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| Tia Cibani |
words/images Judith Ecochard
Chelsea, NYC
Growing up, it was Best & Company ---for the finest childrenswear. And what a flashback moment for us when we took in the Spring/Summer 2012 preview of
Kicokids... "charming" collection of wearable and wonderful kids' clothes.
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| layers of tulle--- |
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| Layers and strips of tulle in a swirl of color |
Right away, we saw that the clothes---which include casual and dressy selections, are not just mini-me versions of adult clothes, but carefully thought out designs.
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| drawstring, cute pocket on back |
As in-what would kids like, want---top fabrics and materials including coated linen with a bit of shine, indigo denim linen treated with a traditional waxed technique, and waterproof cotton canvas.tulle, techy textiles, hand knits etc...what would they wear, style wise...and also of course, what would their parental unit approve of. Or in our case---many times over---what would we want for ourselves.
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| hand woven |
Tia Cibani -(aka Kico) is the founder and creative director ---with colleague Shu Pu as collaborator on the boy styles...with an assist from artist Ritsuko Hirai on some of the whimsical graphics on the tees.
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| fun-hand woven |
Cibani's eye for the remarkable---is no surprise to anyone in fashion---as she was for many years...the leading light on the high-end women's label Ports 1961.
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| stylish knit---pretty ribbon bow = feminine cute |
seam detail
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| artisanal hand knit with fun shoulder details |
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| Exacting finishes----hems, ribbons attached---all pieces were remarkable to behold, inside and out |
SPRING 2012 HIGHLIGHTS:
"...escapes to a land of fantasy and contrast...inspired by insects...a dash of street culture...a sprinkling of high-tech, and a pinch of humor."
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| strips of silk---haute hippie chic |
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| One-shoulder tie-and dye print |
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| hand knit with hem strips |
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| Fun tee-with food fest fun, board sorts style with color block pocket |
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| This water proof jacket is genius-snaps over the zip keep the seams water tight...---with inner pockets galore in fun color blocks pattern, a durable hood with visor-keeps the rain at bay, |
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Glow-in-the dark retro-style field jacketwith- 3M reflective details...on a featherweight nylon with attached sleeves...
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Another genuis jacket-perfect for rain, rain rain- proof---loads of pockets and cool styling of a motor jacket
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| we call these mall straps---drape over shoulders when indoors without wearing the actual jacket---we see these in high-end adult jackets...a nice touch |
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| articulated hood that snaps shut-no hard zippers to fumble with |
This light light nylon slickers---with glow-in-the-dark tubular seam detail----
Boys, retro-peg pants----off beat prep is fab---with a contrast facing at the hem-rolled up as a ankle crop or down.
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| inside out-the workmanship of the trousers are amazing |
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| the waistband ha built in stretch |
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| Pretty ribbon on a bright cotton jacket |
The tees are plain fun...
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| Do-it-yourself-kids have fun cutting on the dotted line to reveal poppin' graphics of candy, french fries and pizza. Yummy. |
Handsome polos are slightly different from the usual with asymmetrical blocks of color.
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| one piece with a hood |
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| DIY tee |
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| DIY tee |
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| a few "sayings' are whimsically illustrated each season... |
Two for one tees...attached...wear one---then slip in the attached "other."
ACCESSORIES
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| Pencil kits.... |
Lego colors---
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| ladybug shape |
SHOES---a collab with Nathalie Verlinden---
ADDED PLUS: A limited holiday collection for tots 2-6 is in Anthropologie stores- just in time. Click
here for pics on Kicokid's blog.
