Editor-in Chief, Victoria Evans reflects on her visit to Pitti Bimbo in January as the kids’ fashion trade show prepares for its next instalment in June.
Early flights, strong coffee and that first inhilation of Florence, it’s how every visit to Pitti Bimbo begins. What follows are two tightly packed days spent with the brands shaping the next season of childrenswear. From a UK perspective it’s an exciting, first-see opportunity to connect with brands that are quietly making their way into the UK market after the Brexit calamity.
There’s no denying the pressures on the global market, and the show reflects that shift. But behind the scenes, the Pitti Bimbo team has been steadily nurturing something more meaningful: a connected, creative community that continues to feel both resilient and quietly optimistic, whatever the wider climate.
In January, with a partnership with Bobo Choses, there was a buzz of excitement for journalists, buyers and brands and a feeling of optimism for the future of kids’ fashion.
Held at Fortezza da Basso, moments from Florence’s central station, the show brings together 170 fashion brands from all over the world, and an opportunity for journalists to tap into forthcoming trends and to meet the faces behind the brands we often write about.
9.30am: The First Loop
I always start by getting my bearings with a lap around the show. Casa Bobo was impossible to miss with activations inside which explained the ethos and story behind the brand. This season was its first appearance at Pitti Bimbo, and the installation offered a glimpse into its creative world, including its much-loved seasonal books which underpin each collection. For AW26, the collection All About Monsters celebrates individuality in all its forms – a joyful reminder that standing out is not a flaw, but a strength.
Alongside the house, Bobo Choses developed The New Edit space to showcase its own collections and a selection of others. Mini Rodini’s Field Notes collection has its focus on the natural world, with unexpected prints and practical pieces designed to keep little explorers warm, whether they’re discovering wildlife or simply observing the changing seasons close to home.
The New Society’s collection celebrates natural, recycled or low-impact materials that prioritise both comfort and responsibility. Rooted in the belief that what children wear should support and protect them, the pieces are created for movement, play and growth.
Gray Label’s Cookie and Bubblegum collection introduces two new shades to its signature palette: a vibrant pop pink and a soft, biscuit-toned neutral. Silhouettes remain effortless and contemporary – oversized long-sleeve tees and relaxed everyday layers – all designed to move naturally with a child’s instinct to play.
A few steps on, Maison Mangostan, founded in Spain in 2016, brings a distinctly multicultural energy to childrenswear, blending art and music influences into bold, expressive design. The collections champion creativity and individuality, with vibrant, comfortable pieces that children love to wear – and that adults are often tempted to borrow.a
11.30am: Getting Stuck In
By mid-morning, it’s busier but there’s more to see! Following its debut in June 2025, Piazza Pirouette returned to Pitti Bimbo 102, reimagined as a wintery, storybook setting curated by Pirouette Directory‘s Katie Hendrick. The space feels immersive and inviting – designed not just to showcase collections, but to bring people together in a more relaxed, interactive way.
Visitors wander through the Piazza discovering new-season collections from brands including Goldie + Ace, Sticky Lemon, Paade Mode, Halcyon Nights and Bundgaard.
Goldie + Ace is rooted in a love of retro, nostalgia-infused style, reworking the kind of pieces parents remember wearing into modern kidswear. The collections centre on everyday staples designed to be lived in and passed down – think easy denim, graphic tees, throwback tracksuits and playful accessories, all delivered in vintage-washed tones and bold, familiar stripes.
Fellow Aussie brand Halcyon Nights creates playful, artful essentials designed to spark imagination, evoke nostalgia and bring a sense of joy to everyday dressing.
Bundgaard’s AW26 collection, Whispers of the Wild, builds on more than 120 years of craftsmanship, combining heritage know-how with a clear focus on how children move day to day. Inspired by the quieter side of nature, the collection is grounded in earthy tones, tactile materials and timeless silhouettes, subtly updated for the season ahead.
At its centre, a dedicated showcase offered buyers the chance to explore a curated edit of ready-to-order pieces from Blue Francis, Moitoinous and Forivor. Piazza Pirouette is one of my favourite areas, with brands that align with City Kids’ values and founded largely by superwomen.
1.00pm Lunch
Is Italy one of the best countries in the world for food? Imagine going to a show and being fed as part of the deal. Yes please! Organisers provide everything you might need to refuel. We are in Italy of course so plates are piled high with antipasti, primi and secondi, fresh salads and tasty desserts. Wine flows, but I’m still doing dry January and I can’t afford the post-lunch slump.
3PM: Pirouette Fashion Show
A highlight of the day’s programme was the second edition of the Pirouette Runway Show. The Winter Moth unfolded like a modern fairy tale following a tiny moth born from a child’s dream as it drifts through an enchanted forest in search of warmth and connection. When the creature becomes trapped, the forest comes alive, with children, animals and even a mischievous penguin named Pitt joining forces to set it free. Whimsical, imaginative and beautifully styled, it perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
Sitting on the FROW, we enjoyed The Winter Moth – Et Liberi; Dreaming Girl – Moitoinous; Bears & Cats – Sticky Lemon; Insect Teaparty – Forivor; Colour bugs – Halcyon Nights; Racoon & Fox – Goldie + Ace; Ice Sprites – Paade Mode; Forrest Girls – Moitoinous. The kids were fabulous!
4.00pm: Last Circuit
Onto lifestyle. Founded by Nadine Jung in Hamburg, The Family Circle brought together a selection of standout brands both in a dedicated space. The edit spanned beautifully crafted wooden toys, distinctive children’s interiors, colourful accessories and decorative pieces, all reflecting a fresh, design-led approach to modern family living.
Notably, Bygge, founded by two dads, Florian and Stephan, which creates oversized building blocks in versatile shapes and colours, designed to be mixed and matched to spark imagination and build limitless worlds of play.
FabFabStickers offers a playful, design-led take on personalisation, with stylish fabric stickers that instantly elevate even the simplest pieces. Equal parts practical and expressive, they’re perfect for covering small repairs while adding personality.
Meanwhile, Charlie Crane focuses on thoughtfully designed furniture, combining function and style to elevate children’s spaces.
Yogitier designs yoga mats created especially for children, playful yet practical pieces that gently introduce a more mindful way of moving and resting. Made from natural rubber with a soft microfibre surface, they’re durable, easy to clean and designed for everyday use.
5.30pm: Regroup
Yes it’s fun. Yes it’s interesting. Yes, it’s exciting. But it’s also quite exhausting chatting, making notes, recording video, photography and attending to Instagram. So time to head back to the hotel and catch up with emails before heading out for dinner and an explore.
What’s Next?
After Pinguino Pitt stole the spotlight last winter, Pitti Bimbo 103 introduces a new character for the season: Splashy. A friendly, slightly clumsy and endlessly curious little bear, he’s always ready to make new friends, especially if there’s water involved.
Used to swimming in the quiet lakes of his mountain home, Splashy discovers something far more exciting at Pitti: a vibrant, game-filled pool he simply can’t resist diving into. What follows is a playful journey we’ll watch unfold in the lead-up to June, as Splashy makes his way from the mountains to Florence, ending, of course, at the ultimate poolside party.
Pitti Bimbo is on the up. With exciting partnerships, expansion into lifestyle, showcasing brands with purpose that connect with current consumers, Pitti has kept pace with an evolving landscape. The team has worked tirelessly, travelling around the world to create a genuine community of enthusiasts and showcasing brands with intent. Bigger isn’t always better. The Pitti team works hard to know its clients and its visitors and we certainly can’t wait to see what’s in store at Pitti Bimbo 103.
Pitti Bimbo 103, Fortezza da Basso, Florence
24-25 June 2026
