Hop across the pond, and you won't find a dull moment in next season's fall fashion repertoire. European trade shows, including Playtime Paris, Pitti Immagine Bimbo, Bubble London and FIMI, were brimming with personality from exciting color treatments to eye-catching designs gleaned from the adult catwalks of late. “The 'Gucci-fication'of kids' clothing was prevalent among designers, creating fanciful designs filled with opulent embroideries and deeper, richer hues on luxe materials,” reports Ania Witkowski, trend editor at Fashion Snoops. “We're seeing a move away from Scandinavian minimalism toward more playful, decadent designs that update everyday pieces.”

Double Time

What's black, white and rad all over? The graphic fall prints that prove two-tone is anything but boring. Collections like Barcarola and Tartaleta showcased a variety of black-and-white looks with bold stripes, polka dots, houndstooth and everything in between.  The versatile yet statement-making trend  also bodes well for transitional season wear —a buyer's delight in today's unpredictable climate.

Tulle Takeover

Draped in magic and decorations borrowed from haute couture, European designers used  feminine fabrics like chiffon, organza, tulle and lace to make little dreams come true. “It's a fantasy world filled with enchanted sparkle,” describes Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine. “Collections inspired by surreal nature allow for fantasy and creativity to blend into one.” 

Pop Art

The element of surprise was the name of the game for many European designers, drawing inspiration from contemporary pop art. This concept reigned in adult fashion the past few seasons but in a more risqué form (think: Alexander Wang's exotic dancer sweatshirt or Moschino's smoking lips print). For little ones, the European runways brought fun graphics of oversized telephones and fuzzy flower power for a refreshing dose of artsy pizzazz. 

    Source:Earnshaw's