Kids’ fashions reflect parents’ rock roots
Everybody wants to be a rock star, so of course our kids do too. Designers have jumped on this idea, offering retro punk rock T-shirts, skull-and-crossbone accessories and tattoo print sleeves in trendy children’s wear.
Kimberly Marsch, mother of two and day-care provider, is in tune with kids’ fashion. “I think it’s adorable (the rock trend), and we need more of it. I would much rather put my kids in a Ramones T-shirt than a Spider-Man one,” she said.
Lillibelle children’s boutique on the Country Club Plaza is founded on rock ’n’ roll fashion. “A new revolution has started in kids’ clothing,” co-owner Christian Hankel said. “Progressive, modern families want clothing and gear for their wee ones that reflects their own edgy, ironic and hip sensibilities.”
Celebrities’ offspring have also been spotted wearing rock tees. Recently Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt wore the Kingsley Pots & Pans Band Tee on the cover of People magazine. Apple and Moses Martin and Violet Affleck don Crib Rock Couture, which combines concert tees with nursery rhymes.
Rock superstars have been designing clothing for years. Madonna and Gwen Stefani both have collections. Stefani made a comeback with her L.A.M.B. spring 2008 collection for children and adults after a two-year hiatus.
Kids can get away with wearing a trend head to toe, but it’s really fun to add some contrast. Pairing a Blondie tee with a frilly tutu is a great way to soften the rocker edge. Boys can get into the rock scene with skull-and-crossbone belt buckles, distressed denim and spiked hair.
An advantage for parents shopping for the trend: it’s available at both high-end designer boutiques and mass merchandise stores. This may just be your kiddos’ favorite look now, but hurry before they change their mind!
Sugar and Spice: Little girls are a great combination of sweet and spunk. Maya tiptoes across the alphabet blocks in this tutu and Blondie T-shirt. Sourpuss Blondie tee $26, Woopsy-Daisy handmade tutu $34, Lillibelle
On the Cover: The Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library is the backdrop for our models, Maya and Eric. They’re standing in front of the sculpture “Good as Gold” by artist Donald Lipski. On Maya: Little Mass Union Jack tank $39, Wildchild Wear white tee $45, Lucky Lil Devil plaid kilt $42, Little Mass leggings $28, See Kai Run Mary Janes $38, Lillibelle
On Eric: Sourpuss Clothing plaid newsboy hat $22, R&L skull and crossbones belt $22, Chooka Dueling Skulls boots $45, Lillibelle; Kingsley Rock Star tee $48, C&C long-sleeve tee $12.50, Rock & Republic jeans $121, Standard Style Boutique
Kids Rock: Boys will be boys — that means boundless energy. Eric bounces around the kids’ section of the Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library and proudly displays this winged guitar T-shirt and jeans. City Threads winged guitar tee with tattoo sleeves $52, Gold Rush Outfitters remade jeans $64, Lillibelle
Book Nook: Maya curls up with a good book in this Small Paul pink skull-print tee and Rock & Republic jeans. Small Paul pink tee $37, Rock & Republic jeans $121, Standard Style Boutique
Rockin' Rainboots: You can’t get much more rock ’n’ roll than a tattoo. Chooka designed these Tattoo City rain boots with skulls and crossbones, hearts and other iconic tattoo patterns. Chooka boots $45, Lillibelle