It was an honour and big fun to be part of the 97th edition of Pitti Bimbo. Yes, only three more until the B I G 100. So exciting!
Trade shows are not an easy playing field these days (still not) however nobody can beat Pitti to their program, hospitality and flair. And they win in terms of discovery factor too.
That is why I would like to share 7 brands that stood out to me and may not be on your radar at the moment. However, I think they should be and deserve to be.
Let’s have a look at these stars from around the globe, found at Pitti Bimbo:
Appulu
Each Appulu garment is created with kids in mind, with breath-ability and airiness for comfort. ‘Being from India we stay true to our indigenous roots and take pride in our skilled artisans and create for global consumers.’
Slow processes, small batch production, limited quantities and pre-orders to avoid any waste and excess production. Appulu decided to go as far as batch dying their own yarn in eco-friendly naturally derived colors, all hand processed from organic waste to cured yarn. My eyes were instantly drawn to their attention of detail in each piece and you can see the craftsmanship that has been put into each garment, it is simply beautiful.
Photo Credits: F. Guazzelli
Flying Ace
Flying Ace was founded by four best friends, whose dream was to enhance children’s everyday lives with fun and adventure. By stepping away from the traditional costume industry, they wanted to create something special. Adorable capes, fun socks and the best summer hats, everything is made from using GOTS certified fabrics and dyes and manufacturing them in small facilities in their home country, Georgia, as well as in Spain and Portugal. Every piece is designed collaboratively with emerging Georgian artists with the primary goal of celebrating the wonder of childhood and complementing children’s limitless imaginations.
C’era una Volta
An Italian label dedicated to dress children beautifully, just as they are. In this collection the brand dedicated a capsule to FLOCUS. A new intelligent fabric that is both more ecological, softer and warmer than regular cotton. A fascinating fabric, that is just getting more recognition, and I love that a children’s brand picked up on it. The collection is beautiful and called ‘Postcards from my memories’, with a palette taking from Italy and Japan. Toned by a vintage flair; a delicate terracotta, a rich ochre, the cleanest sky, a dandelion white.
Boatilus
Family eco-friendly footwear for people who care about the product’s ecological impact and about the future of the planet.
The Franco-Italian founders are both parents, and 7th generation shoe manufacturers, who have been making footwear since 1810. Today, the brand creates and manufactures in Europe for their sandals and boots to be BIO-based & 100% RECYCLABLE !
Oséree
This stylish brand, already quite popular for women, makes each piece expertly handmade in Italy, just launched a collection for the youngsters. The brand’s signature metallic thread glitters in the sunlight and while it is very on-trend, it is also stretchy and comfortable with no itch! Glam!
Wooxy
Wooxy is a new brand for kids based and produced in Tbilisi, Georgia. (Georgia seems to be a place to watch.) ‘Our outfits brings to peace different styles that gives children a sense of freedom and creates a festive mood as well. The materials we use are made of 100% of organic cotton.’
I love their timeless silhouettes, colours, and soft fabrics. Easy pieces that always look fantastic!
Flower Mountain for Naturino
What is not to like? Colourful, design-led, fun, chunky, cool, and comfortable. This vegan shoe line has been created together with Japanese designers who combine innovation with the nipponic design tradition.
Of course, I will need to mention the two activities I organised for this edition. In order to create a fun and light connection between press/influencers and the brands. The Pitti Olympics and Summer Look in 1 minute, a fun styling game.
By diving into the pieces in the S/S 24 collections of the brands on display, participants playfully connected with the brands at the fair. Let me know if you are planning to attend the fair in January and I will make sure to have you on board.
