Pitti Filati. The knitwear world.

Another season of trade fairs has finished in Florence. Pitti Immagine Filati, an exhibition of technology, tailoring, and creativity in the world of knitwear, by tradition has become the final one after Pitti Uomo and Pitti Bimbo.

At its biannual knitwear trade fair, which is more like a creative spot, Florence traditionally welcomes professionals of the textiles industry. Indeed, Pitti Filati is a unique expo space that unites knowledge, creativity, and the latest innovation techniques in yarn & textile industry.

As brands presented at the fair were fighting for attention of buyers and distributors, their booths’ designs were indeed impressive – from highly technological displays to retro style decorations.

The project that attracted my attention the most was Bond-In Americana, Concept by Edward Buchanan. Focusing on conceptual, constructional design, this brand’s booth was full of young creative crowd. Garments on displays represented the new approach into knitwear design – provocative, extremely modern and edgy.

Bond-In Americana was able to achieve this effect by combining leather with soft cashmere and wool and by implementing innovative designing techniques. Shapes and silhouettes reminded me of American sporty street style – baggy and heavy but extremely stylish. 

Another attractive booth was the one from Forza Giovane. Less provocative than the brand mentioned above, it was attracting buyers and distributors by its mannequins, dressed up in unusual costumes (the same worked for the guy who was responsible for the booth). Fancy yarns and wide color range were the prize for buyers and distributors who entered the booth attracted by its design.   

And the third brand that I would like to mention is Millefili. This brand has chosen a more entertaining approach to business. Cut & Shape origami stand, Watermelon thread, customized pencil designs, sandwiches served – all has been done in order to attract and lure clients inside the booth. I must admit it was a little bit too much, because after all the attractions you expect to see the collection that would amuse you to same degree as the booth itself but no. Though I enjoyed their fabrics and prints.

Though the prime topic for the fall/winter season of Pitti Filati was Love, there were several obvious trends that united the brands at the exhibition and leaded the upcoming season.

Colors. Rich color palettes were dominating the fair. Many brands have focused on exploring the field of colors in designs of their stands. Extremely rich color palettes presented in many different designs were of brand’s top decorating techniques for the booth.

Updated Renaissance. Lily, the symbol of Florence and the Renaissance period, brocades – the famous traditional attributes of the most famous period of the Florentine history, the Renaissance, are still at the top trends for Italian fashion.

The inspiration taken from the Renaissance symbols could have been seen in knitwear pieces’ designs of many brands. Contemporary look was created through a blend of classical tapestry, mosaic pattern with innovative techniques in stitches and yarn blends.

And I would call the third trend Entertainment – both in terms of garment’s designs and booths’ decorations. In their attempts to attract clients many brads were going into extremes in terms of fabric designs and prints as well as decoration of their booths (like the brand Millefili, which has been discussed above). Big volumes and extravagant yarn blends were definitely dominating the scene. 

3) Promotional Article for Project Bond-In Americana:

The 73^rd edition of Florentine Pitti Immagine Filati presents Bond-In Americana, a unique project that discloses new approach to the knitwear production and design.

Bond-In Americana Project is synonymous with innovation, creativity and research. Designer Edward Buchanan together with his team from Dyloan Studio explores new ways of mixing together different kinds of materials and fabrics, such as cashmere, leather and wool. The research work was done using the innovative thermowelding technology, which provides construction, decoration and the bonding of materials and fabrics in innovative ways, and often completely replaces traditional sewing.

The results of the creative experiments will be presented in a one-of-a-kind capsule collection, consisted of 10 outfits made of knitted garments, leather and particular fabrics. The collection inspired by American sport style is a creative play on technique, weight, and interpretation of American culture and heritage.

Kseniya.