Children’s Winter Trends for 2019-2020, visiting the SundaySchool trade show

It is amazing how one can experience the atmosphere of the many different events in just a couple of days. Attending a trade show gives visitors a lot of information about fashion trends, but also, and most importantly, about the current dynamism and economic situation of the industry.

Seeing the different customs and see how they differ from country to country is also amazing.

This year, I started attending this rather new trade show in Utrecht, The Netherlands. This one-day trade fair, called SundaySchool,  on the 13th of January, started the year off strong! Celebrating its 3rd year, the number of brands exhibiting was impressive.

I arrived at the grounds of “DeFabrique”, an old industrial space converted into a trade fair space, around 11:00 AM. By the time I arrived, the show was well underway. The main Dutch brands were present at the fair, as were the main agents of the country and shops. The venue mainly featured Dutch designers, but there were a lot of Belgians as well. Other countries were represented by their agents in the country.

I have to say that I have not seen such a thriving trade show in a long time. It all felt very intense, quick, and energetic. Of course, that has something to do with the fact that it only lasts one day! Nevertheless, I have never seen so many orders being placed during a trade show in my life!

Children’s Winter Trends for 2019-2020, visiting SundaySchool

There were brands for babies, brands for boys, and even brands that specialise in denim. But the things that always catch my attention are the Dutch brands that specialise in girls’ and teen girls’ designs. They know how to translate all the latest runway trends into mini collections that are perfect for their younger audience. The local shops and end customers love to follow all the trends, resulting in fashion collections that feel much more adult than the ones we can see in Italy, France, or Spain. I guess Dutch collections have more in common with the collections produced in Denmark, for example.

 

Next winter is not going to be boring in The Netherlands, especially if we follow the proposals from Scotch and Soda, one of the most international brands. The stand was an explosion of colours and patterns. The combinations were very vibrant, but the brand still offered plenty of options with more subtle combinations.

Here is a list of my favourite brands from this event:

Aaiko was originally a women’s brand, but they launched their first collection for girls a while ago. With very stylish and elegant collections, they really understand how to combine different tones. Also, the quality is outstanding.

Aaiko

Street Called Madison presented a lovely collection created by really talented and kind people.

Tumble n’Dry is really good, season after season.

No-No, my favourite without doubts ! They had some beautiful items that I would not mind wearing myself. (They laughed at my suggestion and pointed out that they actually do produce sizes that will fit me because I am not very tall. They also have a brand called Nobell’ for older girls and another one for teenager boys, Bellaire.

Thank you, Merel for giving me so much information about these collections!

Pictures above (first 2 are from No No, the rest from Nobell’)

Also, G-Star was there with their first children’s collection. It was a very “careful” one. I had the impression that they did not want to make a statement. The idea, I guess, is to start out with some of the basics. They know these items will always work with the kids, but I felt a little disappointed. I expected more from G-Star.

Be prepared to see these trends from the Dutch brands:

Animal prints, ruffled skirts, dresses, and tops. Suits for girls and boys, combinations of textures, fabrics, and colours in sweaters. Fake suede, glitter jersey, and, checkered or striped trousers and blazers (both casual and formal).

Red, mustard, green, bordeaux, petrol blue…you name it!

Heading to FIMI Spain in February, I will report from Madrid soon!

Slider: Raizzed (new denim brand by Vingino)