Fall/Winter 2008/09

Here are some highlights of the top trends seen at the international childrenswear exhibitions for Fall/Winter 2008-09. (To buy these trends, see below.)

GRAY ALL THE WAY: Soothing and sophisticated, shades of gray are the undisputed stars of the season. Fall's predominant palette is a spectrum of hues from pearl to sliver to charcoal and gun metal. Whitened melange yarns give sweater knits an ultra-soft look, set off against winter white or charcoal. No color accents are needed - silver rhinestones, matte metal hardwear, white fur pom-poms and silver mylar add just enough brightness.

Check out various selections from Mish Mish and Dolls and Divas Toile collection for this trend. (See below.)

NOT SO BASIC BLACK: Black is back in a big way - a sure-to-please color choice for girls of all ages. The powerful contrast of black and white gives geographic pop to jacquard sweaters, printed tees, allover patterns and even patchwork.

Check out Fuzzy Wuzzy Stars, Kash Ten Funky Safari Zebra and Dolls and Divas Toile collections for these trends. (See below.)

JARDIN DE LUXE: Lavish florals are luxuriously rendered on neutral backgrounds. Fauvest flowers have hand-painted charm on pieces with sequin and beaded accents.

Check out Hannah Banana Pumpkin Spice and Blooming Days, Baby Sara Dreamy Florals, The English Roses and Little Mass/Truluv Chocolate Love and Top Drawer collections for these trends. (See below.)

BUTTONED UP: Double-breasted silhouettes make sharp styling for coats, jackets and sweaters.

Check out Shrnk for this trend. (See below.)

SUPER SKIRTS: Flirty and flounced, gathered and cinched...it's a super skirt season! Ballerinas are the inspiration. Tulle peeks out from a houndstooth print circle skirt.

Check out Lipstik Baby Poodle and Little Mass Rock Star collections for this trend. (See below.)

COLOR SPIN: Designers give the color wheel a new turn. Vibrant rainbow patterns are truly exciting.

Check out Little Mass Rainbow collection for this trend. (See below.)

KNITTING PARTY: Top quality yarns, sophisticated colors and subtle texture make knitweat a key trend.

Check out deux par deux rose et chocolate and belle du jour selections and sweater tunic outfits from Mish Mish for this trend. (See below.)