The autumn/winter 08 Pitti Bimbo trade fair show in Florence gave us an exclusive preview of forthcoming trends in children’s fashion. With its array of eclectic fabrics, creative silhouettes, decorative details as well as access to the buzzing backstage area – the designers certainly put on a show to remember. Join us at the front row as we unearth the standout trends for the season ahead.
FABRICS
Highland Fling
Checks, tartan and plaid saturated the catwalk with the colour palette being packed full of navy blues, bottle greens and ruby red to create a Scottish sartorial style.
Seen at: Miss Grant, Monnalisa, Woolrich, Simonetta, Miss Blumarine and Brooksfield.
Deluxe Fabrics
Sumptuous satin, velvet, lame, nylon and gleaming Lurex fabrics were a running theme, with PVC making a regular appearance in the form of knee-high boots. We saw gorgeous velvet dresses, a draped golden sequinned number complete with mesh petticoat (Miss.Grant) as well as youthful velvet dresses and metallic pumps.
Seen at: Everywhere
Fur Note
Love it or hate it, fur is unavoidable this season. From trims, bags to coats and jackets, fur was controversially spotted all over the catwalk – check out the sugary pastel hued creations as seen at Miss.Blumarine. Predominately faux fur although the occasional real fur outfit made an appearance.
Seen at: Roberto Cavalli, Monnalisa, Essential Girl, Antik Batik, Miss Blumarine and Simonetta
Preppy Chic
Think casual college style mixed with bandstand Americana stripes of colour in the form of neatly structured blazers, emblazoned on scarves, tops and coats.
Seen at: Miss Grant, Quincy, I Pinco Pallino, Guess, Il Gufo, Agatha De La Prada and Ollie Boys
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SILHOUETTE
Quilted Pleasures
Shiny nylon and PVC quilt-padded jackets, gillets and parkas were a popular staple throughout the catwalk shows. Making an appearance in an array of different hues from jet black uber-shine at I Pinco pallino to ice-cool baby blue at Woolrich Kids.
Seen at: Everywhere
Swinging Sixties
A-line and Sixties style swing coats were a dominating trend picking their way through a gorgeous colour spectrum of hot pink, orange, winter white and aqua blue. Block colour with individualistic detailing was key features throughout many collections on the catwalk.
Seen at: Agatha De La Prada, Essential Girl, Alberta Ferretti, Miss Grant
Slim-fit hit
Sleek slim-fit trousers were another trend, which ran parallel to last year’s womenswear collections. Sharpen up in black and navy blue, which was worn neatly tucked into boots or worn with pumps and lace-ups for a more uptown look.
Seen at: Monnalisa, Calvin Klein, Alberta Ferretti, Miss Sixty,Energie
Get waisted
The key item, which brought the layered look together, was the utilised waistcoat and tailored decorative. Tailored shorts were worn over opaque tights and waistcoats over t-shirts.
Seen at: Miss Sixty, Nolita Pocket, Simonetta, Il Gufo, Brooksfield and I Pinco Pallino
Pump up the volume
Voluminous airy shapes and puffball gatherings in the form of adorable slouchy dresses and ultra-girly swishy skirts were very popular and all contribute to a funky carefree silhouette, which looks sweet and is easy to assemble.
Seen at: Lilica Riplica, Miss Blumarine, I Pinco Pallino, Alberta Ferretti
DETAILS
Ribbons and bows
Ultimate girlie-girl detailing include clothing adorned with ribbon fastenings and trims, with bows being a pretty finish.
Necessary Accessories
Faux fur handbags, continental berets and cheeky baker boy caps (for boys and girls alike) were focal points when it comes to accessorising. Keep it casual and laid back.
Shiny shoes
Magpie-like curiosity for all at glisters reveals itself when it came to footwear on the catwalk. Metallics ruled supreme in the form of PVC, leather boots and pumps. Zip up boots for girls and lace ups for boys were in abundance. Cowboy boots were spotted at Miss Sixty and Monnalisa, worn with thick tights and skirts.
