Not just fashion and lifestyle, but also networking and training opportunities for industry professionals are key matters at this seasons new edition of Pitti Immagine Bimbo 99. The event is taking place at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence from June 19 to 21, 2024 and is presenting 160 brands with 65% coming from abroad, also featured on the digital platform Pitti Connect. Pitti Bimbo is supported by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ICE Agency, and its main partner is UniCredit.
In June, Pitti Bimbo showcases the Spring/Summer 2025 collections and presents a wide selection of lifestyle proposals targeted at the world of children. will host the 100% Bambino and The Kid's Lab! sections. alongside The Nest, a project that supports up-and-coming brands entering the market. Together with the fashion and lifestyle world, PittiPets, a new entry introduced last January that was met with great success, is confirmed for a return.
"For some editions now, Pitti Bimbo has undergone a transformation," says Agostino Poletto, general director of Pitti Immagine. "Starting as a classic tradeshow, today our event is more complex and structured. It's not only about product but also service. This evolution by June will fulfill our objective of turning the event at the Fortezza into a moment of professional growth and business. It's clear that the entire kidswear system is moving in new directions. And we need to seize every opportunity. One of these, we realized, is the growing importance of lifestyle in the children's world, always in synergy with clothing, yet powerful enough to influence the choices of major shops and department stores."
Among the initiatives, there is the return of fashion speed dating Lemon Connect-Time to Meet in the Networking Lounge, created by lifestyle influencer Peggy from Paul&Paula, to provide those in the kidswear industry, journalists, bloggers, buyers, and brands, with a valuable networking tool. In the same location, a special workshop hosted by Massimiliano Alvisi, a retail entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience and founder of Shop Survivor, Italy's biggest event for business growth training for retailers. At Pitti Bimbo, Alvisi presents solutions to revitalize the retail sector. In collaboration with Istituto Marangoni Firenze, the workshop "Elevate Your Retail Sales Game: Leveraging Advanced Visual Merchandising Tactics for Maximum Impact" always takes place in the Networking Lounge, where Nicola Diana (brand image consultant and visual merchandising tutor at Istituto Marangoni Firenze) will demonstrate how strategic visual presentation techniques can enhance the shopping experience, capture buyer attention, and increase sales success.
For this edition, Katie Kendrick of Pirouette is the protagonist of two formats. With "Chain Interview," Katie will initiate a series of chain interviews where each interviewee will nominate someone among the exhibitors at the Fortezza and players in the kidswear market, thus creating a long "chain" of connections and exchange of ideas. Each interview will be filmed, and the three resulting reels will showcase how many people one can meet at Pitti Bimbo. Furthermore, “A Zest of life - The Pitti Bimbo ecosystem Live Art event with Betty Soldi & Pirouette” is the title of the event where Pirouette & calligrapher Betty Soldi invite the visitors, brands, buyers, and press to be part of this exciting live artwork.
On June 19, there is the Scimparello Favourites Award to 10 special items selected by Petra Barkhof, fashion stylist, creative director, and editor-in-chief of "Scimparello Magazine," and Enrico Fragale Esposito, deputy editor of the magazine.
Especially to be highlighted the Pitti Bimbo Editorial area curated by stylist Maria Giulia Pieroni and titled "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", a meticulous and creative editorial selection that playfully revolves around the rainbow and the wonder it always sparks in those fortunate enough to witness it.
Among the companies participating in this edition, featuring new names, debuts, and returns to the fair, are key international kidswear brands such as Alex & Ant, Alice Pi, Mamemi', Olga Valentine, Poupette St Barth, Selini Action, Sharpie, and Teva.
Pitti Immagine Bimbo 99
June 19 - 21, 2024
Fortezza da Basso - Firenze
www.bimbo.pittimmagine.com
