Ph. Bruno Angelo Porcellana @Pittibimbo#85120
The premieres, the numbers and what’s new at Pitti Bimbo: Increasingly dedicated to research and lifestyles, the fair redefines the frontiers of childrenswear and focuses on scouting and the new worlds of the kids’ universe. With big names and special projects at the Fortezza
548 collections (versus 498 at the previous summer edition), 327 of which from abroad (55% of the total), and over 5,600 buyers, making a total of over 10,000 visitors at the last summer edition: these are the figures for Pitti Immagine Bimbo. Scheduled to be held from 22 to 24 June 2017 at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Pitti Bimbo is the most important international fair dedicated to children’s fashion and lifestyles, an extraordinary platform for trends, business and communication. Sensitive to recording the latest market demands, Pitti Bimbo focuses on research and across-the-board proposals, building its itinerary thorough different worlds that are both autonomous and synergic: an increasingly complete panorama created for the best concept stores in the world. From the atelier luxury of the collections in Apartment to the mixture of research and experimentation of KidzFIZZ, alongside the two new exhibition projects launched by the fair: Fancy Room, with its lifestyle brands characterized by a pop design spirit and The Nest, with its selection of small independent and “up-and-coming” brands from all over the world. Plus, the new Pitti Bimbo Editorials which will astound, as usual, with their experimental, curious and special objects – a rich source of ideas and inspiration. All this next to the big brands and most prestigious kidswear companies, from the names that have made ecology their distinctive feature (Ecoethic) to the ever-expanding microcosms such as the sportswear of Sport Generation and the myriad street inflections of SuperStreet.
Pitti Bimbo: an increasingly significant point of reference for the world of footwear
In recent seasons, the fair has also witnessed an important growth in the number of children’s footwear brands which, alongside the brands that also feature shoes in their total look collections, have identified Pitti Bimbo as a key rendezvous, an unmissable platform for launching new collections and new projects onto the international scene.
The extraordinary contribution of MiSE and the ICE AGENCY
This edition of Pitti Immagine Bimbo is realized thanks to the extraordinary contribution of the Ministry for Economic Development (MiSE – Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico) and the Italian Trade Agency (Agenzia ICE), as part of the 2015-2017 Three Year Plan organized by the Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico to support Italian fairs and Made in Italy. This contribution is dedicated to developing hospitality, media relations and advertising activities.
THE SPECIAL GUEST IS DOLCE&GABBANA
Dolce&Gabbana celebrates its Pitti Bimbo debut with a special installation opposite the Main Pavilion of the Fortezza da Basso. Style in blossom is the theme of S/S 2018. For the occasion, Dolce&Gabbana has created a market filled with all kinds of flowers, in a galaxy of colors. Dolce&Gabbana’s first visit to Pitti Bimbo will also be celebrated by the special presence of the now famous #DGCloni: the cartoon shapes of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana which will greet visitors with their friendly irony.
On the occasion of Pitti Bimbo, ROBERTO CAVALLI JUNIOR presents the popup Baroque Leopard space and a special event
With a popup space, Baroque Leopard, Roberto Cavalli relaunches Roberto Cavalli Junior at Pitti Bimbo. Created in 2000 in order to expand the designer label’s offering, the children’s’ collection is once again developed in-house and directly distributed by the Maison. The brand’s glamorous world is articulated in a version for kids. A universe in which color, floral prints and iconic animalier graphics reign. On Friday 23 June, the entire S/S 2018 collection will be presented to the press and buyers with an exclusive event at the Serre Torrigiani.
The HIGHLIGHTS of this edition: launches, special projects and returns
_ Herno chooses a new location – on the lower level of the Main Pavilion – to present its new collection with a contemporary character;
_the important return of Giuseppe Junior, the “in mini” collection of Giuseppe Zanotti;
_ the debut of Neil Barrett presenting the new SS18 collection and its lifestyle in a space on the lower level of the Main Pavilion;
_ the fair debut of the historic Italian brand Inglesina which will premiere the new 2017/18 collection: a selection of the latest products in a new denim version, the protagonist of a home-design installation inside the Fancy Room section;
_ Stella Jean – a brand that has entered the UCW Unique Children Wear group – returns to Pitti Bimbo and presents its new course on the lower level of the Main Pavilion;
_ Joshua Sanders will be showcased on the lower level of the Main Pavilion, aiming for statement with a more contemporary mood;
_ I Pinco Pallino the brand purchased by the Chinese Little Star Brands group, launches the new SS18 collection in an area on the ground floor of the Costruzioni Lorenesi, alongside the Little Star collection;
_ BonTon presents its new collection, expanding the exhibition area and taking on an important space inside the Pitti Bimbo section;
_Tommy Hilfigher participates at Pitti Bimbo for the first time ever presenting its footwear collection in Sport Generation.
_Scotch & Soda comes back to Pitti Bimbo with an important area located in the Piazzale delle Ghiaia;
_ the return, inside Sport Generation, of the Argentinean brand La Martina;
_ Bensimon presents its world and French style in the Sport Generation universe;
_SemSem the participation at Pitti Bimbo of a newyorker luxury lifestyle brand.
BOOM, PITTI BLOOMS the theme of the summer fairs
The vital energy and surprising beauty of flowers inspires BOOM, PITTI BLOOMS, the theme of the Pitti Immagine summer fairs. Flowers that blossom like new creative ideas: improbable, effervescent, ironic. Often in the form of macro flower sails or flying bouquets. A fantastic world of original patterns and chromatic contrasts on façades, spaces, objects. Layout and creative direction by lifestyler Sergio Colantuoni.
PITTI IMMAGINE LOVES MINI. MINI MOVES PITTI IMMAGINE
Passion, innovation, creative research. The expression of the creative partnership between Pitti Immagine and MINI, two worlds that share values and objectives always linked to a contemporary lifestyle approach. Once again, this year MINI renews its collaboration with Pitti Bimbo 85, ready to associate itself with the fair’s vision and draw inspiration from its privileged take on the latest trends in style for the youngest set.
PITTI BIMBO EDITORIALS: the new themes are “Food Flair” and “Happy Camp”
New creative inspiration from the Editorials, the two large walls on the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion which display special, experimental objects and accessories.
_ Food Flair: awareness is growing about the value of diet and attention is being paid to everything that surrounds it. From table accessories to design objects inspired by childhood, from games for mini-chefs to the first experiences with taste. Curious, useful, original, fantastic and practical proposals for food moments that begin with preparatory rituals and move on to the pleasure of sharing, combined with educational and informative aspects. Cuisine has never been so highly “showcased”!
_ Happy Camp: holidays, freedom, experiences in the open air, friends: outdoor life is all these things together, but it is also dedicated objects, research into materials, details that turn out to be extremely useful, important and surprising accessories because you need to be well-equipped to live under the stars. Kits for young explorers, secrets for Junior Woodchucks, ideas for mini Crocodile Dundees. On the other side of the world or in the field outside your house, a new adventure is just beginning….
FANCY ROOM and its 360° lifestyle
Fancy Room is the space dedicated to children’s lifestyles: from design to small accessories, from gadgets to technology, the winner is always creativity. Located on the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion, this is an entertaining island-space where it is possible to find a series of special products. Accessories, eyewear, furnishing items, games, pocket technology, useful and useless objects ready to make their debut in concept stores all over the world. Among the new names: 03 Zerotre, Bambam, Bamboom, Charlie Banana, Gilde Scarti e Mestieri, Happy Horse, Inglesina, Izipizi, Jellycat, Milk&Friends, Noodoll, Watchitude.
THE NEST: the success of the area dedicated to small independent brands from all over the world
Launched last January, The Nest is the project dedicated to creative research in kidswear on the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion which immediately received very positive feedback. An exclusive selection of small independent brands and “up-and-coming” companies selected in collaboration with Little Popup, the Berlin concept lab. Among the new names at this edition: Aamcevoykidswear, Kiboro, Kokori, Mimi & Lula, Once, Plume, Unsigned.
OFF THE PAGE… AND INTO THE WORLD OF FASHION
The protagonists are the new finalists of the project dedicated to illustrators for kids
A new edition of the project-competition that is the result of the collaboration with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair which, at this edition, will give space to a team of 21 illustrators – selected from the over 100 on display around the world – who, with their works, will be the protagonists of the fair and will create an interesting dialogue, based on creative signs, with the collections presented by the exhibitors.
KIDZFIZZ, Pitti Bimbo’s creative laboratory becomes more established
KidzFIZZ is the area that brings together the most creative collections by brands that experiment with shapes, materials and presentation styles: a proposal dedicated to a more evolved international public. KidzFIZZ focuses on research, creative exploration, the contaminations between fashion and design and the central role played by accessories. Staged in the Medici Pavilion and in the Archivi with a layout curated by Storage Associati, KidzFIZZ is the fair’s concept lab. The new names include: Cavalier, Cocolico, Dinui, iglo+indi, Indikidual, Mini Rodini, Petit by Sofie Schnoor, Picnik, Sissonne, Tuchinda, Zebra I can see, and Zoocchini.
KIDZFIZZ also features Let’s Go and unduetrestella DESIGN WEEK, the exhibition project from unduetrestella – an art, design and food project for kids, based in Milan, the brainchild of Paola Noé – with a precious selection of design brands linked to the lifestyle universe of children.
APARTMENT: the world of luxury collections at the Lyceum
At Pitti Bimbo the protagonist will once again be Apartment, the project dedicated to luxury collections for children’s fashions. Sartorial care and precious details for a unique section that contains a sophisticated grouping of international clothing and accessory collections aimed at buyers from the most exclusive boutiques.
The new names include: Little Creative Factory, Amelie et Sophie, Nikolia and Tambere.
KID’S EVOLUTION, from fashion “for adults” to capsule collections for kids
Kid’s Evolution is the project by Alessandro Enriquez in collaboration with Pitti Immagine aimed at a super-sophisticated audience of buyers, including the world’s most important department stores. Pitti Bimbo will be showcasing a selection of designers involved in fashion research for “adults” who will be trying their hand at a capsule collection for kids. On the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion, a 360° project that has already intercepted the needs of top international retailers that have successfully tested and supported the project, including Luisaviaroma, yoox.com, Harvey Nichols and Rinascente Milano. The names at this edition: Cor Sine, Little Shilpa, Riccardo Comi, The Dots, Bad Deal, Kids Loves Dogs. For this season, the designers will create a special capsule collection inspired by SpongeBob Gold.
FASHION COMICS: a selection of children’s fashion brands inspired by the Care Bears
This time Fashion Comics, the project which is the brainchild of Alessandro Enriquez and realized in collaboration with Pitti Bimbo, stars the Care Bears who are celebrating their 35th birthday. A selection of brands will produce garments featuring the famous characters which will become the subject of a capsule collection and special edition mini outfits for the occasion. Part of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to an Oxfam project. The brands involved are: 10×10 Anitaliantheory, Ice Iceberg, Iglo+Indi, Mc2 Saint Barth, Mimisol, N.21 Kids.
Fashion Comics and Kid’s Evolution will be celebrated with a cocktail party on Thursday 22 June at 4.30 p.m., inside the Cavedio, on the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion.
The other worlds within the Pitti Bimbo itinerary:
The Pitti Bimbo section: designer labels and the big children’s fashion brands
A journey through big brand fashions, luxury clothing for infants, kids and teens: international level brands which present their collections complete with accessories and projects for retailers. The Main Pavilion and the other areas of Pitti Bimbo will feature a rich selection of proposals distributed according to a new exhibition game, with an eye on the trends of “adult” fashion. The new names, returns and brands worth mentioning include: Giuseppe Junior, I Pinco Pallino, Manila Grace, MarcoBologna, Neil Barrett, Stella Jean, Richmond Kids and N.21
EcoEthic presents the Green Generation
EcoEthic is the section dedicated to green issues: the best brands that make sustainable fashion part of their signature. These companies, from all over the world, use organic and biological materials that are produced with respect for nature and in a chain that protects local manufacturing and small communities while helping to save our planet. The new names: Barn of Monkeys, Cromatina®, Håndværkskunst, Little Green Radicals, and Moriko Organic.
Sport Generation: in sight of the big leap
Sport Generation, the planet that hosts the big names in sportswear and activewear, is broadening its horizons and preparing itself for a more extended dimension. The focus is on leisure clothing, in this space where the protagonists are the most important international names in childrenswear and collections for kids. The new names include: Bensimon, Les Coyotes de Paris, La Martina, Levi’s Kid, Noeser, Platypus Australia Uv Swimwear, Tommy Hilfiger, Sergio Tacchini, Snapper Rock Swim Wear, and White Sand.
Superstreet, 100% urban inclination
SuperStreet is the Pitti Bimbo section that gives a voice to the always varied denim universe and the street inclination of junior and teen clothing, ideally increasingly connected to the world of Sport Generation. In a lively, specifically designed setting, the clothing becomes the distinctive signature of a tribe that expresses itself through images and messages.
The new names include: Bangbang Copenhagen APS, F**k, Goganga, Kukukid, Loud Apparel, and Scotch & Soda.
The fundamental role of buyers at Pitti Bimbo
and Pitti Immagine’s investment in incoming delegations of international buyers
The participation of the best Italian and international buyers is the key to Pitti Bimbo’s commercial success, attesting to the quality of the proposals, its capacity for constant renewal, the attentive segmentation as well as the ongoing commitment to discovering new brands. At the same time at every edition Pitti Immagine increases its investment in its program dedicated to incoming delegations of top buyers, also thanks to the contribution of MiSE and the ICE Agency. At this edition, we are focusing on the Russian market, on important delegations of buyers from Asia (Hong Kong, China and South Korea), from United States and Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, United Kingdom and Scandinavia), paying particular attention to online stores dedicated to childrenswear. Here are just some of the fair’s top buyers: from Italy Luisaviaroma, La Rinascente, Pupi Solari and Tessabit; from United Kingdom Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges, Childrensalon, Fenwick, Childsplay and Step2wo; from France Le Bon Marché, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette and Smallable; from Germany Loden Frey, Peek & Cloppenburg, Barbara Fréres, Engelhorn, Korbmayer and Breuninger; from Switzerland Bongenie and Jelmoli; from USA Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Shan & Toad; from Russia Bosco dei Ciliegi, Tsum/Mercury and Daniel Boutique; from Spain El Corte Inglés; from Japan Isetan Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya and Ships; from Saudi Arabia Al Garawi, Harvey Nichols Riyadh and Rubaiyat; from United Arab Emirates Chalhoub, Lollypop and Sauce; from Turkey Beymen and Demsa group; from Hong Kong Harvey Nichols Hong Kong; from South Korea Shinsegae and Hyundai; from Netherlands Azzurro Fashion Group; from Kazakhstan Saks Fifth Avenue Almaty; from Taiwan Kid’s Will; from Lebanon Aishti; from Kuwait Harvey Nichols Kuwait; from Ukraine Baby Marlen; from Singapore Kids 21; from India Myntra.com… and many more.
The services for buyers and the importance of the showrooms at the Fortezza
Pitti Bimbo is increasingly investing in hospitality for international retailers and in offering them business-oriented services at the fair: like the Spazio Showroom in the Arsenale Pavilion of the Fortezza, where companies can work in a concrete and functional way on the orders from their clients arriving from all over the world.
e-PITTI.com – the Pitti Immagine digital project revolutionizes the order taking process with READY-to-ORDER
Starting from 3 July, Pitti Bimbo 85 will be online for 8 weeks on e-PITTI.com with a catalogue of over 2,000 products and 360 brands. The platform will offer additional information about the collections and trends for the S/S 2018 season. A constantly updated Fashion Directory will also place online a selection of street style snaps taken by the young photographers at Polimoda, as well as mood videos and images featuring the trends for next summer, in a four-handed editorial project realized with Pitti Immagine.
The e-PITTI.com-innovation symbiosis is confirmed with READY-to-ORDER, the B2B app for taking orders using an iPad which is available on a self-service basis or which can be integrated with the company management system. All the necessary information about this service is available online on the ready-to-order.com website.
THE CATWALK SHOWS and the EVENTS held on the occasion of Pitti Bimbo
The Pitti Bimbo mini fashion week is also a packed calendar of events, presentations and catwalk shows organized by the companies participating in the fair and the international players in children’s fashion at the Fortezza da Basso and around town.
Staged in the Fortezza’s Sala della Ronda, the Pitti Bimbo catwalk shows launch the season’s trends and offer valuable styling tips.
The names on the catwalk at this edition are:
_ 22 June | 11 a.m.: Children’s Fashion from Spain (Amaya, Barcarola, Boboli, Desigual, Mayoral and Tuc Tuc).
_ 22 June | 2 p.m.: Fun & Fun and She.Ver
_ 23 June | 11 a.m.: I Pinco Pallino.
At the Fortezza da Basso:
Some of the brands that will be staging their events at the Fortezza da Basso are:
Thursday 22 June, the presentation of the new Péro collection in the courtyard of the Arsenale| the #BensimonDIY project from the iconic French brand Bensimon offers an invitation to obtain personalized tennis sneakers | the special Guess Kids cocktail party celebrates the new collection | the presentation of the first collection for little girls from Marcobologna | the launch of the capsule collection Vingino x ByDanie in the Sala della Volta, also celebrated in the evening with a special party at the Flò | the aperitifs with tapas from the Spanish brand Boboli | Magil’s snack in the secret garden | the Sun Salutation from Filobio, with a yoga class for kids | the “Fresco Assaggio”, a special snack at the Inglesina stand (also on Friday 23 June) | a live tattoo performance for the footwear capsule collection designed by Jarrett | the MimiSol poetic garden party at the Costruzioni Lorenesi | at KidzFIZZ, the flower & Ice cocktail by Buzz Italia | the presentation of the “Uno, Nessuno, Centomila” collection by Unique Children Wear and Stella Jean | tea time at the Teatrino Lorenese for Bugatti Junior | the Tartine & Chocolat cocktail party to celebrate the French brand’s 40th birthday | the presentation of the Sneakerissima by Lelli Kelly project | | Kids Moda Portugal, the special cocktail dedicated to the “Made in Portugal” kidswear, at the Spazio Carra (Central Pavilion, Lower Floor).
Friday 23 June, the presentation of the #Liquidspace collection by Frankie Morello Junior | “Rock a Selfie with John!” introduces the collection by John Richmond Jr | The presentation of the new Colorissima sneakers by Lelli Kelly | The Autrichienne snack by The Small Gatsby.
The magazine projects at the fair:
_ the German magazine LUNA presents the second edition of the “Luna Journal Livestream”, the video-interview format featuring names from the world of childrenswear filmed live at the Fortezza da Basso and streamed on the magazine’s online platforms; The livestream will be available at Lunajournal.biz from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 June, whilst the magazine’s space will be located on the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion.
_ kid’s wear Magazine presents the book “Storytelling” by Achim Lippoth with a photographic exhibition and book signing in Apartment on Thursday 22 June at 5.00 p.m., attended by the author. The book covers the career of the German photographer who has always concentrated his artistic research on the world of children with an extremely spontaneous approach, making kids the absolute protagonists.
_MILK MAGAZINE: la moda segna il passo [fashion sets the pace]. When French childrenswear proposes its creations for next F/W 2017-18 season, MiIK expands its offering even further. Crazy about caramel, the Milk Magazine kids mix it with a drop of milk. They taste marshmallows and dare to use spinach green and mint color, rewarding themselves with a handful of blueberries!
Around town during Pitti Bimbo:
Thursday 22 June: the presentation of the Petit Bateau collection at the Circolo Canottieri di Firenze| the catwalk show-event from Monnalisa in the setting of one of the most beautiful gardens in Florence, the Giardino Corsini al Prato| the launch of the junior line by Emilio Pucci in partnership with Simonetta, with a special event at Palazzo Pucci | The HOGAN Junior and FAY Junior cocktail party in favor of the Fondazione Francesca Rava / NPH Italia, in collaboration with the Istituto Marangoni.
On the morning of Friday 23 June, Roberto Cavalli Junior presents the new SS18 collection and the brand’s new course during an exclusive event at the Serre Torrigiani. With the Goganga Loves Beauty project at the Galleria degli Uffizi, Goganga offers members of the press and buyers an exclusive guided tour of Leonardo Da Vinci’s recently restored “Adoration of the Magi”.
… and finally, the PITTI BLOOMS PARTY: on the evening of Friday 23 June, the special Pitti Immagine Bimbo dinner party will introduce the guests to a highly imaginative and kaleidoscopic world, where the true protagonists are fantasy and entertainment!
Pitti Immagine would like to thank Franco Ferrari, Invicta, Superga, Virtus Palestre and White Sand for the contribution to dressing the Pitti Boys & Girls at this edition of the fairs.
#pittibimbo #pb85 #boompittiblooms
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