Cynthia Rowley is Not Just Kidding

While some designers might think its child’s play, a mini-sized frock or tiny tube socks melts even the most seasoned of fashion editor’s hearts. Granted, while many coo over kid couture, most of the fashion-forward refuse to take kidswear seriously, leaving the cutesy to niche designers or larger houses (like Kid by Phillip Lim or Little Marc Jacobs). So it’s particularly impressive that, as New York-based Cynthia Rowley puts the finishing touches on her Spring/Summer 2011 show, the designer is also making September about back to school. Hooray by Cynthia Rowley is a fall collection for kids (and parents) with a fondness for fair isle knits, using rich fabrics like velvet and corduroy. “I like to mix it all up—boys and girls clothes, big and small sizes, print with print, and lots of layers,” she say of her diverse textures. The Wale Corduroy Dress, a long sleeve frock with a paisley bib and trim, is reminiscent of fall on the British Isles. For boys, Rowley patches elbows and adds khaki piping to dinner jackets, or lines an orange puffed vest with plaid for a chilly day. “Everything looks cute when it’s small,” she says, which is true, but the emblazoned red flowers on the black Pansy Tights are so adorable, they might be great for grown-ups, as well. LEFT: CYNTHIA ROWLEY, HUSBAND BILL POWERS, AND KIDS