Shima Seiki Italia will showcase a world-first at Pitti Immagine Filati 97, unveiling the SES-R133-R Advanced i-Plating SV14 flat knitting machine at stand C/4-8 in the Central Pavilion’s lower level at Florence’s Fortezza da Basso from 1–3 July 2025.

The SES-R133-R introduces a new frontier in flat knitting, combining versatility and precision with the advanced i-Plating system. This technology enables high-definition, multi-colour textures and effects, providing designers with expanded creative possibilities and performance that meets today’s demand for personalisation, sustainability and functionality.

Also on display will be the SVR122V22 and NSSR072 machines, alongside digital design tools APEXFiz and yarnbank. Live demonstrations of APEXFiz will give visitors the chance to explore the software’s 3D virtual design capabilities. Meanwhile, yarnbank, Shima Seiki’s Digital Yarn Library, supports more efficient and creative yarn sourcing.

Visitors to the Shima Seiki Italia stand will also be able to view a new knitwear collection by Leonie Van Balen, winner of Creators, The Call | January 2025 Edition. Garments from Polimoda’s Undergraduate Fashion Design students, selected for the Fashion Graduate Show 2025, further underline the company’s commitment to developing emerging design talent.

Collaboration remains central to Shima Seiki’s strategy. At Pitti Filati, this ethos is reflected in projects involving partners such as Toyoboshi Kogyo, Coatyarn, Manteco, Zero1, Mita Academy, and Exacta. Staff uniforms for the event have been developed with Rapitex, highlighting functionality and textile innovation.

A standout collaboration is CircularKnit 2.0, presented by Shima Seiki Italia and Manteco and designed by Arman Avetikyan. The project showcases the creative and production efficiencies possible through WHOLEGARMENT technology paired with sustainable yarns. Modular knitwear pieces like sweaters, trousers, and accessories can be created simultaneously, delivering value, customisation and sustainability in one concept.

Shima Seiki Italia invites industry professionals to discover the future of knitwear innovation at Pitti Filati this summer.

www.shimaseiki.com