FLORENCE, ITALY – With 430 collections expected, of which 166 from abroad, almost 7,200 buyers and a total of just under 10,000 visitors at the last winter edition, Pitti Bimbo confirms that it is the only trade fair in the world that presents a complete overview of the universe of children’s fashion on a global level as well as an extraordinary platform for presenting new lifestyle trends.
And following a trend already experimented in previous seasons, at this edition more than ever, Pitti Bimbo is giving a boost to the world of research: from the avant-garde collections of Apartment to the creativity of the independent brands in the New View and EcoEthic sections, to accessories and design objects for the littlest set. As always, all of this will be staged alongside the established quality and classical-elegant style of the big names at Pitti Bimbo, the sportswear of Sport Generation and the urban atmosphere of SuperStreet. All in a setting that welcomes visitors with a pleasant, entertaining atmosphere, guiding them in constantly new and original ways through the short circuits of fashion, art, sport and design.
The new names, special projects and returns at this edition include: ABC 123Me, Aden + Anais, Catimini, Coqenpate, Cyrus Company Bambino, Fendi, Jupe by Jackie, Louise Misha, Moon et Miel, Rock the Goat Fashion, Scotch & Soda, The Little Tailor, William Sharp, Woolrich Kid and Yves Salomon Enfant.
Walkabout Pitti is the title-theme for the January 2015 Pitti fairs and will explore the endless and always-current theme of traveling by foot. Walking for the pleasure of doing it, to see, think about and savor the world, alone or with friends, for sport or because walking – or talking about it – is in fashion. Today, more than ever before, walking is an expression of a way of life and it evokes its own outfits: a hymn to multiple technical facets, clothing styles and their uses, and to the central role of accessories. With a layout redesigned for kids by designer Ilaria Marelli, the Fortezza da Basso will be transformed into a mixed terrain of different experiences and paths, illustrated by brochures, maps, apps and other devices. With maps and stopovers redesigned in kid-sized versions.
It is the best Italian and international buyers who make the fair a commercial success and “certify” the quality of its offer, its ability to refresh the show continuously, its clear and carefully segmented arrangement and its commitment to discovering new brands and new talents. Here are just some of them: from Italy Luisaviaroma, Leam, La Rinascente, Pupi Solari and Tessabit; from the United Kingdom: Fenwick, Harrods and Selfridges; from France: Le Bon Marché, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette; from Germany: Engelhorn, Loden Frey and Peek & Cloppenburg; from Switzerland: Bongenie; from the United States: Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus; from Russia: Bosco dei Ciliegi; from Spain: El Corte Inglés; from Japan: Isetan Mitsukoshi,Takashimaya, Sogo & Seibu and Ships; from Saudi Arabia: Al Garawi and Harvey Nichols Riyadh; from the United Arab Emirates: Lollypop; from Hong Kong: Harvey Nichols Hong Kong; from Korea: Shinsegae; from Kazakhstan: Saks Fifth Avenue Almaty; from Turkey: Harvey Nichols Istanbul; from Mexico: Liverpool; from Indonesia: Kids 21… and many more, even from new markets like Brazil.
Pitti Bimbo 80 will be increasing the focus on research and further strengthening New View, the section that features collections with a high creative content and innovative brands for a demanding audience. Located in the heart of Pitti Bimbo, at each edition New View is confirmed as the experimental area for children’s fashion, developing its new course with a lively design perspective and a layout by Ilaria Marelli.
At New View, fashion contaminations transcend kidswear to reach the world of design and shelf-items, with surprising special projects. Worth mentioning at this edition too is the unduetrestella DESIGN WEEK a preview of the project curated by Paola Noe’s unduetrestella! which provides a unique panoramic view of the latest research by young designers and international artists.
The success of Pitti Bimbo is also due to the important communication events, runway shows and cultural initiatives that accompany each edition. The runway shows, that launch new trends and offer invaluable ideas for styling and combining clothing and accessories, are attracting increasingly bigger audiences.
Among the brands on the catwalk:
Thursday 22 January
11:00 a.m. at the Sala della Ronda, Philipp Plein Junior
12:00 noon at the Sala del Rondino, Children’s Fashion from Spain
2:00 p.m. at the Sala della Ronda, Miss Grant, Grant Garcon, L:u’:L:u’
3:00 p.m. at the Sala del Rondino, Fun & Fun
5.00 p.m. at the Sala della Ronda, Yclu
Friday 23 January
11:00 a.m. at the Sala del Ronda, Il Gufo
12:00 noon at the Sala del Rondino, Sarabanda
Among the important events in town, we have to mention the Monnalisa event on the evening of Thursday 22 January in the Tepidarium del Roster of the Giardino dell’Orticultura di Firenze, presenting the brand’s latest collections to the press and clients.