Positively Preemie by Alison Golub

Now even the tiniest tot can don fashionable frocks - thanks to Orange, Calif.-based Kumquat. The vendor's premiere Fall 2001 collection features a number of body styles, including kimono tops, leggings, one-pieces, long and short-sleeved T-shirts and converter gowns, that are available in two preemie sizes, 4 and 6 pounds.

"At first, a lot of our reps were hesitant about the preemie sizes," admitted Angelyn Wong, co-owner and designer. "But now that [these clothes] are in the showroom, reps are seeing that people will go to better stores to buy preemie outfits. Customers want to dress Baby in nice clothes - no matter what the size."

Wong and her business partner Cherylin Sadsad were inspired to create Kumquat after Sadsad's brother had a premature child. However, the duo ultimately decided not to limit the line's selections to preemie sizes; they offer all silhouettes in sizes up to 24 mos.

Made from either 100-percent cotton knit or terry cloth knit, the Kumquat collection is divided into six groupings: "Floral Ice" features lace-front cardigans, footed rompers and converter gowns in a fresh, feminine palette of lilac and light pink; "Dasiy Knit" showcases similar silhouettes in rich sorbet tones like grape and raspberry; "Butterfly Stripe" highlights button-front shirts, one-pieces and pant sets with tiny lilac stripes and butterfly appliques; "Baseball" comes in a heather gray/pale blue combinationi with white baseball embroidery; "Star" in navy and pale blue has a celestial theme; "Blue Stripe" features core silhouettes in a classic stripe pattern.

Rounding out the series are gift sets comprised of a bib, two-piece pant set, receiving blanket and burp cloth, which come wrapped in either a tulle or an organza bag.

Wholesale prices range from $5 to $19. For more information, contact Kumquat at 5242 Argus Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323) 982.9321.