Italian Kids Brands (IKB) is the first showroom completely dedicated to the Italian fashion for kids. The company makes available the most beautiful ‘Made in Italy’ children’s brands in the heart of Manhattan in New York city. Founder Virginia Zingone speaks to Fibre2Fashion about the uniqueness of Italian clothing.
How big is the market for kids’ wear brands in the US?
The kids’ wear market has a very limited space in general, in contrast to a strong demand. The demand for baby products is of course high and tends to grow.
What features are more prominent in kids’ wear compared to menswear and womenswear in terms of texture, accessories, etc?
The fundamental characteristics for a good kids’ and baby products are definitely the quality of the fabrics, like the use of organic fabrics and the attention to skin allergies but at the same time and above all, the practicality. Children will wear those clothing, so basically their need to be comfortable must be respected.
Among kids wear, what is so unique about Italian brands compared to other brands?
It is definitely the quality of the garments. We have unique factories throughout Italy, which work the attention to materials, guaranteeing a unique quality. We are also known worldwide for our fitting and taste.
How did the idea of Italian Kids Brands originate?
IKB is a showroom that represents only the Italian children’s fashion excellences, in the heart of Manhattan, which is naturally a showcase to the world. The idea was born during and because of the pandemic, and the impossibility of a trade for both vendors and buyers. My experience comes from the incredible expansion of my family’s brand Zingone into the United States. Hence the idea of sharing my skills with companies that have the right structure, as well as magnificent products of course, and deserve to be well known in the US market.
Are all products imported from Italy into the US?
Everything is imported from Italy. The feature of our showroom is to offer an exclusive ‘Made in Italy’ salon. It offers an opportunity to touch the garments and to better understand the quality. We do make appointments in person but also virtual.
How many brands do you have at present? Do you also sell online?
We don’t sell online yet and we do represent 10 fabulous companies.
What are the various services offered by Italian Kids Brands? Who subscribe to these services?
IKB helps communication and trade between the two countries. Our expertise and assistance are continuous. We suggest the sales strategy and represent companies in the US, introducing them in the right channels to develop their business in the market.
Which are the top selling Italian kids’ wear brands?
We represent 10 of the most prestigious Italian companies for children’s fashion: Zingone, Aletta, Mariella Ferrari, Bebe D’Almy, Pepecè, Ninnaoh, Alice Pi, Bianca&Noè, Babycross, Attesa maternity.
Do you face any fitment related issues, as body shapes and sizes of Italian and US kids would be different? How do you deal with them?
Today the globalisation has helped this information to be shared easily. American sizes are perfectly perceived by Italian companies as well as fitting. In addition, the companies we represent are perfectly organised for the conversion and adjustment of any fitting request.
Any expansion plans in the pipeline?
Not yet, but certainly the idea is to bring the children’s fashion throughout America with some representative offices throughout the country.
Published on: 21/02/2022
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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