Pitti filati 95 started with a smile at the stands animated by visitors and customers, in large numbers coming from the Far East, USA and France, despite the fact that the market is not brilliant and the producers from Prato are arriving with a bit of trouble due to a lack of orders. With the autumn-winter 2025-26 collections, Prato’s know-how manages to deploy all its best assets in the hope of a recovery hoped for in the second part of the year and a consolidation at the beginning of 2025. “We notice a slight recovery in yarns fantasy, even if our sector has suffered the consequences of overstocking – says Raffaella Pinori of Pinori Filati – We are faced with a very decomposed seasonality, so much so that intraseason proposals are being presented”. The colder season will be characterized by pastel colours, from aqua green to light blue, gray and petrol, turned to give greater three-dimensionality.
At New Mill, the stand invites you to take a walk in the park because “there is no turning back from sustainability”, Stefano Milanesi comments. “We are following the indication of Europe that invites us to reduce fast-fashion among the sectors with the greatest pollution – he adds – For two years we have been making products that are durable over time and made with natural materials. As well as trying to satisfy the needs of customers who sell well in spring or autumn with fifty-fifty yarns between cotton and wool”. It is known that during the days of the fair, orders do not leave, but business can already be glimpsed.
“We have many appointments with clients from France, China, Korea, Japan and even the United States – says Giampiero Livi of Ecafil best – Despite international instability, orders that are lacking and a crisis that I would define as existential, 2023 has not gone too badly. In the name of sustainability we have created two types of samples: one that lasts over time with classic yarns and a mini one with seasonal trends. What do I hope for? A recovery in the second part of the year”. The installation with the clouds by Corrado Bonomi characterizes the stand of Biagioli Modesto, which “arrives at Pitti – says CEO Renato Cotto – in a year in which we have returned to running quickly but in a more controlled way. We expect a positive year: Biagioli has dedicated itself to a high-level market for three years and is less affected by the difficulties than other segments. We have always traveled at double-digit growth: this year we will grow with a small single-digit value, but positively”. For Francesco Lucchesi of Industria Italiana Filati, product quality comes before everything else: “We have invested in some quality control machinery to test the level of the products. Artificial intelligence? It’s a game we haven’t even started yet: we’re still in favor of craftsmanship and hand-made products.” What is missing from the district? “The generation gap remains, although the district is doing a lot in terms of training. What is missing is the workforce that knows how to work in the textile industry.” Positive momentum at Lanificio dell’Olivo: “We arrive here with enthusiasm – says CEO Fabio Campana – despite the moment of great difficulty experienced with the flood, we are able to face a less than brilliant market, presenting a collection with more than 10 new yarns. We are evaluating new investments related to Industry 5.0 and logistics on how to mitigate the flood risk with innovative solutions. We have the will to grow and the team has emerged strengthened by the experience of the flood, managing to transform what was a misfortune into an opportunity”. Today the visit of Mayor Ilaria Bugetti has been announced “to be alongside our companies, to help them be more competitive and invest in innovation and quality”.
Sara Bessi
