Twice a year Florence is hosting a PITTI imagine uomo (or just PITTI), one of the leading menswear trade fairs in the world. In June during its Spring/Summer edition I was lucky enough to visit and experience this event for myself for the first time (hopefully not for the last one :)). Beside its key goal of being the menswear trade show, PITTI is also the biannual gathering of many style enthusiasts. Let me give you a little bit insight what this event is all about, my personal experience as well as my choice of wear for this event.
PITTI Uomo trade fair
PITTI Uomo is actually not a public event and restricted to menswear producers (exhibitors), buyers (mainly shop owners) as well as press and fashion representatives. Producers exhibit their new collections, buyers look for some interesting stuff for their shops and press covers all of it. In a nutshell, the trade show to exchange and get first insights on the upcoming next year collections as well as to make business. Hosting more than 30.000 visitors, over 18.500 buyers from 100 foreign countries and 1.220 brands at this edition (source: PITTI IMAGINE), it is also one of the most important International events for menswear and men accessories. The fair itself is taking place on the premises of Fortezza da Basso, which is located close to the main train station and not far away from the city center itself.
Having the opportunity to visit and see all exhibitors by myself, there are some general observations, which I would like to share. Despite many might be associating PITTI with rather classic menswear brands, there are also quite a lot of street and casual wear represented there. Talking to many people on site, I would even say that there is a trend towards increasing casual- as well as street wear representation. Nevertheless, the classic menswear still well represented and of course much to offer. Visiting some of my favorite brands I saw the general tendency towards usage of the earth muted tones as well as the use of light materials, especially linen. Safari jackets, knitted jackets and knit polo shirts also seemed to be represented at many stands and might be trending. Below are some of my favorite stands there.
The “PITTI wall”
Besides the trade fair (and most probably often most associated with in social media), PITTI is also famous for its “PITTI wall”, which is the famous brown wall of the main pavilion. This serves as a stage for all style enthusiasts to display their outfits and of course is a spot for many photographers to get pictures from the latest style trends. You can see there all kind of different characters, from very classic dressed gentlemen to very expressive individuals (also called “peacocks”). Besides that, it is also the gathering point for all style enthusiasts for the half-yearly catch up. Me personally enjoyed this experience and was happy to catch up with some of my fellow enthusiasts there.
PITTI outfits
Finally, for style enthusiasts as myself, the PITTI is also the event, where you can express and show your personal style, thus the selection of my outlooks in more details below.
Outfit Day 1
For the first day of the event I went with classic business pinstripe power suit with some modern twist (as I like to call it). This suit is from MTM program by Lodenfrey. With classics like this you can never go wrong. Really pleased with the result (thank you Sven and Chris). What I like about the suit are those small details, that only noticeable when looked closely. The pinstripe is a combination of the white and blue stripes, giving a little bit more subtle effect and more pleasing to the eye. Modern elements in this look include a bit more slim silhouette (especially pants) and sockless look with tassel loafers, which, by the way, are from shell cordovan from Alden. Finishing with paisley tie from the iconic Neapolitan tie maker E.Marinella and quite simple denim pocket square. Interesting detail to the tie is that it is from E,Marinella archive collection, where they used the original patterns between 1930 and 1980 and the silk is finer as usual – this one is from original 1936 vintage pattern.
Outfit Day 2
From business look with modern twist to a summer suit for PITTI Day 2. The suit is from MASSURA. Sartoria bespoke range (more details behind the process and experience to be reviewed in the separate blog post) in Spence Bryson cloth. Not only the fabric has great (and versatile) color, but also a bit heavier Irish linen ensures less wrinkling and therefore provides more refined look. Combined with classic paisley tie from Sartoria Rossi in the bright blue color, which, in my opinion, is the perfect match to this shade of brown. Not to over complicate simple cotton pocket square, just to give a little bit of additional details and contrast to the suit. Finishing with tassel loafers in woven leather, also sockless.
Outfit Day 3
On my final day I chose to wear a bit more casual ensemble, showcasing this emerald green MTM safari jacket from 100 hands via MASSURA. Sartoria. The cloth is from Loro Piana in wool/silk/linen mix and is definitely the highlight of this jacket. This specific mix gives a very interesting texture, which is one of a kind, in my opinion. Another great commission from MASSURA. With the jacket being the centerpiece of this combination, everything else is quite simple, with casual shirt in brown stripes (some texture to create a bit of contrast to the pants, plus brown stripes are a good match to green) and white gurkha pants from Luxire. Nothing is matching better the casual ensemle as the sagan loafers from Baudoin & Lange.
In conclusion, you could say that while choosing my outfits I went from formal to more casual every day.
I personally would definitely recommend attending pitti if you have the opportunity and looking much forward to its further editions next year.
Truthfully yours,
Vlad
