LamanBlu Releases its Fall / Winter 2010 Trend Lookbook

Wondering what’s going to be in style for Fall and Winter 2010? Here’s LamanBlu’s take on the trends for the season. Visit their website at www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm to see their Fall/Winter 2010 Trend Lookbook.

According to Pantone, they key theme for Fall 2010 is Mosaic. “Our world is a rich mosaic, born from varying elements that create a whole. Mosaics can reflect cultural, geographical and political differences, yet still coordinate all these disparate themes. Mosaics are a practical and eco-efficient way of integrating previously used elements or materials to create something new and unique.” (Pantone) While mosaics are a record of the past, we continue to re-invent them for the future. LamanBlu has old world charm, but yet is not vintage. They provide timeless “vintage alternative” styling with an eco-chic sentiment.

What does this mean for you? Wondering what’s going to be in style for Fall and Winter 2010? Here’s LamanBlu’s take on the trends for the season. Visit their website at www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm to see their Fall / Winter 2010 Trend Lookbook. Now, for a peek at the trends:

Reflection
Reflecting Surfaces – water reflection and reflecting pools – seeing ourselves as we are and as we want to be. The ice, snow and the beauty of lights reflecting off the new fallen snow. Ice crystals – they sparkle as brightly as any jewel. The beauty of the experience of being. Liquid Modernity. Eco-Fashion – from concept through execution. Warmth, comfort, caring and thoughtfulness are brought to mind. We are reflecting not only on our choices, and the eco-impact they have, but how we rethink fashion. Vintage inspiration combined with totally new ideas is the core of the season. Nouveau Niche!

Exotic India
The theme of Connection and Exotic Beauty is what brings us to India for this season. Connection – “India is a land of diversities and among all these diversities we see unity. Unity which binds us together. Which makes us feel as one. Which encourages us.” (Thinkquest) Indian style is eclectic, weaving together influences from many regions and cultures. The range of traditional and modern designs found in India is astounding. Brilliant color schemes are symbolic and often correlate to the basic elements of air (white or silver), water (blue), and fire (red, pink, orange, yellow). It’s glamorously artistic! From the Indian inspired prints and embroideries to Indian inspired styling, both traditional and new. We embrace humble luxury.

Avani
The Mosaic of Connections – the trend of the season. We are on a journey in connection. Emotive, inventive, useful. The beauty of nature and natural fabrications. Hand printed for a sustainable ethos. Luxury is about experience. Vintage redone – Nouveau Niche. Avani means “earth” in Sanskrit. Elemental colors which are innovations of the future while remembering the past. Vintage, but not. Colour washed tones of the sky at dusk and the pale pink of dawn. An homage to our home, earth.

Holli Gibson, Designer of LamanBlu, Awarded THE Rising Star 2009 by Fashion Group International

Holli Gibson, designer of LamanBlu, walked away with the ultimate prize, THE Rising Star Award from the Fashion Group International at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion by Design Runway Gala.

Denver, Colorado – October 24, 2009 – It was the Fashion by Design Runway Gala, at the exquisite showroom of Mercedes-Benz. Former Colorado First Lady, Frances Owens and Monica Owens were the Shining Star Honorary Chairs. The evening started with a Red Carpet Reception and a Silent Auction benefiting the Fashion Group’s scholarship and educational outreach programs. Gourmet hors d-oeuvres were offered up from Occasions By Sandy, caterer to the stars. Jacquie Palisi served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The star studded evening on the runway began with honoring David Jacobs of Spyder with the Star Legend Award. Nancy Fitzgerald sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and then the runway show began. Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue coordinated a Fashion Week worthy runway event, showcasing the category winners.

The 11 finalists were initially selected by criteria to evaluate their portfolios of current and past designs in addition to publicity and industry experience. They then presented to a panel of respected judges from the community. The distinguished panel of judges included Colorado Clothing Designer Brooks; Suzanne Brown of The Denver Post; Lisa Elstun of LRE Couture and Design; Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue; Elaine Mariner, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Executive Director of the Colorado Council on the Arts; Jim Stevens, The Garment District; Faye Tate, CH2M Hill and Ebony Fashion Fair co-chair. The challenge presented to the judges was to select the Rising Star as the next Colorado company, whom they thought would become a nationally recognized brand in the next 5 years. Designers were required to show samples of their current creations that were assessed in regard to fashion trends, cohesive collections, construction and marketability. Their samples and portfolios accounted for one half of the scoring. The other half was based on marketing strategies, distribution channels, business viability and personal interviews.

Finally it was time to unveil the winner of THE Rising Star award. The finalists were announced and made their way to the stage. Rustin Coburn and Noah Price of DVLP Clothing, Holli Gibson of LamanBlu and Julie Hill and Lisa Welch of BornFit. The award was presented by Gino Velardi, of Gino Velardi Couture, The Rising Star of 2007. And the winner is….Holli Gibson of LamanBlu, THE Rising Star of 2009.

LamanBlu at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek

We were in the front window of Saks! (Well, my photo anyways.) They did a wonderful display for the FGI Rising Star and they also displayed gowns from the last Rising Star, Gino Velardi. Cynthia Petrus from Saks coordinated the runway show on Friday at Mercedes Benz and did such a fabulous job. I hope we'll have more opportunities to work with her in the future. Perhaps the next time they hold the Rising Star design competition (in 2011) Cynthia will do another window and show LamanBlu fashions.

Castle Rock Shopping Extravaganza Fashion Show

We had such a wonderful time at this show! Peggy Ziglin, Colorado Regional Public Relations Tourism Director and President of the Rocky Mountain Shopping Center Association, put on such a great show featuring Fall 2009 fashions. The shopping extravaganza was a big hit and the excitement and traffic boosted everyone's spirits. It's evident that the economy is starting to get back on track! The fashion show/luncheon presented children and adult fashions from retailers at the Castle Rock Outlets. It also featured several category winners from Fashion Group International, including us! We were so fortunate to have Denise Plante and Tawyna Rush, the stars of the Colorado & Company tv show on Channel 9, serve as our "mom" models for the mother/daughter looks presented in the show.

It's Feeling Like Fall

Well, it's certainly feeling like fall around the studio. A crisp breeze is in the air, the aspens are just starting to show their fall colors, and the ground squirrels are getting really fat! The debut line of LamanBlu for Fall 2009, "Being the Fabulous" is in retail stores and selling nicely.

Take two - I actually started this blog post a week ago - that's what happens here in Colorado - weather changes quickly! It no longer feels like fall - it's been snowing for three days!

It's funny this time of year, Fall 2009 is selling in the stores, Spring 2010 is selling at market, and we're starting to design Fall 2010 in the atelier. No wonder I have to think before I get dressed in the morning (what season is it?) and I never know what year to write on my checks!

Speaking of Fall 2010 (are you ready for that?) - we're traveling to India for Fall 2010. Exotic India, with its hustle and bustle, beautiful bright colors, layered dressing, elaborate embroideries, exotic prints.......

We're also reflecting on our eco-friendly commitment, and happy that more and more companies across industries are also coming to realize that our decisions are important to our planet. Our signature bamboo knits will have a new romantic feel for fall, in reflection pool cool colors of blues and pinks.

We're introducing new eco-conscious fabrics for fall as well, hemps and organic cottons, in our dedication to Avani ("Earth" in Sanskrit). Be on the lookout for environmentally friendly garment dyed items.....

LamanBlu Models at the Shopping Extravaganza at Outlets at Castle Rock

Meet the stars and see their amazing creations with informal modeling at this year’s Shopping Extravaganza at Outlets at Castle Rock on September 26, 2009. LamanBlu will be presenting designs from their Fall 2009 collection, now available in retail boutiques. “We are showing our eco-conscious bamboo knits from the “Being the Fabulous” collection,” says Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu. Models will be wearing mother/daughter looks in Pewter and Kiss Pink, two of the key colors of the season.

LamanBlu by Holli Gibson is the winner of the Children’s Wear category for the Rising Star 2009 Award. The Rising Star is awarded to an outstanding designer by The Fashion Group International, Inc. The field was narrowed from 27 finalists to 10 category winners. Category winners will also participate in the prestigious Rising Star Fashion by Design runway gala, the biannual signature event orchestrated by Fashion Group International of Denver, on October 23, 2009 at Mercedes-Benz of Westminster, the presenting sponsor. “I’m excited to be participating in these events, and delighted that the Shopping Extravaganza is another way to support some of my favorite charities,” says Holli Gibson.

This is the 4th Annual Shopping Extravaganza to take place at Outlets at Castle Rock. It’s a day of shopping, saving and fun on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 10am – 8pm. The Outlets at Castle Rock is located on I-25 in Castle Rock, Colorado, Exit 184. Tickets are $20 and include shopping discounts, jazz, art and desserts in the hospitality suite, a goodie bag and lunch. There will also be over $30,000 in prizes.

This event benefits the Special Olympics of Colorado, The Women’s Crisis Family Outreach Center, The American Cancer Society, The Denver Post Community, Autism Speaks and The Dumb Friends League. To buy your ticket, please contact a participating charity, call (303) 688-2800 or visit http://www.outletsatcastlerock.com/.

For more information about the October 23rd Runway Gala, visit http://www.denver.fgi.org/ or http://www.blacktie-colorado.com/ , or call (303) 809-3595.

To purchase LamanBlu locally, visit Three Blind Mice at 6882 S. University Blvd. in Centennial or call (720) 283-6423.

LamanBlu Announces Dallas and Atlanta Sales Representatives

LamanBlu is pleased to announce its partnership with two new sales representatives. After rave reviews to its debut line, including features in both Earnshaw’s Magazine and Hudson’s Children’s Wear Review, as well as designer Holli Gibson’s accomplishment of being named the Rising Star Award winner in the Children’s Wear Category by The Fashion Group International, LamanBlu has hired outstanding sales reps in two new territories to expand its presence in the South and Southwest.

Button Up! Will introduce LamanBlu’s Spring /Summer 2010 collection at the Dallas Market on August 13-16. Beth Button began her career in children’s wear by running the corporate showroom for Earthlings, the first organic clothing for children in the market. She opened her own showroom in 2001 and has been representing truly unique lines ever since. Button Up! has just moved into its new showroom in a prime location of the World Trade Center on the children’s floor. Button Up!’s permanent showroom is located at the World Trade Center, Showroom 8072, 2050 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207.

Lace and Denim will introduce LamanBlu’s collection at the Atlanta Market on August 20-24. Their permanent showroom is located in the heart of the Southeastern buying district in AmericasMart on the Children’s World Floor. Terrie Phillips has over 22 years sales experience, formerly in the Gift industry, before finding her home in children’s apparel and accessories. The AmericasMart is located at 250 Spring Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The Lace and Denim showroom is #13S-344B.

“We are so excited to be working with both Terrie and Beth,” says Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu. “They are so vivacious, have wonderful reputations in the industry and we feel that there is such a great synergy with our line and their showrooms. I know our customers will appreciate their professionalism and extremely high level of customer service.”

---------------------------------------
LamanBlu, by Holli Gibson, is designer clothing for children. It is created for parents and children who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable. The quality and timeless style is such that these clothes are meant to be passed down to siblings and heirloom pieces are meant to be passed down to future generations. These are mix and match clothing pieces that have been designed to take kids all the way from play to special events. The LamanBlu customer loves the American lifestyle of easy to care, easy to wear clothing, yet appreciates the European sensibility for the finer things in life and attention to detail. LamanBlu is available in boutiques across the US. Visit them on the web at www.LamanBlu.com

To contact Terrie Phillips with Lace and Denim, call (434) 258-7650, or visit their website at www.laceanddenimllc.com.

To contact Beth Button with Button Up!, call (214) 749-0440, or visit their website at www.buttonupdallas.com.

LamanBlu Releases its Spring / Summer 2010 Photo Album

LamanBlu today released its Spring / Summer 2010 Collection. There are three stories for the season, Aruba, Eco-Couture, and Viva la Couleur. LamanBlu continued with its mix and match philosophy, even across stories, enabling the stores to customize their sales floor presentations and enabling the customer to pull together their own unique look for their child. Their signature attention to detail makes each piece in the collection a stand alone “must-have item” for the season.

The Aruba story focuses on tonal color washable linens with ladder lace detailing, natural shell buttons and freshwater pearl beading. An environmentally friendly custom seahorse print rounds out the story. It provides nice crossover options with the Eco-Couture story, which focuses on tropical brights and white in LamanBlu’s signature bamboo/lycra knit. This story also features their signature embroidery on many of the pieces. A yarn dye stripe in bright colors provides accent. Eco-Couture also works closely with the Viva la Couleur story, which features cotton stretch sateens in bright citrus and other tropical colors. A cotton voile couture print rounds out this story as well as contrast color piping and topstitching. Organic cotton t’s with embroidery work across the entire spring/summer collection.

“I’m always inspired by the ocean and wanted to bring finds from the beach for our Aruba story. The seahorse print was actually designed from a photo I took of a seahorse on one adventure.” says Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu. Cotton rope ties on sundresses and waistbands continue the beachy feel. Styles include sundresses, suntops and skirts with high “twirl” quality, as well as cuffed clamdiggers and shorts. A reversible bucket hat tops everything.

The Eco-Couture story in bamboo knit shows a ruffled ballerina dress, a short sleeve poet jacket and a ruffled bustle skirt on the dressier side, as well as embroidered tank tops, swing T’s, clamdiggers, ¾ leggings and a full circle skort on the sportier side of the spectrum. Lettuce hemming is a major detail in the story. “We’ve selected a heavier weight bamboo with a touch of lycra which is a true designer quality fabric and is unique in the children’s wear market. It really has a luxurious hand and wears fabulously,” says Gibson.

“Isla Mujeres inspired the citrus brights of the Viva la Couleur story,” says Gibson. “The spirit of Mexico, the bright color combinations, even a bit of the flamenco played into the design.” The backs are as important as the fronts in this story. The short sleeve jacket is beautiful for spring, from its low yoke and flared back to its shell buttons and portrait collar to its Juliette sleeve and front pockets. Also in this story are a voile skort, cuffed clamdigger and fishtail skirt. Tops include a button back tank which is made special by the front topstitching and back detailing as well as a peter pan blouse with piping. On the casual side, organic embroidered t’s top flared shorts with piping and a board short made just for girls. A reversible bucket hat tops it all.

To see the Spring / Summer 2010 Collection photo album, visit www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm

Holli Gibson, Designer of LamanBlu, Wins Children’s Wear Category for the Rising Star Award

LamanBlu by Holli Gibson is the winner of the Children’s Wear category for the Rising Star 2009 Award. The Rising Star is awarded to an outstanding designer by The Fashion Group International, Inc. The field was narrowed from 27 finalists to 10 category winners. Category winners will participate in the prestigious Rising Star Fashion by Design runway gala, the biannual signature event orchestrated by Fashion Group International of Denver, on October 23, 2009. “I am honored to be chosen as the category winner for Children’s Wear. Fashion Group International has such a wonderful reputation and history in the industry,” says Holli Gibson.

Designers will present their collections in this runway gala at Mercedes-Benz of Westminster, the presenting sponsor. The event, which will include silent and live auctions, benefits FGI’s scholarship and educational outreach programs. Tickets are $50-$250. Find more information at denver.fgi.org or blacktie-colorado.com; 303-809-3595.

FGI is a global non-profit where fashion industry professionals connect, create and move the fashion industries – apparel, accessories, beauty and the home. The first non-profit fashion organization that now boasts 6,000 members worldwide originally became a force in New York City, the organization’s headquarters. Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head and others with early New York fashion careers are responsible for FGI’s founding.

The concept of Fashion Group International began originally in New York in 1928 when 17 women, gathered by Edna Woolman Chase, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, met for lunch in a modest midtown New York restaurant. They had three things in common: Each held a job of consequence in the business of fashion, each held all the others in high regard and together they held a belief that fashion needed a forum, a stage, or a force to express and enhance a widening awareness of the American fashion business and of women’s roles in that business. The Fashion Group®, conceived at an informal luncheon in 1928 became an organization in 1930, with a place, a purpose, by-laws, officers and women eager to be members. The Denver chapter of Fashion Group International was founded March 1958 by Gretchen Weber.

LamanBlu Featured in Earnshaw’s June 2009 Coast to Coast – “True Blue”

LamanBlu is featured in the Nationwide Fashion Spotlight of the latest edition of Earnshaw’s Magazine, THE Infants’, Girls’ & Boys’ Wear Review for the Children’s Wear Industry. “We’re very excited to be recognized by Earnshaw’s. They’re an important voice in the industry.” says Holli Gibson, Designer for LamanBlu.

Melissa Knific, Features Editor for Earnshaw’s Magazine interviewed Gibson about LamanBlu for the Coast to Coast section which spotlights fashions nationwide. They discussed where the name LamanBlu hails from, as well as the eco-bent of the line and a roundup of the Fall 2009 styles as well as Gibson’s extensive industry experience.

Says Gibson, “With LamanBlu, I wanted to merge the American lifestyle of easy to care, easy to wear clothing with the European sensibility for the finer things in life and attention to detail. I also wanted to be true to something near and dear to my heart, the eco-impact our choices have. My mother was eco when I was a kid, before we even had a term for such things. God has given us this beautiful world, and we all have a responsibility to care for it.”

LamanBlu is designer clothing for girls’, offered in sizes 2T through 6x. It is sold exclusively through high-end boutiques across the US. For more information or to view photos of the Fall 2009 line, please visit their website at www.LamanBlu.com. To preview the Spring/Summer 2010 line, please contact LamanBlu at info@LamanBlu.com. To view the online edition of Earnshaw’s and read LamanBlu’s feature, visit http://earnshaws.epubxpress.com/link/EARN/2009/jun/22?s=0

---------------------------------------
LamanBlu, by Holli Gibson, is designer clothing for children. It is created for parents and children who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable. The quality and timeless style is such that these clothes are meant to be passed down to siblings and heirloom pieces are meant to be passed down to future generations. These are mix and match clothing pieces that have been designed to take kids all the way from play to special events. The LamanBlu customer loves the American lifestyle of easy to care, easy to wear clothing, yet appreciates the European sensibility for the finer things in life and attention to detail. LamanBlu is available in boutiques across the US. Visit them on the web at www.LamanBlu.com

Earnshaw’s is the premier media resource serving the children’s market, including apparel, juvenile products and gifts. With more than 90 years of experience, the magazine is the established voice of the industry. More than 13,000 decision makers rely on Earnshaw’s print vehicle, online communications, fashion events and seminars to hone their retail strategies and merchandising techniques, stay informed on the latest trends, and keep their assortments fresh. Visit them on the web at www.earnshaws.com.

LamanBlu Releases its Spring / Summer 2010 Trend Lookbook

According to Stahl’s Forecasting Service, there are two key themes for Spring 2010 “Bringing the Unexpected to Everyday!” and “Creating a Sense of Individuality!” These are phrases that describe the focus of the LamanBlu line every season. Pantone’s theme for Spring / Summer 2010 is Magic. “Magic gives us the ability to imagine and to change. It opens up a world of infinite possibilities, connecting us again with the child we once were and still lives within each and every one of us.” Interfiliere declares wide-ranging agreement at the latest biannual color meeting: “stylists and industrialists agree that the market demands color.”

What does this mean for you? Wondering what’s going to be in style for Spring and Summer 2010? Here’s LamanBlu’s take on the trends for the season. Visit their website at http://www.LamanBlu.com/Press.htmto see their Spring / Summer 2010 Trend Lookbook.

Aruba
White and pink sand, Caribbean waters so blue they make your soul ache to explore beneath them. And the eternal hunt for seahorses, those elusive gentle creatures hidden in the reef that hold you spellbound. What better beachwear than washed linen in Dutch and sun faded colors. “We’re using inspired finds from the beach, including natural shell buttons and freshwater pearls.”, says Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu. The colors are translucent and a reminder of being castaway on a desert island. Fabrics are crinkled and cool to the touch. The garments have a feeling of linear aesthetics to strike the right balance. Details and finishings are perfect reminders of a demure and prim gentility. Harking back to Victorian vintage, with haute couture precision and radiant elegance. Nothing is left to chance, nothing is vague, everything is pretty, harmonious and graceful. A revival of the finest which is enchanting and precious.

Viva la Couleur
Color Amplified. Inspired by the colors of Isla Mujeres, bright bold fiesta colors. Citrus brights offer a therapy of color in a surprise explosion. Cool stretch cotton sateens are the rage of the day, or night. Vibrant, brilliant colors across the spectrum are combined in a wild imagination of playfulness, humor, energy and optimism. Structured details and playing with construction give a vision of exciting and surprising flamboyance. A world immersed in fashion, effervescent colors with sheen personify total perfection, a realm of hope in a global playground. “I love the energy of Mexico, particularly the way they use bright colors, which just radiate in the luminously warm sun. This theme mingles beautifully with our Eco Couture trend.”, says Gibson.

Eco Couture
“Of course, we’re continuing with our highly successful bamboo knits, with a tropical twist.”, says Gibson. Ecological, innate couture. Vibrant aqua, cool white and tangerine remind us of lush terrain and cool breezes against a backdrop of ethereal views. Subtle stitching and precise edges exist naturally, yet overtly and without pretense. Shades of the piñata mingle festively. Intricate embroidery exudes bountiful joy and lightheartedness. The fiesta girl is reminiscent of youthful days gone by.

LamanBlu, by Holli Gibson, is designer clothing for children. It is created for parents and children who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable. The quality and timeless style is such that these clothes are meant to be passed down to siblings and heirloom pieces are meant to be passed down to future generations. These are mix and match clothing pieces that have been designed to take kids all the way from play to special events. The LamanBlu customer loves the American lifestyle of easy to care, easy to wear clothing, yet appreciates the European sensibility for the finer things in life and attention to detail. LamanBlu is available in boutiques across the US. Visit them on the web at http://www.lamanblu.com/

Open publication - Free publishing - More lamanblu

Looking to Spring 2010

Is it spring already? Well, that's questionable around our studio, we just got snowed in with 4 feet of heavy spring snow! Even having to venture to work in our snowpants, we're feeling like spring, and thinking of the beach.

An upcoming trip to Aruba has us inspired in a "castaway" theme and what better beachwear than washed linen in Dutch and sun faded colors. We're using inspired finds from the beach, including natural shell buttons and freshwater pearls.

A past trip to Isla Mujeres has us longing for the other end of the color spectrum, with citrus brights and fab color combinations. We're working in stretch cotton sateens for fun, cool and comfort.

Of course, we're continuing with our highly successful bamboo knits, in an Eco-Couture collection, with our signature embroidery accents, in bright colors for spring.

Fall 2009 Collection Reactions - Stellar!

I'm just back from Dallas, where we showed the debut Fall 2009 line of LamanBlu to specialty boutiques in Dallas and Fort Worth. We opened to rave reviews! We were delighted to be received as well in Dallas as we were in our local hometown of Denver/Boulder. The specialty store boutique buyers are always such a delight to work with. They're very excited about our designer quality fabrics - both the 11 oz. bamboo/lycra knit and the custom mica printed bamboo fleece. Our designer details garnered lots of attention as well. The custom embroidery was a big hit, as well as the hand embroidery and beading on our heirloom lace pieces. We had fun working with the buyers to customize their floor presentations and they had fun getting to have a hand in the process as well, choosing trim and sparkle organza color combinations to suit their customer's personal taste. We also enjoyed talking about spring 2010, which is soon to come (more on that later). It was a great trip, and we made many new friends (as well as visited old ones). But it's good to be back to the studio, enjoy the spring snowfall, and get to work for spring 2010!

Colorado Designer, Holli Gibson, Launches new Eco-Conscious Designer Children’s Wear Line

LamanBlu leads the field in designer level children’s wear with an eco-bent. The company is using bamboo fabric in a most fashionable way for beautiful and comfortable children’s wear.

As our society becomes more conscious and concerned with the environment, a large amount of companies and designers, including Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu are branching off into creating products that are eco-trendy and eco-friendly. LamanBlu has embraced this trend, while taking eco –fashion to a new level of style, comfort and sophistication, all aimed at children. The debut collection, titled “Being the Fabulous” focuses on bamboo fabrics, both an 11 ounce bamboo knit with a touch of lycra and a 14 ounce bamboo fleece. “These are beautiful, sumptuous fabrics that offer a great hand, beautiful rich colors, move with the body and have bacterial resistant qualities – what more could you want for children’s wear?”, says Holli Gibson, designer of LamanBlu.

Drawing inspiration from the winter landscape, Gibson says, “This collection was inspired by the frozen surfaces of winter, from the smooth, soft snow blanketing the hillsides, to the positively brilliant snow crystals which sparkle in the moonlight, as brilliantly as any diamond.” Colors for this season play against a backdrop of winter white, primary colors focusing on a silvery pewter and a baby kiss pink, with aubergine and barberry as accents. Frosty, shiny elements of sparkle organza, embroidery and beading offer exciting accents, while hand printed mica pigments and natural shell buttons continue the comment on the eco-focus of the line.

The new collection can be viewed at www.LamanBlu.com and will be available in specialty stores for Fall 2009.
For retailers interested in viewing the line or hosting a trunk show, please contact Holli Gibson at holli.gibson@lamanblu.com

LamanBlu Announces Debut of Fall 2009 Collection for Retailers

Whimsical designer, Holli Gibson, is launching her new, highly anticipated line of couture clothing for children, available only through retail stores.

Golden, Colorado – February 17, 2009 – Holli Gibson is preparing for the upcoming launch of LamanBlu, a wholesale clothing line which includes couture children’s sportswear and mother/daughter dresses, along with select accessories. The debut collection will be sold in upscale specialty boutiques across the US for Fall 2009.

Gibson created LamanBlu to celebrate the harmony of childhood and parenthood. Her collection is styled for the parent and child who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable. Keeping with her philosophy, only the highest quality of fabrics are chosen, with attention to the eco-impact those choices have. Her sportswear based collection gives customers the ability to pick and choose the pieces that will enhance their own unique look. Select styles are also available in adult sizing. “Mother-daughter dressing has always been in vogue, though stylelistically it has been focused on the adult wearing a larger version of a child’s dress. I wanted to take the beautiful concept of mother-daughter dressing and update it with a modern, grown up aesthetic. These are dresses that are designed to make a statement on their own, and when you bring them together, the result is enchanting,” says Gibson.

From her design studio in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Gibson has called LamanBlu’s debut collection “Being the Fabulous”. It is a sportswear based collection in a sumptuous and silky eco-friendly bamboo knit fabric. “The color palette of this collection has deep expansiveness and muted tones with a subtle richness,” says Gibson. “In many ways, this collection was inspired by the frozen surfaces of winter, from the smooth, soft snow blanketing the hillsides, to the positively brilliant snow crystals which sparkle in the moonlight, as brilliantly as any diamond. I always crave fabrics with a soft, sumptuous hand to curl up with in the winter, and the bamboo knit of this collection fills the bill perfectly, along with the cashmere tam to top everything off.” To accent against the soft knit, there is a sparkle organza and an embroidered and beaded lace. According to Stahl’s Color Forecasting service, “Unexpected Poetry moves into the mysterious realm of hypnotic dark colors, colors that are strongly reminiscent of the long dark evenings to come as winter progresses. However, other aspects of winter, snow, ice and frost lead to a panorama of colors that are timeless and even seasonless.” This is an apt description of LamanBlu’s debut line.

Gibson brings breadth and depth of apparel manufacturing experience, working with boutiques and major chains alike. Gibson’s understanding of retail floor sales presentation and seasonal transitions are an advantage for retailers seeking growth. LamanBlu’s debut collection encourages creativity of layering, with pieces designed not only to enhance the customer’s personal style but also to provide retailers with the much needed add-on sales during these difficult economic times. LamanBlu is currently seeking brick and mortar partners for launch celebrations in major US cities.

For more information visit http://www.lamanblu.com/. To participate in launch celebrations, contact Gibson at holli.gibson@LamanBlu.com.

Fall / Winter 2009 Trends

Being the Fabulous is the name of the Fall / Winter 2009 Debut Collection. It suggests fabulous bright colors for all those glamour occasions when something cheerful is the order of the day, or more likely evening. Not pastels and yet not deep colors, grays, pink, clay, green and barberry not only draw from nature, but also have an air of mistiness that contribute to their individuality. Vienna comes to mind as the colors reflect frozen surfaces of the theater and ballroom.

Unexpected poetry moves into the mysterious realm of hypnotic dark colors, colors that are strongly reminiscent of the long dark evenings to come as winter progresses. However, other aspects of winter, snow, ice and frost lead to a panorama of colors that are timeless and even seasonless.

What are other important trends? Eco-Supporter. Seeking a balance between individual well-being and a respect for the environment. Aspiring to a harmony between sustainable development, a healthy lifestyle and a fashion dynamic. Alying the scientific and the senses, the natural and the pretend.

LamanBlu Studio

I thought you might enjoy seeing the views from our studio. We're so fortunate to be in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. As you can imagine, we're inspired every day by what we see from our windows. (I think you'll understand why our debut collection was inspired by the winter landscape outside our studio.)