PITTI BIMBO N.82 Florence, Fortezza da Basso, 21-23 January 2016 Pitti Bimbo, the key international kids’ fashion and lifestyle event The sections, the numbers and what’s new With 445 collections expected, 216 of which from abroad (46% of the total) , over 6,700 buyers and a total of just under 10,000 visitors at the last winter edition, Pitti Immagine Bimbo, the most important international fashion event for kids and teenagers, is setting a new record for internationality. Scheduled to be held from 21 to 23 January 2016 at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, the only fair that presents a complete overview of the universe of children’s fashion on a global level strengthens its dual core at this edition: on the one hand it is a key reference event for the most important players in the kidswear sector, and on the other, it is increasingly a lifestyle platform that has made the focus on research its essential driving force. A journey that spans from the classical-elegant style of the big names at Pitti Bimbo to the cutting-edge collections in Apartment, from the blend of creativity and experimentation of the brands in the new KidzFIZZ project to the eco–fair trade labels of EcoEthic, from the sportswear of Sport Generation and the urban atmospheres of SuperStreet, all the way to accessories and design for the littlest set. All of this is presented within a dynamic geography that greets visitors within a constantly refreshed itinerary and in a climate that is business-oriented as well as pleasurable and entertaining, whilst keeping an attentive eye on the internet and social networks. Some of the highlights of Pitti Bimbo 82: _ Among the important projects being staged 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 year age group, the result of a long-term license agreement with Grant Spa. _ Simonetta at the Polveriera will be presenting a layout and a video, “Simonetta life”, about the brand’s values and the route it has followed around the World a journey through fashion characterized by the signs that have traced the beauty of children; _ a big style return to Pitti Bimbo for Miss Blumarine, one of the most iconic children’s fashion brands, which will be premiering the new collection for fall/winter 2016; _ the Mafrat Group has chosen a 400 sq. meter area to present its important retail project: in 2016 there will be over 100 Quore Factory Stores, sales outlets devised to create a direct line between the company and the end consumer, capable of combining the prestige of a multi- brand boutique with the advantages of franchising; _ a prestigious return to Pitti Bimbo by the Levi’s denim brand ; _ Guess kids returns to Pitti Bimbo and reaffirms its style with the collection for next fall-winter; The runway shows and events: a fashion week for children only The success of Pitti Bimbo is also due to the important communication events, runway shows and cultural initiatives that accompany each edition. The runway shows, that launch new trends and offer invaluable ideas for styling and combining clothing and accessories, attract a lot of attention at every edition. Here are the names on the catwalk: Thursday 21 January 12noon Children’s Fashion from Spain / Barcarola, Bóboli, Canada House, CND by Cóndor, Desigual, Losan, Mayoral,Tuc Tuc – Sala del Rondino. 3pm Yclù – Sala del Rondino. 5pm Fun & Fun – Sala della Ronda . Venerdì 22 gennaio 11am Il Gufo - Sala della Ronda Among the important events around town, we should mention the one organized by Monnalisa , which is celebrating the FW 2016 collection with a fashion show at Palazzo Corsini on the evening of 21 January. Giochi Preziosi presents the Cicciobello ® Fashion Walk with Vogue Bambini and yoox.com Cicciobello® will be one of the special guests at Pitti Bimbo 82. To celebrate the launch of the Cicciobello® Baby Care line, Giochi Preziosi presents a special Exhibition in collaboration with Vogue Bambini: Cicciobello® Fashion Walk . A group of designers from international brands - Au Jour le Jour, Douuod, Ermanno Scervino, Herno, K-Way, Laura Biagiotti, Luisa Beccaria, Missoni, MSGM, N.21, Paul Smith, Trussardi and Vivetta – have realized a winter fashion proposal for the latest addition to the Cicciobello® Collection. The looks they have created will be showcased at Pitti Bimbo and celebrated with a cocktail party on 21 January. The Cicciobello® styled for winter will become a Special Edition sold exclusively on yoox.com ; the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Child Priority association. (see specific press release) PITTI GENERATION(S), the title-theme of the January fairs PITTI GENERATION(S) is the title-theme of the January fairs and will look at the dominance of the simultaneous “coexistence” of different generations in the way we dress and in our lifestyles today. Time is compressed by the speed of the present and this phenomenon is heightened in fashion: PITTI GENERATION(S) will take an ironic and lighthearted look at an era in which age is more a state of mind than a date on a birth certificate. The layout project will be curated by Oliviero Baldini in the Fortezza da Basso’s several nerve points. MINI JOINS PITTI IMMAGINE @ Pitti Bimbo 82 One, passion. Two, innovation. Three, creative research. Together they make for a creative partnership between Pitti Immagine and MINI , two worlds that share values and objectives linked to a contemporary lifestyle approach. After Pitti Uomo this special collaboration has now been extended to Pitti Bimbo with a series of shared projects that focus on the very latest lifestyle trends for the youngest set as well. 2 Focus on research, the protagonist at Pitti Bimbo: The spotlight is on Apartment: 100% contemporary lifestyle in children’s fashions Starting from this edition, every season Pitti Immagine will feature a special focus on a different section of Pitti Bimbo, with a dedicated program. In January the protagonist will be Apartment , the project dedicated to children’s fashion brands that research contemporary lifestyles : a unique section showcasing a sophisticated selection of international collections of clothing and accessories created for buyers from cutting-edge boutiques. A brand new feature will be a special runway show which will create the atmosphere of an Atelier on the upper level of the Lyceum using Haute Couture methods of presentation. Plus, the rooms of Apartment will have a brand-new layout concept by designer Ilaria Marelli, who will interpret the “Pitti Generation(s)” theme through a dynamic contrast between contemporary objects and a historical background. The brands featured at this edition are: 120%, Amberley London, Babol Cachemire Milano, Belle Enfant, Cape, Caramel Baby & Child, Émile et Ida, Grevi, Hilda.Henri, Hucklebones, Jessie and James London, Lamantine Paris & Milan, Leoca Paris, Moon et Miel, Olive, Pépé, Pèro, Piccola Ludo, Pom d’Api, Stella Jean, Trottolini, and Velveteen. Also in Apartment, kid’s wear Magazine will be present with the photographic exhibition “When I dream I’m ageless”: spotlights on the work of 22 photographers, who reflect in their own inimitable ways the multifaceted theme of this year’s Pitti Bimbo, “PITTI GENERATION(S)”. KidzFIZZ, the Pitti Bimbo concept lab After the success of the first edition, KidzFIZZ , the brand new children’s fashion project that brings together the most creative collections by brands that experiment with shapes, materials and presentation styles, gets even better. In line with the new global kids’ lifestyle scenarios, KidzFIZZ aims for a high level of characterization marked by research: because it is research, creative exploration, the contamination between fashion and design and the significant presence of accessories that make the difference in the kids’ fashion world today. Staged at the Medici Pavilion, with a striking layout by Storage Associati, KidzFIZZ is confirmed as the Pitti Bimbo laboratory of ideas and innovations . The brands present include: 10x10 Anitaliantheory, A076, Bea Barthes, Collegien, Dot Delicate Baby Clothes, Hape, Les Petit Fils du Cordonnier, Mr. Uky, OttO Be, Powell Craft, Sarah Jane, Treehouse by Anja Schwerbrock, Vivetta, and Yporque. KID’S EVOLUTION, the new edition! Kid’s Evolution, the project by Alessandro Enriquez in collaboration with Pitti Immagine aimed at a super-sophisticated audience of buyers, including the world’s most important department stores, is getting bigger . Pitti Bimbo will be showcasing a selection of designers involved in fashion research for “adults” who will be trying their hand at a capsule collection for kids. On the Lower Level of the Main Pavilion, a 360° project that has already intercepted the needs of top international retailers that have successfully tested and supported the project, including : Luisaviaroma, yoox.com, Harvey Nichols, Coccole, Rinascente Milano . The brands at this edition are Francesco Ballestrazzi, Iuri, Kyme Sunglasses Jr, Mitchumm, Nhivuru and San Andrès Milano. 3 The other worlds within the Pitti Bimbo itinerary: Pitti Bimbo and the new Pop Up Stores The journey begins with the Pitti Bimbo section - from big brand fashions to the new luxury infants’ clothing - characterized by elegance interpreted in a contemporary key and presented in “just for children” versions . Using a broader spectrum to enrich the project at the heart of the fair, in the Main Pavilion, two areas will present a sophisticated offering of lifestyle products designed for the youngest set: jewelry, eyewear, furnishing accessories, bags and travel accessories, the protagonists of the new Pop Up Stores . Staged with a totally revamped layout and opening up more completely to the world of design, they will feature a rich and innovative selection of fun, colorful accessories presented according to the new rules of the exhibition game.