March 24, 2008

Bloom and Grow

Lemlem Clothing

It’s the age-old dilemma: Is it possible for your kids to do good and look good?

Liya Kebede is a mom, supermodel, and a UN ambassador. If she can’t do it, it can’t be done.

She’s just launched a clothing line called Lemlem (it means “flourish” in Amharic) that creates economic opportunities for African artisans in her native Ethiopia. Men do the hand-weaving; women do the intricate embroidery.

The boys’ and girls’ garments — from sweet sundresses to bloomers to caftans — are made of easy-to-care-for cotton.

The collection also includes scarves for moms. So everyone will be sartorially splendid this spring.

An excellent family tradition: style and substance.

Available at Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue, between 60th and 61st Streets (212-826-8900 or barneys.com); Scoop Kids, 861 Washington Street, between 13th and 14th Streets (212-691-1926‎). To see styles, go to lemlem.com.

SHOP
Bu & the Duck at The Earnest Sewn Company Project Space
What: Stock up on cute dresses, shoes, and jeans for one more week at the temporary shop within a shop.
Why: Denim done right.
When: Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 821 Washington St., at Gansevoort St. (212-242-3414).

CLEAN
Sandsational Riverside
What: Spruce up the sand with a family bucket brigade — shovels and pails provided — at West Side playgrounds.
Why: Dig it.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Neufeld Playground (76th St.), River Run Playground (83rd St.), Hippo Playground (91st St.), Dinosaur Playground (97th St.), 105th Street Tot Lot, 110th Street Tot Lot, 117th Street Playground, Riverbank Playground (142nd St.). Sign up in advance (212-870-3070 or kurt@riversideparkfund.org) or just stop by.

SEE
The Top Job
What: A new musical that teaches kids about meaningful — not necessarily fancy — work.
Why: It’s labor day. (Earn it.) (Toil away.)
When: Thru Apr. 27. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Where: Vital Theatre Company, 2162 Broadway, at 76th St., 4th flr. (212-579-0528). Tickets at 212-352-3101.