Toy Buzz: Fashion Angels Find Careers for Tweens

New Kits Get Girls Thinking About the Future

By Ingrid Floyd
December 2007

“We are working furiously to provide our tween customers with new career possibilities.” — Goldi Miller, Fashion Angels

The Fashion Angels' career kits have wowed girls into learning tools of a job trade. Stores keep reordering kits, Goldi Miller, co-owner of the company, told TDmonthly Magazine.

“We are working furiously to provide our tween customers with new career possibilities,” she said.

Five new working-world scenario kits are in the works. For 2008, tweens can become world jet setters, hair stylists or graphic t-shirt designers.

Miller told TDmonthly, “Our philosophy has always been to challenge and educate tweens by exposing them to new experiences. Our kits allow them to ‘try on’ different fields of interest to see if there is a ‘fit’.”

STYLIN’ FOR REAL

With the Hair Stylist Kit, Sarah Koth, manager of trade shows and exhibitions, said, “Girls can practice braiding and color highlighting techniques on a high-quality wig. The wig will fit most tween-girl-sized heads, and it comes with a great style guide and step-by-step instructions...” The girls can color the wig and their own hair.

A guide book with ideas comes with the Graphic T-shirt Designer Kit to use with provided fabric markers.

Koth said, “Girls will be able to give new life to their old t-shirts, sweatshirts and even jeans. A jewel tool, studs, rhinestones and ribbon complete the kit.”

JETTING AROUND

Tweens thrilled themselves with the idea of “jet setting” around the world in 2007 with Fashion Angels travel-size kits and the company has responded. For 2008, it will expand on travel kits, including a miniaturized version of the Design a Heavenly Wardrobe set.

Koth said, “There are going to be miniature posters that [the tweens] can hang up when done. We are also going to make travel journals with a souvenir pouch, a place to take down new friends’ contact information, time zone map, measuring conversion chart and a foreign language translation section with popular phrases in several languages.”

The “Jet Settin’ Kits” will contain coloring books of notable cities from around the globe and markers.

THINKING GREEN, TOO

Miller told TDmonthly that customers love the company’s jewelry line — which brought them into the tween market in the first place. New bracelet and necklace designs include eco-friendly bangles and Stix and Stones necklaces. Koth said the bracelets and necklaces “are going to be imprinted with inspirational words and affirmations.”

For 2007 the business has expanded its presence in Europe and the Middle East. Miller told TDmonthly, “It’s exciting to be a global company and we have learned much about what tweens want around the world.”

Koth said that its product development team has looked at “ways to please all markets when developing new kits in each different category.”

Read more about Fashion Angels in the following TDmonthly stories: “A Passion for Fashion”
“The Bead Shop Changes Name to Fashion Angels”
“The Bead Shop Follows Fashion Trends.”

And here are some of the Fashion Angels kits and accessories available for 4 Q 2007:

Zipper Zacks Urban Wrist Wallet by FASHION ANGELS

The cuff-style wrist wallets have three working zippers to help wearers keep valuables close at hand during sports activities, travel, school and more. Carry anything from money to house keys. Seven different styles are available. Launch date: February 2007. 10/2/2007 (MSRP: $9.00; Age: 8 and Up)

FashIONs by FASHION ANGELS

The negative-ion-infused bracelets provide the benefit of negative ions, which are invisible and odorless, but believed to have positive effects on health by relieving stress, increasing blood flow and boosting energy levels. With 50 different styles, anyone can look fashionable and feel healthier and more revitalized. Launch date: January 2007. 10/2/2007 (MSRP: $6.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Fashion Magazine Editor by FASHION ANGELS

Create your own fashion zine! Direct your photo shoot.. Use software to create & edit your own zine.. Print and publish your zine to share with friends! Kit includes: digital camera, tripod, camera case, camera strap, USB cord, software, backdrops, layout guide, photography guide, tips and more for shooting the hottest fashion photography! Dimensions: 12.25" W x 16.25" H x 1.8" D. Doll and wardrobe sold separately. 6/5/2007 (MSRP: $88.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Make-up Artist Sketch Book (Travel Set) by FASHION ANGELS

Learn to design make-up like a pro ... even on the go! This mini Make-Up Artist Sketch Book is the perfect, portable, post-card size for any aspiring make-up artist. Its smaller size makes it ideal to tote "on-board" or in a purse anywhere you go. Trifold book includes make-up sketch pad, 18-color make-up palette, mini-colored pencils and applicator set, and full-color guidebook. 6/5/2007 (MSRP: $14.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Fashion Design Sketch Book (Travel Set) by FASHION ANGELS

This travel-size, fashion-design sketch book set is the perfect size to take along on trips... It's a great "carry-on" for fashion design fun! Includes trifold sketch book, 25-sheet croqui pad, 12 mini-colored pencils, eraser, sharpener, nine mini-markers, color chart and fashion style guide. Dimensions: 4" w x 5.75" h x 1.25" d 6/5/2007 (MSRP: $10.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Hair Stylist by FASHION ANGELS

Girls can use this styling wig to experiment with wild and fun hairstyles. Not only can they wear the wig, but they can even use the coloring on their own hair! 12/5/2007 (MSRP: $28.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Graphic T-Shirt Designer by FASHION ANGELS

Encourage recycling and reusing by offering these design kits to your little and tween girl customers. The kits are great for craft or slumber parties, too. This toy is still in development and artwork may not reflect the final product. ( Watch Video) 12/5/2007 (MSRP: $24.00; Age: 8 and Up)

FA Travel Journal by FASHION ANGELS

Jet-setters can keep track of their new friends and favorite cities with this handy-to-go kit.This toy is still in development and artwork may not reflect the final product. 12/5/2007 (MSRP: $10.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Pink Kitty Travel Journal by FASHION ANGELS

Little girls now have their own travel journal, so they can keep up with Big Sis. Stickers and markers keep them occupied on those transatlantic flights. This toy is still in development and artwork may not reflect the final product. 12/5/2007 (MSRP: $10.00; Age: 4 and Up)