There is something about summer that always accentuates the beauty of children. Whether it is a baby cooing in a pram, or a toddler getting dirty, playing in a sandbox, it reminds us how peaceful and innocent life can be. But in the world of Italian fashion,
not even those innocent moments can be left to themselves without quality style.
Nowadays, children’s clothing is not just clothing – it has become just as fashionable as adult designs, in fact.
There are trends to follow, collections for each new season and designers that are pursued to know what is new in their mini versions.
Not just copies of adult fashion
Italian designers know that people who enjoy their creations love to dress their children in their clothes as well, no matter what the cost. Many Italian designers have extended to children’s wear and the designs are no less than their adult counterparts.
Now more than ever, children’s fashion styles are in a rank all their own, with themes and characters to represent each season. Both quality and design are top notch and the results are mini versions of the styles that designers are famous for, for adults.
As noted from the last Pitti Bimbo edition, the research and quality content of the collections were so high that they ranked right next to adult fashion. ‘We felt the strong positive spirit that is traversing the entire industry,’ said Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine, ‘Children’s fashions are growing, you can see it from sales figures, from domestic consumer spending and from exports.’
A range for all tastes
The trade show is divided into five sections: Pitti Bimbo is a collection of big name fashion, Sport Generation includes a young version of sportswear, Superstreet consists of jeanswear and denim-couture, New View is for independent and research brands and Kids’ Design is described as design in miniature.
Throughout the show each season, clear trends emerge and can be found in each division, showing that junior fashion is just as professional and trendy as adult fashion.
According to Pitti Imagine, of the top Italian brands that have showcased at Pitti Bimbo the most fashionable Italian names in children’s collections include, but are not limited to: Monnalisa, Laura Biagiotti Dolls, Miss Blumarine, Alviero Martini B. & J. Explorer, Ermanno Scervino Junior, Gattinoni Pretty, GF Ferre’, Moschino Junior, and of course, Armani Junior.
Mini-Armani
Giorgio Armani is no stranger to children’s clothing. The Armani Junior line was launched in 1979 with the first Armani Junior store opening in 1986 in Milan. The line has been a huge success ever since.
The line includes pieces for newborns to 36-month-old toddlers. It is safe to say that quality and style have never been compromised even if the fashion is for little ones. From cashmere yarns to embroidered prints, detail in these mini fashion outfits is key. Marketed as ideal for those in search of an original present, accessories include toys, hats, bib sets, socks and shoes and linens.
As described by the Armani PR, Armani Junior collection ‘will satisfy both the needs of the parent and the expectations of these young customers who are ever more conscious of the dictates of the fashion scene.’ An interesting thought, considering children were never privy to the fashion world until more recently. More importantly, some parents look forward to dressing up their children in mini versions of their own fashionable wear.
Another small food for thought: if an adult cannot afford the top designer suit for themselves, isn’t it more than fun to overindulge a child with a cute designer outfit instead? Either way, the choices are out there and are in abundance. There has never been a more fun and exciting time to dress up the tiniest of the Italian fashionistas. www.pittimmagine.com
