels!

Helmut Lang and Martin Margiela had a huge success with their painted jeans, but the new hot products with the inspiring artist’s workshop look are for kids, created by Ecobudz. Cherry on the cake, these tees are incredibly soft and gentle to the skin, made from eco-friendly material (70% bamboo, 30% organic cotton). Ecobudz is based in Shanghai and the brand will be showing its collection at Bubble London (January 30-31).

British brand Waddler is all about creating a beautiful and wild world for the little monsters around us. Made from natural materials and produced to fair trade standards, Waddler will be showing at Bubble London, 30 & 31 January 2011.

Thanks to Tabara @ Bubble London.