Q&A: Virginia Zingone, Founder, Children's Show

28/06/2024

10 questions with Virginia Zingone

Virginia Zingone, founder of Children's Show, stood outside

Children’s Show, the new international kids’ fashion trade fair, is preparing to return to New York on 29-30 July 2024. CWB catches up with the event’s founder, Virginia Zingone, to learn more about the event and its upcoming second edition.

01. What’s the story behind Children’s Show?

I have a longstanding career in the children’s fashion industry, always as a bridge between European brands and the American market, and I wanted to create a platform for elevated brands to better showcase their collections internationally. I wanted to combine the concept of a fun trade fair for the whole children’s industry, representing all categories, with an elegant and functional setting.

02. What’s the show’s mission?

Children’s Show’s mission is to facilitate connections within this industry through the presentation of selected companies and the creation of events. The upcoming summer show, scheduled for 29-30 July, promises to be full of news and events, which we are excited to present to the world.

03. What does Children’s Show offer in terms of product?

Products range from research collections and tailoring to large international collections. We love the idea of introducing innovative ideas for children as well as fantastic proposals for mothers. From apparel to jewellery and accessories to nursery furniture, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy.

Children's clothes displayed at the Children's Show trade fair

04. What’s the show’s venue like?

We managed to find a venue with a typical New York metropolitan character. From catering to lighting, every element is mindfully selected as we carefully build the business. Details matter to me.

05. What can we expect from the show in July?

For the upcoming summer edition, we are excited to bring more events to Children’s Show to connect buyers, visitors, brands and other industry players. We will organise a huge event, including a fashion show with some of the most beautiful brands, inviting the top buyers, media, bloggers and influencers. Our goal is to build a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for children’s fashion and lifestyle and provide access to the right market in the kids’ luxury fashion segment in the US.

06. How many brands will be exhibiting in July?

We will present 60 brands from all around the world, including Italy, Spain, the USA, Argentina, Mexico, Portugal, Colombia and India.

07. Can you tell us more about the show’s Luxury Hub?

Product research and the show’s setup are at the centre of our attention and must be up to the standards of the industry’s top brands. We wanted to create a space within Children’s Show that is a representative area of luxury – a showcase for luxury companies – hence the Lux Hub was born. It offers a comfortable area where high-end brands can showcase their collections to the American market, with names such as Monnalisa, Simonetta and Caffè D’Orzo having all embraced our idea.

Children's clothes displayed on mannequins on a stand at Children's Show

08. Do you host any networking around the show?

We are working on pre and post-opportunities for brands that participate in Children’s Show; we believe that brand representation extends beyond the two days of the show, it requires ongoing effort and engagement. We are aware that this is a journey, but every journey starts with a single step, and we are committed to taking that step with our community.

09. Where can buyers and brands find out more about Children’s Show?

The industry can stay in touch with all our activities in real time on our Instagram page @childrens.show and via our website.

10. What is the long-term vision for Children’s Show?

Our show is organised by IEG USA (Italian Exhibition Group USA, Inc.), the US subsidiary of the world leading trade show organizer Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A, headed up by CEO Tommaso Cancellara and assembled by FB International. We envision our project expanding globally and are considering exporting the Children’s Show format to make connections within the industry even more accessible worldwide. We have many exciting development ideas on the horizon, so I suggest staying tuned for updates!