For the upcoming festivities, Mai Samih helps you update your children's wardrobe Eid Al-Adha, which the Islamic world celebrates this week, brings out the best in people and their clothes, none more so than the attire of the younger generation. At this time of year, most Egyptian families, no matter their socio-economic standard, want to bring joy to their children, and in some cases, do so with absolutely adorable new clothes. Unfortunately, this year looks set to be an expensive one for parents of fashionable children. The latest trends in kids clothes usually translate into luxury and leading designers have children well and truly in their sites this season, hedging their bets that children will be able to persuade their parents to part with their hard earned money to buy those "must-have" clothes. Kids grow almost as fast as their fashions fade in popularity. It means having to spend plenty and quickly on the latest clothes which can dent a family budget, unless one shops smart. The best approach to take would be a balanced combination of practicality and style, advises May Maged, press officer at Defile Kids, a specialised children's fashion exhibition company. "Children's fashion is nothing new. If anything, today's youngsters are becoming more and more fashion-savvy unlike their counterparts a couple of decades ago, Maged said. "Children nowadays are becoming more style conscious. Therefore, children's fashion trends this year are buying the kind of clothes children like," she adds. Popular children's trade shows and runways have gone all out to make this upcoming season the most classically stylish yet. Key fabrics for the upcoming season, according to fashion designer Ehab Hozayen, are cosy wool, cashmere and cable knits, as well as durable woven fabrics. This will provide a great starting point to begin building your child's key wardrobe pieces. "Basic silhouettes in pants, skirts, shorts, dresses and outerwear are classic staple pieces that will never lead you astray," adds Hozayen who also owns a children clothes factory and shops. The most popular designs this year, according to Hozayen, is the "minimalist look" which means simple cut and pattern. "These are exemplified in stripped shirts for boys and girls as well as the polka dots for girls." Also a jeans skirt and a pullover with a jacket for the girls and a stripped pullover with a matching jacket with jeans for the boys may do the trick. Hozayen believes that interest in clothes starts very early as most children always try to dress up like adults and imitate their parents' way in walking, talking, eating and drinking. He said that dark colours -- shades of grey, brown and green -- are in fashion this winter for children from 12 to 15. Hozayen came up with "combo fabrics" which help children adapt to the changing weather. These would include heavy jersey, lightly knitted wool, and light jeans. "Heavy clothing is not needed in Egypt as the weather has dramatically changed and winter is not that cold anymore," he explains. As for infants and toddlers, the gender-neutral era is in full swing, states Walid Mekkawi, owner of a children's clothes shop. Key colour palettes and prints of light greys, creams, various tones of blues and basic black lead the way. "Edgy, bold printed graphics add interest to outfits while polka dots, stripes and contrasting patterns compliment clean and modern silhouettes," adds Mekkawi. Super soft, traditional one-piece sets with detailed pockets, lined hoods and patches make adorable everyday attire. Young ones can keep warm by wearing stylishly classic outerwear with comfy fleece linings and cosy hoods. Mekkawi said children aged seven to 12 prefer simple casual models. "They opt for little embroidery in their outfits." Flowy dresses and rock style with skulls or cartoon characters especially Spiderman, Superman, Ninja and Barbie printed on T-shirts are echoed in what Mekkawi finds as a favourite look among children. The most popular colours for them this winter are red, purple, yellow, green, and blue, he adds. Cotton, corduroy, wool and viscose are the fabrics of choice. Not all the fabrics, cuts, or colours in fashion can meet the needs and taste of the Egyptian market. Hozayen, however, does try to cater to all tastes. "We try to adapt the latest trend designs, fabrics and colours to match the Egyptian culture."
