The semi-annual children’s fashion trade fair Preview Kids reflects both the pressure on the children’s fashion industry and the industry’s optimism. There are a striking number of tropical references in the collections, from palm trees to shells. Animal print seems to have become as timeless as stripes. The polka dot trend is not limited to SS26 either.
At the sixth edition of Preview Kids, moodboard visitors are welcomed with the trend forecast for SS27 by trend researcher Christine Boland. “She’s our own Lidewij Edelkoort, so to speak,” says fashion veteran Hans van Breukelen. For next summer she expects influences from nature in color, texture and shape. In addition to pastel tones, she also predicts an important role for primary colors. Vintage remains a source of inspiration. Both the ostrich and the bird of paradise are mentioned in their trend forecast. “It’s nice to see their predictions reflected here at the show.”
The mood boards set the tone for the SS27 women’s, men’s and children’s fashion trade fairs taking place at fashion retail platform Cast in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. Fewer brands and visitors registered for this edition of Preview Kids than for previous editions. There are about a hundred stands on the exhibition floor. “The fashion industry is feeling the global events very strongly, and there is a lot going on at the moment. We notice that too. Children’s clothing also remains a difficult segment. These are often the collections where savings are made first,” explains Van Breukelen. A lot of second-hand children’s clothing is also bought, says Claudia Klop-Pérez from the organizer Cast.
Preview Kids a little smaller this summer
But that doesn’t mean things are going badly, says Klop-Pérez. “The atmosphere is very positive. The brands are optimistic and the visitors are happy. One hundred stands is still a lot for a children’s fashion fair.” Preview wants to keep the trade fair accessible to every brand. That’s why participants don’t pay high fees for a stand, but only for the clothes rails and blocks used. Food and drinks are also free. “We are a club, so there is no profit made. Everything is invested in the next trade show. We are really doing this to serve the industry and bring the industry together.”
At Preview, it’s all about the clothes, says Klop-Pérez. There are no detailed brand presentations like at the semi-annual Modefabriek. The organization consciously chooses a no-nonsense approach. “We want to create the same conditions for everyone, which is why brands are not allowed to set up complete stands. Sometimes people ask if they can bring a carpet or something similar. But we consciously limit ourselves to the basics: the products.”
Children’s fashion trends at the preview: animal print established, polka dots remain
These will receive full attention on Monday. For the summer of 2027 there is almost a dichotomy. On the one hand, there are very colorful collections, some of which are almost dominated by neon pink. On the other hand, beige tones and pastel colors predominate. Animal print now seems almost as established as stripes, while polka dots are once again strongly represented. Klop-Pérez also noticed this: “Everyone is wearing polka dots now, so apparently it wasn’t a short-lived trend. You’ll still see them everywhere in 2027.”
The collections range from baby clothes to fashion for teenagers. “Children’s clothing often lags behind adult fashion,” explains M Agency. “You can see, for example, that barrel trousers will also become popular among children in 2027. Adults will all wear this model now.” The M Agency brands, including Someone and Mini Rebels, combine strong colors with basics in soft tones. “But in the end, of course, children just want this (see photo below),” says the representative, holding up two pink tutus. “As much as you as a parent like to buy beautiful white blouses, children themselves often opt for the bright pink princess dress.”
At M Agency, we noticed that retailers brought their employees with them more often this year. “That’s also very smart because they see what customers base their decisions on in the store. They often have a slightly different view of what would be a good choice for shopping.”
Preview Kids: Back prints remain popular
As with SS26, numerous back prints can be seen again this year. While last summer there were frequent references to Italy and the Amalfi Coast, for SS27 there are references to island life in almost every brand. Palm trees, tropical flowers, seashells, coconuts and even entire islands appear as prints. These are elements that also appear in Christine Boland’s trend forecast. This makes the SS27 appear strikingly tropical.
Fleur Willems from Wintermans Agencies says that Scotch & Soda, one of the brands in her portfolio, took inspiration from Ibiza for the new collection. Willems also recognizes the dichotomy between colorful and beige. “There are really two types of mothers when it comes to what they wear to their children. Some want everything beige and calm, others consciously choose color.” Willems notes that things are a little quieter than last year. However, she hears from customers that they have the impression that things are slowly improving again.
Joost Hoppenbrouwers from Hop Agencies thinks it’s a shame that fewer brands are represented at the trade fair this year. “It works in both directions. This year you might have enough buyers, but next year you might suddenly need the trade fair again. That’s why it’s important to continue to support the trade fair by taking part, because that’s the only way it can survive.”
Its brands, including Ballin and Malelions, are much more reserved than many of the other collections on the first floor of the fair. “Our children’s clothing is based on the adult line, just smaller. Especially among teenagers you see a pretty grown-up collection because they know exactly what they want.” The same can be seen at Levi’s Kids. There are no extravagant colors here, just jeans that could just as easily have been in the adult collection.
Although Preview Kids is smaller this year than in previous years, there is cautious optimism on the trade fair floor. Brands and agents recognize the challenges of the market. These range from economic uncertainty to the growth of second-hand children’s clothing. At the same time, they also see interest and a positive mood. This is reflected in the collections in a balance between exuberance and restraint. Tropical prints, bright colors and playful details stand alongside calm tones and adult silhouettes. The Preview Kids shows that the children’s fashion industry may be under pressure, but is still full of dynamism.
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