(by Beatrice Campani).
Small princesses and princes who like to dress like their parents, school uniforms and patterns inspired by nature were the focus of children's wear fall-winter 2016 collections debuted at the 82nd edition of the Pitti Bimbo international trade fair in Florence by 445 Italian and foreign brands.
The international showcase runs from Thursday through Saturday.
Uncontaminated nature was once again the main source of inspiration for little girls.
Collections evoked a surreal, dreamlike world with floral patterns, roses (Miss Blumarine), wild animals and a variety of recurring patterns (debuted by brands at the Apartment collective show).
Stripes and animal prints reigned at Laura Biagiotti Dolls, Miss Grant mixed polka dots with Lamè while label Alice Pi used polka dots on its elegant dresses for metropolitan princesses.
The must haves for little girls next fall will be culottes, eco furs, silver-colored sheepskin and coats with a camouflage jacquard fabric.
Comfort and a bold palette starred across collections, with stone applications debuted by Ermanno Scervino Junior.
The label showcased dresses and sweatshirts with military-style patches that become ''jewels'', styled with striped and lace knits for a romantic touch.
Sweats and furs are mainly in bright colors with embroidery, parkas veer towards pastels while caban coats are in laminated leathers.
Monnalisa, which debuted its collection on Thursday night with a show at Palazzo Corsini, is launching the bags LesPetitesB. - two iconic models of mini purses shaped like a small half moon and a baguette - in a juicy palette of colors.
Meanwhile boys can draw inspiration from their daddies' wardrobe, with an ironic interpretation of men's looks, mixing formal and sportswear with printed shirts and T-shirts under blazers in flannel, denim, gabardine and knits. And back-to-school styles remain key next fall.
Inspired by classic British school uniforms, the children's wear collection by Dolce&Gabbana was designed for school for both boys and girls.
And the label also showcased the patchworks #DGfamily - small caricatures of designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana together with their three Labradors, Rosa, Totò and puppy Mimmo and the Bengal cats Zambia and Congo, printed on T-shirts, jackets and backpacks.
Other brands drew inspiration from the back-to-school theme, including Original Marines whose guest star on Thursday was 13-year-old singer and musician Shari Noioso.
Children who love cinema will get an opportunity to be very on-trend with a Star Wars theme.
Paillettes, lurex, glitter and shiny prints will star on soft and warm clothes - an inspiration for the collective show by children's Fashion from Spain, a selection of Spanish brands.
Many charity events were also organized at the Fortezza da Basso, including the presentation on Thursday of a collaboration between the brand Miss Grant and Antropozoa, a charity promoting pet therapy.
The event at which the brand presented its line with the teddy bear ''Romeo'' in honor of the collaboration, was also attended by Polpetta, or meat ball, the mutt who is the charity's mascot.
The group ARAV and Mafrat on Thursday presented their partnership for the line Silvian Heach Kids.
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