Fiona Coleman, a colour and trends consultant for fashion and textiles, shares her favourite SS23 kidswear collections from Pitti Bimbo.

 

 

Gingersnaps

From the Philippines and exhibiting at Pitti Bimbo for the first time, Gingersnaps is keen to introduce its brand to the European market. Covering several categories − girls, boys, infants, footwear, accessories and toys – it is well established across Asia, with 100 stores. I love the brand’s attention to detail, use of great quality natural fibres, and delicate botanical prints created in-house. For s/s 23 there is a muted palette of naturals, soft blues, apricot and lilac. Some of my favourite items are the cape shoulder belted dress, palm tree short set, and shirred broderie dress. @GingersnapsPH / partnerwithus@gingersnaps.com.ph

 

 

Isleande

Ethically produced in a family-owned factory in India, Isleande creates small batch collections of hand embroidered linen and hand-woven cotton/silk called Chanderi. Isleande founder Peta Partanen embraces both her Caribbean heritage and her love for the Finnish way of life with an easy, timeless collection of dresses and separates for girls aged 1 to 10 years. For s/s 23 there is a colour palette of fresh violets, warm pinks and crisp whites inspired by spring gardens and the twilight hues of Helsinki’s sunset. I love the matching women’s dresses for a mother and daughter look too. @isleande / hello@isleande.com

 

 

Tia Cibani

From its New York City origins, Tia Cibani has built a global following for her creative and fun seasonal collections. She draws inspiration from both her North African heritage and the world in which we live. Colour and textiles are the cornerstones of each collection. Catering to boys and girls from baby to age 16, the collection speaks to the joy of childhood with designs that are unique and imaginative. For s/s 23, Kids at Play − inspired by a road trip from Los Angeles to Arizona − sees a palette of bold road sign colours in ‘stop red’, ‘go green’ and ‘yield yellow’. These contrast with earthy terrain beige, pale sedona pink and malibu blue for the endless blue skies of the desert region, with pops of cone orange and neon pink. @tiacibani / info@tiacibani.com

 

 

RaspberryPlum

Luxury, design-led brand RaspberryPlum is based in London, with the entire collection sourced and manufactured in Europe. The inspiration behind the s/s 23 collection, The Animal Within, explores the hybrid of animals and eccentric humans. As always, the silhouettes and fabrics are inspired by vintage, with 70s towelling playsuits and 60s linen gingham shift dresses. One of my favourites, and a key print in the collection, is the hand-drawn forest all-over. The colours are soft and pastel, with accents of rust and mustard. To complete the look there are sweet accessories: printed tights and pop socks, and embellished hats and bags. @Raspberryplum / admin@raspberryplum.com

 

 

Play Up

Designed and manufactured entirely in Portugal, Play Up is a clothing brand for babies and children aged 0 to 14 years. Not only does Play Up use as many recycled, naturally sourced raw materials as possible, but it also uses a natural, anti-allergenic dye process on much of its range. In 2019 Play Up started the Embracing Slow Making series. Each collection represents a new chapter where the brand collaborates with emerging Portuguese artists and educators and embraces a similar philosophy for its collections. @_playup_ / info@playupstore.com

 

 

Wildkind

A small collection of gender-inclusive clothing from Helsinki-based Wildkind Kids created a big impact at its first trade show. Founded in 2017 by a stylist-photographer sister duo, Emilia and Johanna Laitanen, the idea for the brand came from a 90s T-shirt Emilia had treasured from the years she worked as a buyer for a vintage shop. It had a group of adorable drawn animals and text saying, “all my friends are wild.” This thought reflects the spirit of Wildkind Kids; carefree and mischievous. The Wildkind Kids collection is manufactured with respect and care for the planet, people and animals. The brand also works with organic cotton and manufactures its collections in carefully selected factories under fair conditions. @wildkindkids_official / sales@wildkindkids.com

 

 

Paade Mode

Childrenswear brand Paade Mode is a long-time exhibitor at Pitti Bimbo. It always delights with its signature mix and match layering of timeless and contemporary styles, which are an extension of children’s imaginations − wild, free and full of possibilities. The s/s 23 collection, Romantic Monsters, includes ditsy wildflower and poppy prints, folk embroideries, eye-catching colours and retro-inspired knits. I particularly love the lilac and yellow strawberry knits. Founder and creative director Linda Raituma works closely with the production in Northern Europe, paying attention to every detail; from translating the original prints to the sustainable and ethical production cycle with zero waste and zero stock principles. @paademode / liva@paademode.com

 

 

Molo

GOTS-certified Scandinavian brand Molo creates imaginative, eco-friendly and innovative kidswear with colours, fun prints and bold combinations at its core. The new collection launched at Pitti Bimbo is a mission to “plant love and grow peace” and features all elements to grow harmony: peace signs, happy animals, Molo smiles, and positive messages. The brand’s sustainable swimwear uses REPREVE recycled polyester. Inspired by a sense of adventure, travel lust and a passion for life, it offers bright energetic colours and beautiful prints inspired by nature and animals. @molo / molo@molo.com

 

 

Ludò

Creating its collections according to the upcycling principle, Ludò works with leftover textiles found in the warehouses of the best Italian weavers. Created in 2019 in Piedmont, Italy, founder Erica Pedratscher is inspired by 70s design, and the collections are whimsical and timeless. With this production choice, the brand offers limited edition baby and toddler capsules for 0-36 months, creating an exclusive product that is renewed according to available fabrics. The aim is to defend and share Italian traditions to propose garments that last over time and are handed down from generation to generation. @ludo_lineababy / info@ludobaby.it

 

 

Suncracy

There were several stand-out swim brands at Pitti Bimbo. One of my favourites was Suncracy, with a large collection for both kids and adults inspired by different places in the Mediterranean. As well as being fashion-forward, the collection is practical and sustainable. Products are made by hand in Spanish and Portuguese workshops using Econyl® and are also chlorine, seawater and sun cream resistant. Plus, they have UPF 50+ without any chemical filter. Several other eco credentials include waterless printing; ecological yarn; ECOwave fabrics knitted with premium post-consumer recycled yarns; Kilometer ZERO; and the recent elimination of plastics from the packaging. @suncracy / wholesale@suncracy.com

 

 

Folpetto

Another favourite swim collection was Folpetto. The range includes bikinis, swimsuits, swim shorts and long and short-sleeved rash vests for 6 months to 12 years. Designed in the UK and made in Italy, there is lovely attention to detail. Garments are manufactured at a small family company. There, the owners work alongside the 14 locally employed seamstresses to make each swimsuit by hand. The collection uses high-performing, eco-friendly UPF50+ fabrics tested according to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 to be free of harmful substances. Garments are also chlorine, sun cream and oil resistant, as well as super soft, quick drying and naturally breathable. @folpetto_swim / hello@folpetto.com

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