Large, small, well-known, special, cutting-edge…fashion, design, interior, shoes, toys… kleine fabriek has its visitors loads to offer this summer. On 8 and 9 July, The largest children’s fair in The Netherlands will again be giving an inside view of the most beautiful children’s collections in Europe. Nowhere else in Europe can retailers of children’s items find such a diverse range of products, styles and labels. And because the fair has grown again in size, there is even much more to see this time.
More than 300 labels
“Kleine fabriek is doing well,” says Merel Bunik, event producer of the fair. “Almost all of the participants from last fair will be taking part again, and a large number of good new labels will also be coming on board – from the clothing side as well as the hardware side. We are extremely pleased with newcomers Alberta Ferretti, Ang un bebè, Archimede, Bardossa, Plato Toys, Dino e Lucia, Eva&Oli, Ferrari, Plui Plui, the Go’Round, Steiff, Lola et Moi, zirkuszirkus, Drappa Dot, Schmucke Kinder and 667, to name a few. We’ve been receiving applications from all over Europe and our selection committee has worked really hard to choose the best labels.” Now that the fair has grown so much, it is extremely important for the organizers to ensure that the quality and variety is maintained. And they have certainly succeeded in doing so. “With more than 210 stands and over 300 labels we have got quite an impressive list of brands that we can be proud of. We are definitely fast on our way to becoming the Northern European children’s fair,” says Bunnik.
Activities
These beautiful labels and their new collections are actually what make de kleine fabriek what it is. But it is also the extra activities and sights that give the children’s fair cachet. This time again, visitors will be able to go to the mini.superstore , created in cooperation with the Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, where products by young designers are presented. Additionally, created in cooperation with the exhibitors, the trend village offers visitors the opportunity to see, hear and feel the newest trends.
Catwalk
For the first time in the history of de kleine fabriek there will be a catwalk on the fair floor. But of course, being de kleine fabriek, it will have a unique twist; the runway will be filled with the gigantic ceramic sculptures of artist Hans van Bentem, who has been commissioned by de kleine fabriek to give his artist impression of a fashion show – one that perfectly fits the unbridled imaginations of children. “It is a cartoon fantasy,” explains van Bentem. “A parade of fashionable creatures and dressed up spirits.”