More or less a month ago (already) Paul & Paula attended Pitti Bimbo #87. I am always so curious before the first show of the season – what will we discover, what are the latest news and especially: how is the atmosphere. The fashion industry (children included) is changing so quickly now that it can be tricky to follow the fast pace. For everyone – and especially for designers and buyers.
This is my recap on the latest news, trends and more from Fortezza da Basso and the kids industry.
New collections, ideas and events were presented by 572 brands attending this edition, intercepting all the latest trends and the future evolution of the sector.
All over I have to say that the atmosphere was great. Positive and energised! (unfortunately that positivity did not reach all fairs I visited during the last weeks) It was vibrant really with many cool and interesting events.
‘Children’s wear is experiencing a moment of great evolution with a strong focus on a more accentuated research and lifestyle dimension that Pitti Bimbo is encouraging and maximizing. Through the new projects and sections dedicated to emerging creativity, design and new lifestyles. From season to season we will further expand the boundaries of the children’s universe.’ Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine
‘This was a great edition of Pitti Bimbo, and the atmosphere was truly dynamic. The concept of the #ACTIVELAB section is strong, and it’s very well laid-out, allowing us to present our collections to their best advantage. In the past few days we’ve met high-end international buyers, including many buyers from Russia and Italy. I also liked the fact that members of the high-quality fashion press were in attendance.’Kristin Nyström, founder of Gardner and the gang
‘This year’s edition was even more dynamic than usual. I discovered a lot of new brands, especially in the Superstreet area. The #Activelab trend really is the fashion trend of the moment, and I’d never seen it represented at other shows; this is a sign of how Pitti Immagine is always up to date with what the market is demanding. The way it’s organised is wonderful, and it allows us buyers to stay even more focused on the fair itself.’ Marìana Garcìa Sepulveda, Head Buyer Childrenswear at El Palacio de Hierro
More and more independent brands are coming to Florence as well, making it a great mix of brands that benefits everyone. #ACTIVELAB, for example, is full of emerging, young and cool brands and even had a catwalk show this season. See the image on top and the two below!
[read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]
And the collections were positive too. There will be a lot of strong colours coming into stores for next Spring/ Summer 2019. Even brands that are famous for their monochrome/ minimalist approach went bold and added colours to their lines. Loud Apparel and Little Creative Factory for example.
There will be fringes and pink for boys is definitely a ‘must’ as well!
Little Creative Factory showed for the first time on the catwalk!
The Nest invited, again, new brands from around the world and had some great newcomers from the fashion as well as lifestyle world.
Raspberry Plum is always quirky and colourful and showed another very inspiring collection.
I saw, next to the primary colours like blue and red, a lot of ‘candy’ and ‘sorbet’ shades like soft yellow, apricot or powder pink.
Pre-washed fabrics are everywhere as well. Giving a cosy and relaxed look – I like it!
Velveteen launched their first full boys’ collection.
Sporty styles are still big in general. Tracksuits and cool sneakers are a must-have. And prints with messages. Positive, optimistic messages to send our children into a fun and good childhood.
Nikolia is always the ‘special one’ and amazes me with their creativity every single time. A real butterfly dress? Oh Y E S!
And, by the way, ruffles are still big! And everywhere…
Pero is Pero! Wonderfully special and a feast. They always create awesome hats/ creations for heads for their shows and the details on every piece they make are so beautiful!
In general I have seen a lot of embroidery which is great, because I love it.
And, very important, more and more brands follow a sustainable production. Finally! Recycled fabrics, organic dyes and local productions are on the rise. Buyers are more concerned about their choices and ask more and more detailed questions. Parents are demanding when it comes to ‘what does my child wear’. You just cannot close your eyes anymore to the fact that the fashion industry plays a big role in our environment.
What I also heard: Shops are closing! Now, don’t get me wrong but I believe that the whole industry needs a little make-over. And there are too many shops which means that there are too many sales. And everyone following the same path with the same brands that they believe will sell good. Which makes: A lot of shops, with the same brands and a battle over customers. Hence: Sales!
Lets filter and put things back to reality. It is a wide topic – if you would like to discuss it with me, get in touch. I mean it :)
Summary: Great vibes, colours and sustainability. And hopefully a reinvention that will result in a stronger and more stable industry!
Images 1,2&3: Emily Kornya
Images rest: Pitti Immagine
[/read]
