Bubble London: The Kids Trade Show

An impressive array of brands exhibited at Bubble London this weekend. This London-based fair, held in the sunny atriumed building of the Business Design Centre, in Islington, has really taken off with an impressive selection of overseas exhibitors from France, Netherlands and even Australia present.

Showcasing the trends for Spring/Summer 2011, what really came to the fore was the multitude of variations on stripes that were present from the classic nautical colours or pastels right through to neon bolds.

In constrast, florals were small and delicate in the Liberty lawn cotton vein and newer prints featured 50's or 60's abstract styles with splash-paint strokes a la Jackson Pollock, or swirls in retro colourways of orange, mustard and lime.

Good collections from Little Joule (above), No Added Sugar, Green Baby, Christina Rohde, I Love Gorgeous, Aravore, Mini A Ture and Hucklebones set the standard high for new exhibitors such as Rockafella, whose quirky take on Rockabilly nauticals we appreciated.

Also good to see progression towards a wider clothing range from Bonnie Baby, some great stands by Dandy Star, Rachel Riley and British newcomers Fluke, as well as quirky accessories from Belle and Boo.