Pitti Bimbo 89 Trade Show Report SS20

Summer has finally arrived with Pitti Bimbo 89. There was a location change to the show i.e The Kid’s lab. under the warm Florence sun the vibrant energy of Il Gufo’s Secret Garden runway stole our hearts, short fringing and muppet reference trends caught our eye as did the must have hat of the summer by designer Lorna Murray.

 

The Atmosphere

As always the Pitti calendar was packed full of fun events, but it took a while to get used to the new layout. Changes to some of the brand locations and the new additions to the Apartment really worked with lots of smiling faces :-) The feedback from buyers was that they liked the revised Kid’s lab area, the improved light was good for looking at the collections and the air-conditioning visitor friendly.

With buyers and press no longer able to rely on their acquired knowledge they found themselves going off-piste to find their preferred brand’s locations, meaning they had the opportunity to discover new favourites. I on the other hand due to a mix of time constraints and a little confusion missed quite a few of my staple brands though I’ll be sure to catch up with them during the rest of show season.

The labels seemed happy with the new location though some would have preferred the possibility to present their own branding on the stands which was restricted this edition when compared to previous seasons.

The Pitti runway shows were energetic and fun. The Il Gufo show stole our hearts and the beautiful hats accompanying Pero’s appearance on the Apartment runway became the most covetable hit of the Summer.

Whilst Moda Portugal’s debut runway show at Pitti produced a buzz for the participating labels after two long days of taking in the show it was time for the Pitti Summer Party jam packed as it was with dancing and a very long Conga line made up of exhibitors, buyers and press alike… The Italian’s sure know how to throw a party!

Trends

Muppet Muse: All I could think of when seeing the rail backstage at the Children’s Fashion from Spain runway show was the Love Magazine Muppet editorial which I absolutely love. Multi coloured mayhem and in my view rather wonderful.

Mini-me Villanelle: Scary and cool in equal measure what’t not to like, super editorial looks.

Best of the Yellows: It’s the colour of the season and comes in many sunny guises…

Cropped Fringing: Makes for fun detailing…

 

Kid’s runway shows

Il Gufo: The Secret Garden stole our heart with it’s vibrant energy. The production was enchanting, the music upbeat and rather wonderful.

Moda Portugal Show: First time for a mulit-brand Portuguese runway show. Cherrypapaya was fun fresh with the boys collection standing out. The cut of the boys T-shirts and prints was chic and eye catching in equal measure. UK model Sadie Thwaits shone bright in her yellow dress floating ethereally down the runway clutching a bunch of beautiful balloons reminiscent of Up. Show stealer!

Manila Grace: This show was a wonderful suprise, packed full of fun with the kids and some really nice pieces diffused from the adult collection.

Children’s Fashion from Spain (Icex): Bright, bold, feathers…

Apartment: Always a beautifully produced show, Pero was on great form – and that hat! Velveteen’s purple tulle skirt stood out and the Amelie & Sophie shapes capturing our attention.

Monnalisa: Italian fashion in a beautiful setting. Victoria’s Secret super model Alessandra Ambrosio’s daughter was walking in the show producing quite a buzz.

 

Some favourites

Mabli

Summer Knitwear for kids is difficult for some to understand but the secret is the designer’s knowledge and understanding of knitwear design. Mabli have designed the perfect Summer knitwear pieces for babies through to kids using linen and cotton. The knit gauge of the jumpsuit is so light with extra drape in the drop crotch designed to not show nappies ;-) Think Courtney Adamo’s kids in Byron Bay rocking this Summer knit jumpsuit, I can just see it. These summer knits work for warm climates and we are advocates!

Manuela

Warm colours and cool collage prints, beautiful SS20 collection. Also with a cotton summer hand knit selection. Really lovely pieces.

Cherrypapaya

The Portuguese label is stepping it up with some super summer jacket cuts. The boys selection in the collection is cool.

ANAYCHAY

Mix of french chic with Peruvian influences, really liked this one!

Pirouette One to Watch Awards Pitti Bimbo 89

One To Watch Label – Banabae

All the way from Australia and the first time at the show exhibiting in The Nest (curated by Little Pop Up) Groovy, sustainable retro print bedding and vintage inspired swaddle cloths. Talking with the press we all said the same thing, please can you do adult sheets! When you see these you need them….absolutely our One to Watch Label SS20 at Pitti Bimbo 89. Congratulations!

 

One to Watch Collection SS20 Yellowpelota

This season we are celebrating the cherished and beloved as well as the new with the introduction of the One to Watch Collection. The Yellowpoleta SS20 collection is worthy of our One to Watch for sure. It’s beautiful but with a twist or ‘clash’ as the designer is calling it. The prints are fresh and beautiful and styling looks very strong. Obviously in a gorgeous Yellowpelota way. Really love this collection! Congratulations!

Editors Notes: Show stats to be added when confirmed.

For more on the brands, runway, interviews at the show go to the Pirouette Pitti Bimbo 89 Video Diary.