Charlotte Cameron reports from Florence

Last month, we travelled to Florence, Italy for the 83^rd Pitti Filati, where the world’s top Italian and wider-European spinners showcased their Autumn/Winter 19/20 yarn collections to an increased audience of almost 5,500 buyers from across the globe.

Yarn: Transeasonal weights, tonal novelty and mohair aware.

Key influences within animal fibre markets appeared to drive yarn innovations this season. Wool prices have increased yet again this season, driven by a rising demand for the fibre, as well as a continuing consumer demand for traceable, ethical and sustainable sourcing.

With the recent point of spotlight on mohair, a key fibre for autumn winter yarn collections, mills have clearly reacted quickly, by offering alternatives and flexibility within their ranges. For example, Tollegno have launched ‘Air’, a fully-traceable merino wool yarn with a very similar appearance and handle to a luxury fine mohair, and luxury alpaca blend mill Filitaly, are offering this season to replace the mohair content in their cashmere blend ‘Sandokan’ with alpaca for a relatively small minimum buy...

Read the full show report on our Knitting Industry Creative website