As Pitti Bimbo prepares to return to Fortezza da Basso in Florence on 25-26 June, CWB takes a look at some of the highlights in store for edition 101.
Pitti Bimbo is fast approaching, and as the show gears up for its summer edition in June, Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine, reflects on the history behind the event.
“I recall the very first editions of Pitti Bimbo back in the 70s. At that time, childrenswear was a constantly growing sector and this is why, in 1975, Pitti Immagine decided to kick off the first Pitti Bimbo, a fair that could intercept the changes in family consumption and present the high quality of children’s clothing.
“It’s been an adventure that brings us to today. With a new definition of family, new ways of buying, new styles and more conscious consumers, Pitti Bimbo went through a transition to become what it is right now: a place to discover, to connect, to surprise, to research, to transform our way to interpret the children’s universe. A place where you can feel at home, where you are taken care of, a place full of passion for our job and for the world of fashion and lifestyle.”
Super Bike – The theme of Pitti Bimbo 101 goes on wheels
Independence, freedom, balance – riding a bike is an important moment for all children. Biking means starting to move away from the close family nucleus, an experience of physical awareness and the beginning of new friendships, knowledge and exploration. For Pitti Bimbo, it reflects two wheels that involve design and fashion, that mix street style, activewear and personal touches.
The Pitti buyer department is at work to reach out to the best buyers around the world, with a strong programme of incoming support from the Italian Trade Agency attracting the best international and Italian shops. Around 1,700 professionals visited Pitti Bimbo back in January, and the show is keen to exceed this figure for summer.
Over two days, Pitti Bimbo 101 will offer networking opportunities, meetings, and one-to-one appointments. Entrance tickets to the fair are no longer required. To facilitate networking, there will be an evening event in Florence as well as the Pitti Connect online platform, which allows buyers, brands and press to connect and schedule meetings at the fair in advance.
New layout
Redesigned and reorganised by designer and architect Ilaria Marelli, the concept behind Pitti Bimbo’s new layout is to transform it into a colourful and lively city. Visitors will travel along a promenade, with brand spaces lining the path alongside four Piazze, which are trend areas each featuring editorial installations. Along the promenade, sections include 100% Bambino, which highlights the latest trends, timeless styles and looks for every occasion; The Kid’s Lab, a vibrant section focusing on innovative brands, accessories and designs; and The Nest, a special project focusing on small, emerging brands.
Participating brands in the fields of fashion, lifestyle, beauty, publishing and the best food for children will all be present. Alongside Super Bike, trends will include My Room, focusing on children’s decor; Family Safari, for outdoor adventures; and On the Beach, centred on vacations.
The show’s programme also includes special events, collaborations, media partnerships, activations from brands, exhibitions, tailored-made experiences for press, buyers and influencers, educational talks, and trend workshops.
Click here to discover more about Pitti Bimbo 101 and follow @pittibimbo_official for further updates and news.
