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10 trends that changed kidswear

Tweens are one of the most powerful consumer bases to emerge in the last 10 years. Influenced by designer labels, celebrity kids and new media, the world's children are growing up fast. Here are our top 10 trends making an impact on the very young.

  • Mini me: designer kidswear collections

    Mirroring the success of their adult counterparts, the truism is that no consumer is too young to develop brand loyalty. A number of designer kidswear lines have launched in the last 10 years. One of the most anticipated in recent months is John Galliano Kids, which launches this autumn.

    Little Marc Jacobs autumn 2007
    Mini me
  • Media: kids' style magazines

    As new magazines for kids take hold in the market, photography and content has become more sophisticated. Kids' magazines have really grown up over the last 10 years.

    Favourite kids' magazines
  • Organic baby and kidswear collections

    New parents are some of the biggest consumers of organic products, especially food and clothing. The market has grown significantly in the last few years and continues to do so.

    Green kidswear
    Kids' US organic brands
  • Danish kidswear brands

    The emergence of Scandinavia, and in particular Denmark, as a hotbed for great kidswear design has been a strong trend over the last few years. The region's colourful and childlike designs have nostalgic appeal.

    Denmark's finest kidswear brands
  • Vintage kidswear

    Celebrities and style-savvy parents have long seen the advantage of buying vintage for themselves, and are now starting to buy it for their offspring. The upcycling of worn-out adult clothing into kidswear is also a significant trend.

    West Coast update: vintage kidswear
    Vintage kidswear
  • Tween as a marketing phenomenon

    Pre-teens, aged between eight and 12, have emerged as one of the largest markets for brands to focus on. Tweens, especially girls, are inspired by celebrities, pop culture and music, and constantly update their style.

    Fashionology LA: a tween dream
    Tweenage: shopping like the big kids
  • Celebrity kids

    Pop stars and young media moguls now influence style and fashion for kids in the same manner as adult celebrities and their followers. The trend started with the Olsens, and is continued today by the Disney stable of stars such as Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers.

    Celebrity style: Miley Cyrus
    It Kids
  • The skinny jean

    One item that crossed both genders and age groups is the skinny jean. Though only a few years ago the style would have been considered too risqué for some global markets, it has established itself as an essential denim piece.

    Key item
    Slim styling for boys
  • Kids' World: fun environments and events tailored specifically to kids

    These fun-plexes and games houses are becoming influential as companies realise that parents are increasingly spending money on children's entertainment.

    Walk the salon: Tantrum
    Kid's Republic: Beijing
  • The internet: a sales platform

    The ability to shop for kidswear from the privacy of one's own home has been revolutionary for the sector, its popularity cemented by the fact it lets parents spend more time with their children. Launched two years ago, The Little Fashion Gallery is a great example.

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