This season, CWB visited Pitti Bimbo in Florence, Italy, where the trade fair celebrated its 100th edition and marked a new beginning: 001.

 

The two-day programme, with a smaller footprint, boutique vision, and exhibitors spaced around four trend villages, was the result of a rethink about what trade shows need to offer during a time of significant market transformation.

The show was busy, especially on day one, with many Italian buyers returning. The fair received plenty of positive feedback, welcoming more than 1,300 buyers from over 50 countries. There were also 170 new and established brands, with a mix of fashion and lifestyle. Here we share collection launches and some of our favourites.

AO76

This iconic Belgian brand (pictured above) was founded in Heusden and rooted in Nazareth, near Ghent. Every item runs through a unique in-house design process, and the brand collaborates with young Belgian artists for occasional special prints. AO76 has remained true to its original vision of 70s sportswear mixed with Americana in a high-octane colour palette. In 1976, Etienne Van De Moortele was one of the first to import USA sports brands to Belgium. The influences still resonate today, with a lot of casual, easy-to-wear sports-influenced separates. For a/w 25/26, the main theme is ‘AO76 meets ASIA,’ which acts as inspiration for styles and graphics including typography for creating slogans. Recognisable symbols include the Japanese koi fish, origami birds and cherry blossom alongside food culture, with noodle bowls and kimchi. Additionally, the brand has experimented with new fabric blends, combining natural materials with tech. Key aspects include embroidered denim, reversible jackets, gathered shirts and draped sweaters, as well as creative use of its signature snow wash technique for a vintage washed look. New for a/w 25 is a more luxurious preppie look, with cashmere knits, plaid pants and denim pieces; less casual but still distinctively AO76. The brand is also introducing a new repair service. Free from a/w 24 onward, AO76 clothes can be given a visible and playful repair to prolong their life as part of a sustainable future.
Contact: sales@ao76.com / @ao76_official

 

 

Appulu

Appulu focuses on crafting hand-spun and hand-woven textiles into conscious collections. The DNA of the brand also lies in the beautiful detail and print elements that adorn each item. For a/w 25/26 there are small touches and heartwarming messages to explore as part of the seasonal theme, Friends Forever, which celebrates the spirit of friendship and kindness and features a fairytale mix of animals, nature and woodland scenes. Items have magical names like the Moonlight Meadow Dress, Squirrel Tale Dress, and our favourite, Mr. Owl’s Cozy Coat. Fabrics including linen, cotton, silk and wool add diverse textures to hand-woven checks, stripes and stripe hem border designs. Colours are more muted for winter: ecru and oatmeal, with touches of turmeric, indigo, pink and violet. Appulu has gone from strength to strength since launching a few years ago, and this season might just be its best yet.
Contact: contact@appulu.co / @appulu.co

 

 

Beemondo

Showing at Pitti Bimbo for the first time, Beemondo is a new kids’ clothing brand founded on the values of comfort, creativity and sustainable fashion, inspired by the intricate patterns found in the world of bees. Every bee is important as a pollinator in nature to maintain the balance in the ecosystem and contribute to greenery, food production and biodiversity. Beemondo focuses on 100% mono-material designs, using one material per item to simplify upcycling and reduce waste, contributing to a positive impact on the planet. Founded in 2024 by Chrystelle Guisso and Tony Baho in Gothenburg, Sweden, the duo brings 20 years of international experience from design, architecture, fashion and retail to the brand. Their vision is to constantly push boundaries and question the status quo, with a clear vision that by 2030, they will become a leader in circular, premium kids’ fashion.
Contact: hello@beemondo.co / @beemondo.kids

 

 

Compañia Fantástica Mini

With a flagship store in Madrid, this Spanish company extends its colourful prints and styles from its women’s collection into childrenswear. Covering ages 4-12 years, it captures the essence of a nonchalant style, with the freedom of being who you want to be. The collection is structured around items that are versatile to create special yet wearable looks. Winter fabrics, such as corduroy, tweed, flannel and chenille, provide texture and warmth. There are also luxurious touches, with velvet, chiffon and lurex plaid for special occasion pieces. Core items are renewed with lace collars, big bows, or contrasting buttons in heart, flower or pompom designs. The colour palette is vibrant and full of energy. Bright hues, including red, pink, green and blue are mixed with warmer tones of brown and orange. When it comes to prints, designs are bold, with motifs such as tulips, hearts, mouths and cats combined with abstract prints to create an unexpected fusion of shapes and colours. The collection also includes an innovative skiwear capsule, with reinforced pants and technical jackets in waterproof fabrics that combine functionality and style for active winter silhouettes.
Contact: sales@ciafantastica.com / @companiafantastica_mini

 

 

Ginger Snaps

Originating from the Philippines and established in 1993, the collections by Ginger Snaps can now be seen in boutiques and retailers worldwide, as well as in its own stores across Asia. Concentrating on everyday dress-up for boys and girls and inspired by the boundless creativity of young minds, its a/w 25/26 collection weaves together the magic of the wild, cosy cottage life, and Western charm. The palette focuses on natural hues, with brown and a range of blues from pale sky to indigo. In addition, for girls, soft floral pinks evoke wildflowers, while for boys there is a sporty blue. Materials include timeless plaid, cosy fleece and knit stripes, as well as a feature patchwork with horseshoe embroidery. Details and prints have a nostalgic feel, with horse appliqués, ruffles, oversized collars and fringe detailing for girls. For boys, dino prints and gorilla graphics feature as motifs on durable jackets, trousers and knits. The Brandon Mechanic Jacket is a stand-out piece.
Contact: partnerwithus@gingersnaps.com.ph / @gingersnapsph

 

 

Infantium Victoria

Infantium Victoria blends avant-garde design with uncompromising ethics, proving sustainable fashion can be both luxurious and innovative. As a pioneer in sustainable fashion for kids, it has GOTS Certification and PETA-Approved Vegan Certification, as well as being the winner of the PETA Vegan Fashion Award in 2024 for Best Design Piece for Kids. At this season’s show it debuted a transformative project, Waste Free, highlighting four approaches to tackling its textile waste: Upcycling – transforming unsold inventory and previous designs into new creations; Zero-Waste Design – employing advanced pattern-making techniques with premium sustainable materials to craft garments that leave no fabric waste; Patchwork Garments – reimagining cutting waste as unique patchwork garments; and the ultimate in sustainability, Zero-Waste Patterns with Rewoven Fabrics – crafting luxurious designs from rewoven materials made entirely from cutting waste. These will be available as a year-round collection that will evolve depending on what is available, both in stock and on the cutting room floor. We love this initiative.
Contact: julia@infantiumvictoria.com / @infantiumvictoria

 

 

Jesurum Baby

Born in 2022, Jesurum Baby dresses children aged 0-12 years in beautifully made outfits. The creations started with a christening dress for the founder’s daughter, staying true to Jesurum’s core values of the exclusive house linen brand started in Venice in 1870, 100% made in Italy, using craftsmanship of the highest quality and impeccable attention to detail. The core of the collection consists of exquisite girls’ dresses and separates, as well as baby and Christening outfits. There is also a Baby J nightwear collection with bathrobes, pyjamas and slippers. For a/w 25/26, highlights include dresses in velvet, silk, and chiffon layers, with a special tapestry textile and a scrunched tartan wool. Details like super-size bows, 3D floral corsages and lace collars are this season’s special elements. With a flagship store in Venice, the brand has showrooms and sales points globally.
Contact: info@jesurum.it / @jesurumbaby

 

 

Mousse Kids

Mousse Kids is an Italian children’s clothing brand founded in Rimini in 2017 by Amadori Laura, creative director and brand manager, and Matteo Balducci, graphic designer, and manufactured and distributed by RNG. Creating fun and colourful clothes for boys and girls aged 2 months to 14 years, it has expanded throughout Italy and is currently in around 300 Italian and international stores. Each collection, from sketches to the final product, is completely made in Rimini. Over the seasons, the brand has expanded its collection to include outerwear, knitwear and accessories. The World is the inspiration, but each object and garment is made and treated originally, never predictable and with a touch of Italian creativity. Highlights for a/w 25/26 include the Teddy Bear Collection for girls, with an original all-over print on jersey and tulle items and coordinating accessories. We also love the on-trend leopard print mixed with red tartan and cartoon food prints. For boys, there are cartoon prints in acid yellow that compete with a more restrained collegiate look complete with colour-block varsity jackets.
Contact: sales@moussedanslabouche.com / @moussekids

 

 

Palloncino Blu Sleepwear

Showing at Pitti Bimbo for the first time, Palloncino Blu Sleepwear is an Italian brand offering high-quality bamboo rompers, pyjamas and accessories for children aged 0-6 years. Bamboo, a natural, sustainable and breathable material, is also incredibly kind to skin. Unique in design, with patterns specifically conceived and designed by its in-house illustrator, the brand is committed to offering original, sustainable, practical and Made in Italy products. It also has coordinating accessories such as scrunchies, blankets, and the new play mat. Founded in October 2023, Palloncino Blu Sleepwear is a team of people, each expert in their sector, united by a single goal – to create beauty and make it available. Three different prints are developed each season; spring, summer, autumn and winter, with two special prints for Holiday/Christmas. There is also an archive of prints that are available year-round. A special pattern present in every collection is tartan or gingham. The new collection is called Moments, with the highlight being the camping print. The brand currently sells in Italy but is working to build up international sales during 2025, including looking for an agent in the UK.
Contact: info@palloncinoblusleepwear.it / @palloncinoblu_sleepwear

 

 

Petit Poirier

Launched in 2022 by Alexandra Voicu, Petit Poirier (Little Pear Tree) was born from her journey into motherhood. At the heart of the brand’s mission is sustainability, with timeless, high-quality garments that grow with babies reducing the need for frequent replacements and helping to limit overconsumption. “My goal at Petit Poirier is to design products that not only look good but also make a difference. For example, our onesie with removable sleeves is designed to avoid waking the baby during naps in the stroller or car.” New this season is a patch collection, offering a playful way to express individuality. Designed with versatility in mind, the patches are available in three finishes: Removable with two Velcro parts for easy attachment and removal; Brooches or pins; and Iron-on for a more permanent option. Each design is embroidered on felt, ensuring a high-quality finish, and adds a splash of colour to everyday items such as denim jackets, bags, caps and even bike helmets. The brand also has a selection of playful accessories, including handmade collars, decorative bows and customisable bags. All fabrics used are sourced and made in France, adhering to Oeko-Tex 100 Standards, and the entire collection is also made in France.
Contact: bonjour@petit-poirier.com / @PetitPoirier_Paris

 

 

Play Up

Play Up is a Portuguese brand for 0-14 years from the North of Portugal, which has a long tradition in the textile sector. In this fourth chapter of the Embracing Circularity series, the brand continues its journey through the ancestral arts that define its cultural heritage. Collaborating with Portuguese artists and exploring how circularity can rescue and reinvent our world, these partnerships give the collections a unique identity, where tradition and innovation meet. Playful Pigments is the theme of the a/w 25/26 collection, inspired by the work of guest artist Marta Rodrigues and her Tons Terra project, where she celebrates Mother Nature’s palette of colours. After training in pigment extraction and the production of natural paints, she developed a collection of watercolours and crayons made from mineral and vegetable pigments. Her products are 100% natural and chemical-free, respecting human beings and the environment. Marta developed two unique items that integrated our Earth and post-industrial waste to emphasise this collaboration. The result is a palette of watercolours with a mixture of mineral pigments from two Portuguese mountain ranges, Serra d’Arga and Serra de Monchique, and a set of crayons. In addition to this conceptual approach surrounding all of Play Up’s collections, it maintains its commitment to conscious practices. In this collection, 22% of the items feature the brand’s Re(Play) recycled yarn, and it has incorporated a significant percentage of recycled fibres, reinforcing its purpose of doing more for a future with less impact.
Contact: info@playupstore.com / @_playup_

 

 

Vélocipède

Launched this season at Pitti Bimbo, Vélocipède is a New York childrenswear brand founded by Vitaliy Bukhtulov. With sustainability at its core, it promotes circularity by using premium deadstock fabrics to craft limited-edition pieces produced in Portugal in collaboration with French designer Florence Blall. Named after the ancestor of the modern bicycle, Vélocipède seeks to capture the exhilarating sense of independence and exploration children feel when riding a bike. Also, to honour the Slavic heritage and American coming-of-age journey of the founder, the collection represents a convergence of East and West through artistic expression. These dialogues inspire the selection of cotton-linen striped blends, large gingham wools, and a multi-coloured Donegal micro-check in the first collection, Fields of Vision. The study of Russian folk costumes further shaped the collection’s craftsmanship and tailored fits. By exploring the intersections of art and fashion, whimsy and heritage, the brand offers elegant yet functional clothing designed to inspire children to dream and discover. “With our clothing designed primarily with boys in mind, we also hope to challenge gender norms and believe they can be worn by any child, regardless of gender or identity. Therefore, all garments are to be considered unisex, this is a strong point for us.”
Contact: hello@velocipedekids.com / @velocipede_kids

 

The next edition of Pitti Bimbo will take place in Florence on 25-27 June 2025 (date TBC). For further information on the show, please click here. You can also follow Fiona Coleman’s Instagram here.