Inside Pitti Filati: A Designer's Perspective
We’d like to invite you behind the scenes of our recent
visit to Pitti Filati in Florence, where the world’s leading spinning mills
come together to celebrate yarn, colour and innovation.
From luxurious natural fibres and lightweight blends to
unexpected palettes and intricate stitchwork, every detail offers a new source
of inspiration.
By reconnecting with the raw materials at the heart of our
work, we return to our Dublin studio with renewed ideas, thoughtfully shaping
them into considered, beautiful collections for the seasons ahead.
Each summer, the Fortezza da Basso in Florence plays host to
Pitti Immagine Filati, Europe’s leading international trade fair dedicated to knitting yarns, knitwear innovation, and textile research. A key sourcing and trend-forecasting event for the high-end fashion industry, the show brings together leading Italian and international spinning mills to present their upcoming collections, new yarn developments, and advances in knitwear manufacturing.
For us as designers, Pitti offers a rare opportunity to
connect with the raw materials at the heart of our work. Meeting spinners in person introduces us to an extraordinary range of fibres, techniques, and finishes. From wool and cashmere to silk and mohair, each manufacturer brings its own expertise to an inspiring selection of luxurious blends.
Colour plays an essential role in the IrelandsEye design process, and the combinations on display at Pitti are endlessly inspiring. From bright neons to soft, natural tones, each mill tells a story through its distinctive palette. Visiting the stands and collecting samples allows us to return home with a wealth of inspiration to guide the development of our new-season colours.
The show is also an important place to discover new fibre innovation. We were particularly drawn to luxurious, lightweight natural yarns, including beautiful blends of wool, alpaca, linen, and cotton. Soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear, they offer exciting possibilities for the lighter summer knits our customers need.
Among the most memorable parts of Pitti is the outstanding garment design on display. Each mill collaborates with designers to create bespoke pieces that showcase its yarn collections at their very best.
Avant-garde silhouettes, intricate stitchwork, and an exceptional level of detail make these garments a feast for the eyes.
They also introduce us to techniques and stitch combinations we may not encounter elsewhere. As designers, it is important that we continue to challenge our practice and remain open to learning from others, and Pitti is the perfect place to do exactly that.
Joining industry leaders and like-minded designers in a space that champions innovation and exploration is a truly inspiring experience. By reconnecting with fibre, the source of everything we do, we grow as designers and return to the studio with renewed ideas. The result is stronger, more beautiful, and more considered collections for our customers.
