Kid’s Fashion Fun: Pitti Bimbo 82

Pitti Bimbo 80_le immagini del salone - 025 copyJanuary 21-23: Fortezza da Basso and other venues.  Open to buyers and the press.

The younger set will be featured on the catwalks in one of the most important fashion events for kids and teenagers, Pitti Immagine Bimbo, in its 82nd edition. It is the only trade fair that presents a complete overview of the universe of children’s fashion and accessories on a global level. The style trends for autumn-winter 2016/17 will be shared via concept labs, pop up stores, and runway shows.

With 445 collections, about half of which are internationally based, Pitti Bimbo’s essential driving force is the research and launching of new projects and products. Over 7,000 buyers are expected: notable names include Fenwick, Harrods and Selfridges (UK); Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus (U.S.); Chalhoub, Lollypop and Sauce (United Arab Emirates) in addition to Le Bon Marché, Primtemps and Galeries Lafayette (France).

The title of January’s Florence fairs, PITTI GENERATION(S), addresses the simultaneous “coexistence” of different generations in the way we dress and in our lifestyles today. The theme will be suitably readapted with a bit of irony and a playful imagination for the younger target audience. Visitors will enjoy a constantly refreshed itinerary in the Fortezza da Basso thanks to an innovative setting by Oliviero Baldini.

Next season’s children’s fashion is distributed over eight sections, incorporating EcoEthic, a brand dedicated to making sustainable fashion part of their signature look by using organic fabrics as well as the second edition of KidzFIZZ, the children’s fashion project that brings together the most creative collections by labels that experiment with shapes, materials and presentation styles.

Starting with this edition, every season organizer Pitti Immagine will feature a special focus on a different area of Pitti Bimbo. In January the protagonist will be Apartment, which is dedicated to contemporary lifestyles and cutting-edge fashions for children. Located in the Lyceum, Apartment features a sophisticated selection of 22 international clothing and accessory collections.

The rooms of Apartment have a brand-new layout concept by Ilaria Marelli, interpreted the “Pitti Generation(s)” theme through a dynamic contrast between contemporary objects and historical background. The same theme will be examined in the concurrent exhibition “When I dream I’m ageless,” which presents the works of 22 photographers — Bruce Weber, Michel Comte, Martin Parr and many more — chosen from 21 years of Kid’s Wear magazine.

Also found in Apartment are the luxury childrenswear label Amberley London, known for clothing with sophisticated allure with great attention to detail and raw materials, Babol Cachemire Milano, and Stella Jean by the namesake Haitian-Italian stylist.

Among the highlights at this edition, N° 21 — the brand designed by Alessandro Dell’Acqua — has chosen the platform of Pitti Bimbo to present his first Kids collection dedicated to the 4-12 age group. This year will also mark the return to Pitti Bimbo of Miss Blumarine, one of the most iconic children’s fashion firms. Expect to see on the catwalk Levi’s denim, GUESS kids, Children’s Fashion for Spain, il Gufo and FUN & FUN.

The variety of special events and initiatives contribute to the fun of Pitti Bimbo. Cicciobello, the brand of the doll created by Giochi Preziosi in 1962 and a symbol for entire generations of children, will be one of the special guests of the Cicciobello Fashion Walk with Vogue Bambini and yoox.com. To celebrate the launch of the Cicciobello Baby Care line, a group of designers from international labels — Ermanno Scervino, Herno, Laura Biagiotti, Luisa Beccaria, Missoni, Paul Smith, along the others — are launching a winter fashion proposal for the latest addition to the Cicciobello® Collection, showcased and celebrated with a cocktail party on January 21.

Music meets style at the Original Marines booth, which hosts the exclusive live performance of Shari Noioso, a talented young Italian singer only 13 years old. Nearby, kids and visitors alike will be able to play a giant piano, one of only three of its kind, in the world with their feet.

Important charity events are also scheduled. One is the brainchild of Alessandro Enriquez, from I Love My Dog, the “pet” clothing and accessories brand. Proceeds from the sales of special items, personalized by known designers, will go to the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence and its foundation that supports animal-assisted therapy (known in Italy as pet therapy). Sarabanda, the Tuscan clothing label that is part of the Miniconf company, will donate a portion of the sale of two elegant pieces from its collection to the Gold for Kids project of the Umberto Veronesi Foundation, which finances pediatric medicine. Federica Fontana, the television presenter and creator of the health lifestyle blog “RunFedeRun,” is the evening’s host.

Around town, Monnalisa, a kidswear company located in Arezzo, Italy, will have a fashion show in the frescoed rooms of the sumptuous baroque Palazzo Corsini overlooking the Arno on the evening of January 21.

With such a full schedule Pitti Bimbo promises to be a must for fashionistas of all ages. (celeste giampietro collins)