Milan - Seamless knitting machine manufacturer Santoni has unveiled a new footwear upper, knitted on its new X Machine, as part of an exclusive fashion collection from eco-designer Tiziano Guardini.
Guardini, winner of the Green Carpet Fashion Award 2017, selected the concept shoe for his new Sustainable Collection which was unveiled at this week's Fashion Hub – Spazio Cavallerizze, part of Milan Fashion Week.
The seamless upper, made entirely of bio-based Evo yarn by Fulgar, is described by Santoni as having 'futuristic lines'. "This innovative model is based on the most cutting edge textile science," the company said, adding that the concept could revolutionise the footwear industry with applications in combination with a rubber sole creating 100% bio-footwear. "It is a combination of X Machine technology enabling the production of a one-piece upper with seamless and 'no waste' technology, and Evo yarn by Fulgar, which, derived from the castor oil plant, offers thermal properties and natural bacteriostatic agents as well as super stretch performance and exceptional breathability. A perfect mix for footwear that offers maximum comfort and unique performance while respecting the natural world."
The X Machine was also launched this week, at the SIMAC fair in Milan, also part of Milan Fashion Week. This latest knitting technology, a joint development between Santoni and its sister company Lonati, enables users to weave countless intarsia knit articles and create seamless uppers. The machine allows different areas to be mapped according to the type of yarn used and the various combinations chosen so that the final product is ready for the application of the sole, the final phase of production for the shoes.
With high-speed production times (from five to seven minutes per item), Santoni says that the quality, reliability and ease of use also ensure that costs are minimised.
The final uppers also have a unique shape with specific areas for the countless designs and colour combinations, including three-dimensional areas and lace holes. "The X Machine offers an infinite number of possibilities for patterns and colour combinations, is entirely electronic and includes a revolutionary inlay system for the needles that enables the production of unusual 3D patterns," Santoni says.
Evo from Fulgar was selected for this latest project because of its combination of performance and environmental properties. Described as an innovative bio-based yarn based on years of research and a study of the highest engineering standards in the context of production, the environment and social concerns, it is is derived from the castor oil plant, which grows spontaneously and is not a food crop. It is therefore a renewable resource that does not require high volumes of water and does not take up land intended for agricultural use.
Suitable for all textile applications, particularly sportswear, EVO is ultra light, offers super stretch and is highly breathable. It is also quick-drying, non-iron and offers natural thermal and bacteriostatic properties.
