Every year, twice a year, Pierre, Mimi and Emily go to the prestigious and unmissable Pitti Uomo fair, which takes place in Florence.
They go to meet the suppliers with whom they work, discover new collections and trends, look for novelties, create, manufacture and develop.
When you hear “Italian fashion” the city that comes to mind is “Milan,” right? You wouldn’t be wrong – the international northern Italian metropolis has been home to Italy’s fashion elite for several decades. But before Armani, Prada, Valentino, and Versace began showing on the Milan Fashion Week schedule, Florence, with its terracotta tiles and resplendent Duomo, emerged as the original fashion capital of Italy.
Over the past 50 years, Pitti Uomo has become the beating pulse of fashion in the city. Dubbed the "menswear mecca", the biannual event is the largest menswear trade show of its kind. Every January and June, 30,000 members of the international menswear industry – buyers, exhibitors, journalists, and spectators – descend upon Florence for four days of sartorial excellence. Their biannual presence marks the beginning of the new season and is pivotal for launching new projects in men’s fashion and determining future trends.
The history of the event
Pitti Uomo dates to February 12, 1952, when Giovanni Battista Giorgini, a descendent of a noble family from Lucca, set up the fashion show in his own Florentine residence: Villa Torrigiani. Originally called the First Italian High Fashion Show, journalists and buyers from all over the world were invited to attend runway shows hosting some of Italy’s most important fashion brands.
After its huge success, the event was moved to a different location the following year: Florence’s Grand Hotel. It wasn’t until later years that Pitti Uomo was cemented in its historic location: the Sala Bianca in Pitti Palace, responsible for its name.
The “official” birthdate of Pitti Uomo (as we know it today) dates to 1972, the year in which the event became solely dedicated to men’s fashion.
Pitti Uomo today
Pitti Uomo takes place at Fortezza da Basso, its official location since 1982. Today the space functions as a trade fair vaunting an array of stands for vendors to present their products. In the days of the event, Florence’s Santa Maria Novella area and the historic center (more specifically the railway station and the Fortezza) are transformed by Pitti’s intriguing atmosphere: strolling through the streets, you’ll pass by men dressed in unique and creative clothing and obviously… the latest fashion trends.
Related events have progressively developed alongside Pitti Uomo, events dedicated to other specific sectors: you’ll find Pitti Bimbo (for children’s fashion) and Pitti Filati (for textiles), not to mention other related sectors, such as perfumes in Pitti Fragranze and even for pets.
Linked with Maison Degand
The vast majority of our products are made by Italian craftsmen. We meet them at the fair or in their showrooms across the country. Going to Pitti is almost an obligation, to stay on the lookout for trends, novelties, to consolidate our links with suppliers, meet new craftsmen, and perpetuate traditions.
Pierre's favorite spots in Florence
• Dinner at Cibrèo Ristorante
• Dinner at Harry’s Bar
• Walk through the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
• Cross the Ponte Vecchio
• Drink a cappuccino at Caffè Gilli
