Italy-based exhibition of knitting yarns and related services for the textile industry organized by
Italy-based Pitti Immagine, saw growth in a number of sectors at its recent 61st edition, which
previewed the Fall/Winter 2008-09 season in more than 23,00 square meters of exhibition space.
The event, which attracted nearly 7,000 visitors to view the collections of 127 companies,
realized a 4-percent increase in Italian visitors, while the number of visitors from France, Spain,
Sweden — which more than doubled its number of buyers — and Russia also increased, helping to
balance out the declines in buyers from Asia and the United States.
Areas and events that garnered much enthusiasm included the Spazio Ricerca, Pitti Filati’s
area dedicated to trend laboratories and workshops. The area featured Candyfloss, a concept
dedicated to the interaction between food — particularly sweets — and aesthetics, developed by
fashion designer Angelo Figus and knitwear expert Nicola Miller. Italy’s first knitting rally,
Do-Knit-Yourself — created by designer Nicoletta Marozzi and the Nuov Accademia di Belle Arte in
partnership with the Trienniale of Milan — also was a hit, attracting participants to a series of
events that included student exhibitions, a knit out and performances.
A number of trends were evident at the exhibition, according to a show report by The
Woolmark Co., Australia: Luxurious and classic yarns were favored over fancy yarns; while ultrafine
merino wool; wool and bamboo blends; and natural-fiber fabrics such as linen, alpaca, silk and
cashmere featured prominently. Yarns tended to be shown in vibrant colors contrasting with warm and
cool neutrals. Shades of purple and artificial green especially stood out. Textures of note
included knops and slubs, which lent fabrics extra dimension.
July 17, 2007
