Treading New Paths

And while we're on shoes... Following the trend for all things organic, Bundgaard launch organic children’s footwear this season. Designer Penny Leese has created her first collection within a collection that builds upon the brand’s philosophy of creating comfortable footwear that works with the natural development of children’s feet. The organic collection offers two styles of sandal, three styles of shoe and one style of slippers, all available in red, brown and blue and in stores from spring 2011.

Best Foot Forward

The family run Spanish leatherwear company Menbur exhibit at CIFF this season. Creating elegant and feminine accessories and footwear for special occasions it’s not hard to find a pair of zapatos to grace your party feet.

Bags of Style

Integrating the latest trends from international fashion, Danish leatherwear company ADAX has produced a deliciously (and suprisingly) sophisticated collection of bags for SS11 that build upon Scandinavian values yet has widespread appeal. This fresh little number is guaranteed to sit extremely well on my arm next season.

CIFF Kids Trend Show

Always guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, the SS11 CIFFKIDS trend show was no exception. with a myriad of bright and cheerful colours, the show profiled different trends for children; Garden with flowers and fauna; Preppy with whimsical and nostalgic references to old-world childhood; Little Pioneers with ethnic and folklore references, dip-dye and denim; and Small Dockers referencing the maritime with navy and white stipes and uniform-inspired style.

Norwegian Lice are Nice

I've finally found lice that are good. Lice by Ugly (another line from aforementioned Norwegian company Ugly Children's Clothing) make the coolest cotton mix knit baby bodies, hats, dresses and leggings for babies and kids. And next season we can look forward urban camouflage for kids (0-6) in the form of grass, floorboard and newspaper suits! Using live HD photography the pictures are transferred to fabric so your lil' baby can go incognito!

Statement Tees

I LOVE these baby statement t-shirts from cool Norwegian brand Ugly Children's Clothing. It's really refreshing to break with convention - and pink! With slogans like 'Will Work for Food' and 'Blah Blah Blah, Shut the Fuck Up', it won't be long before my third born is sporting one!

CIFFKIDS & The Real Doll

Whilst browsing the stands at CIFFKIDS today, this petite papoose stopped me dead in my tracks. It took a few seconds for me to register that it wasn't actually real, by which time I was already on my knees, ready to save the little escapee.

Fake Mary & The Real Deal

HRH Crown Princess Mary, CIFF patron, officially opened the fashion fair today. Prior to her arrival, a fake, but equally dark haired, Mary helped the CIFFKIDS models rehearse their royal debut (which comprised shouting congratulations to the pregnant princess). The Crown Princess attended the CIFF and CIFFKIDS trend shows as well as visiting several exhibitors at the fair, starting with Danish brand Carla du Nord, where she with great interest viewed styles from the forthcoming Spring/Summer 11 collection. Mary’s interest in fashion has recently earned her recognition on Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List 2010.

Will You Mary Me?

Tomorrow the delightful HRH Crown Princess Mary will visit CIFF in her capacity as protector to officially open the fair... and I bet the press will be falling over themselves to get a shot of her twin tummy following her recent pregnancy announcement. Hopefully she'll be sporting Danish design (with an elasticated waist, perhaps?) and she will no doubt make a mental note of next season's trends, ready to slip into summer styles after the arrival of her royal rugrats.

Candy Coloured Clothing

The first trends for next season were aired to the press this morning at Bella Center. And hats off to Femmes Regionales and their team who pulled off another successful show for CIFF. The CIFF Trend Show featured a lush leaf-covered backdrop that rotated to reveal bold stripes, north-African inspired doorways and kaleidoscopic polka dots and flying cupcakes!

It's always difficult to style such a variety of clothing from different designers, but the SS11 trend show (which profiled flimsy summer dresses with organic prints, graphic prints and stripes on jumpsuits and trousers, varsity jackets, ruffles, lace and soft draping, preppy menswear with roll-up trousers, knitted cardigans and polo shirts) was homogenous and well put together.

CIFF SS11 ... Almost there.

Last minute preparations are underway for this season’s CIFF at Bella Center, and judging by the looks of things, it will prove to be a great season. The exhibitors are spending today finishing their stands ready for opening day tomorrow. It's exciting to see how such a huge empty space turns into a hive of activity, as well as the creative spaces brands create. I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished result tomorrow!