Sky Clothing Line Introduces Novel Way to Bridge Gap Between Kids & Early Literacy
What’s black and white and read all over? That old joke seems new again as a novel children’s clothing line, SKY, introduces a simple way to get kids excited about reading — one outfit at a time. Using seasonal graphics and prints on its apparel to tell a story, SKY weaves a focus on early literacy and school readiness for tots up to 6 years old. The 2013 SKY Collection will make its first appearance at ENK Children’s Club in early August at New York City’s Pier 94.
The company’s concept is simple; combine the best of fashion brands (like Juicy Couture or Little Marc Jacobs) with the best storytelling brands (like Hello Kitty or Disney). The results are an apparel line that boasts fashion, a good story plus entertainment. Images from its inaugural stories — dreaming of butterflies and to catch a shooting star – – are captured on every top, bottom or dress that will be rolled out to boutiques and better department stores in Spring 2013. The thread that ties the clothing to the story with this new brand is a companion book the company has written. One side is the boy story, “to catch a shooting star” and the other side of the book, after flipping it over, is “dreaming of butterflies.” A clever hangtag reveals these fantasies and reinforces the importance of story and inspiration. The 32-page soft cover book will be $17.99 MSRP. Parents can then go to the website, www.skyimagination.com, to continue the story adventure.
Through the power of storytelling and design, this new clothing line allows children’s imaginations to soar and adventures to take flight. The founders firmly believe that no child is too small to be part of the story. Each of SKY’s adventures can unlock a child’s imagination so they can explore, with a grownup, new paths with characters that will capture and inspire their growing minds. The first two stories start with something a child might see outside. 
Dreaming of Butterflies
Story: A small girl falls asleep in a garden after chasing butterflies throughout the day. She awakens to find herself transformed into a butterfly fairy resting on a bed of flowers. Apparel: Spring 2013 Girls Collection features a colorful palette of pinks, peaches, greens, purples and shades of gray to create a tee with flutter petal sleeves, a woven top in macro flower print, a B is for Butterfly shirt with cap sleeve, a jersey knit skirt with butterfly border, a tunic with floral neckline and many more pieces for infants to size 6.
To Catch A Shooting Star
Story: Shooting stars zoom past his window every day. “How can I catch one?” Sam asks. With that in his mind he sets off to build the perfect space ship to help catch him a shooting star. Apparel: Palette of light and dark greens, a range of blues and a touch of yellow, orange and gray make a line of boys’ clothes that include tees with graphics of Strike Force, Comet Troopers, Flying Dog and A is for Aliens in sizes 2 to 6. There’s cotton, woven pull up pants, onesies and easy on-off tops and bottoms for toddlers newborn to 24 months. More shorts and tops mix and match with a deep space theme.
The apparel line appeals to moms who want to dress their tots with a whimsical flair that’s hip. Toddlers will adore each piece of clothing that feels as good as it looks.
The company’s business plan includes working alongside charities that encourage storytelling. Their first partnership is with Reach Out and Read, a national non-profit that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms. Doctors give new books to children while offering advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
Surprisingly, only 38% of low-income parents and 59% of upper-income parents read to their children every day. While this has numerous implications for a child’s development, SKY had the opportunity to help change this trend and positively impact a child’s life. Through the power of design and storytelling, children’s imaginations can soar and look good doing it!
Who says the sky is the limit?
ABOUT SKY
SKY Imagination LLC is a children’s lifestyle brand with apparel collections for boys and girls from newborn/infant to 6 years. Each season, new imaginative stories are introduced, engaging children with reading in fun and unexpected ways. The company partners with leading literacy non-profits that are focused on bridging the gap between children and reading. The line will be carried by Tiny Ginger showroom in New York City and Allison Showroom in Los Angeles.
