Shima Seiki Italia has unveiled its inaugural exclusive contest, ‘Creators, The Call’, aimed at spotlighting young, innovative talent in the world of knitwear design. The initiative invites former fashion academy students to showcase their creativity and expertise in utilising Shima Seiki’s cutting-edge knitting technologies to envision the future of fashion.

Participants have designed standout knitted garments during their studies, which will be displayed at the prestigious upcoming Pitti Immagine Filati event in Florence. Visitors to the Shima Seiki Italia stand will vote for their favourite designs, with the winner earning the opportunity to join the company as a designer for its next experimental collection.

The competition highlights a range of impressive works from students and graduates of renowned institutions, including the Accademia Costume & Moda, NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, and Politecnico di Milano. Standout projects include collaborations with industry leaders like United Colors of Benetton and Maglificio Marilina, underscoring the practical, high-quality outcomes achieved through Shima Seiki’s state-of-the-art technology.

Sustainability focus

Central to the event is Shima Seiki Italia’s commitment to sustainability, exemplified by the innovative CircularKnit garment, a collaboration with Manteco. Made from MWool, a 100% recycled and recyclable yarn, CircularKnit sets a benchmark for eco-friendly fashion. Utilising Shima Seiki’s WHOLEGARMENT technology, the piece is created seamlessly, eliminating waste and demonstrating a zero-waste production process. MWool significantly reduces environmental impact compared to virgin wool, highlighting Shima Seiki’s dedication to environmentally conscious innovation.

The Ultimate Garment for Circular Fashion - Discover CircularKnit by WHOLEGARMENT technology…

Cutting-edge technology on display

Visitors will experience live demonstrations of Shima Seiki’s groundbreaking machines, such as the new SWG144-XR gauge 22, capable of producing ultra-fine, high-quality WHOLEGARMENT pieces. Other technologies on display include the ApexFiz software for digital garment design and yarnbank, the industry’s first digital yarn library. These tools exemplify Shima Seiki’s commitment to innovation, combining precision engineering with creative freedom.

The Shima Seiki Italia stand will also highlight partnerships with notable collaborators, including MITA Academy, Manteco Spa, and Toyoboshi Kogyo, as well as leading spinning mills such as Loro Piana and E.Miroglio. Together, these collaborations emphasise the synergy between cutting-edge technology and high-quality materials, paving the way for the future of knitwear.

Sustainable future

Every aspect of Shima Seiki Italia’s presence at Pitti Immagine Filati reflects its commitment to sustainability. From the construction of the stand using certified organic materials to the groundbreaking technologies on display, the company demonstrates its mission to reduce the environmental footprint of its activities, preserving resources for future generations.

Shima Seiki Italia continues to lead the way in combining technological excellence, sustainability, and creative innovation, ensuring that the next generation of designers is equipped to shape the future of fashion.

On display

Master in Creative Knitwear Design di Accademia Costume & Moda in collaboration with Modateca Deanna

Gabriela Braga Rodriguez, Final work, producted by United Colors of Benetton

Liliana Vailati, Final work producted by Maglificio Marilina

Leonie Van Balen, Industry Project Sportmax, producted by Imax

Bianca Maria Magliulo, Final work, producted by SMT Società Manifattura Tessile –

Pattern Group

Francesca Sargenti, Final work, producted by MAS

Miriam Bork, Final work, producted by SMT Società Manifattura Tessile - Pattern Group

Area Fashion of NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti

Maria Palomba - Three-Year Fashion Design

Cira Cioffi - Three-Year Fashion Design

Politecnico di Milano

Fede Chiarini made in Politecnico di Milano

Michele Fumagalli made in Politecnico di Milano

Event details

Pitti Immagine Filati

28-30 January 2025

Shima Seiki Italia Stand C/4-8

Central Pavilion - Lower Floor

Fortezza Da Basso - Florence

www.shimaseiki.eu