What to expect at the forthcoming Pitti Uomo no. 96
It’s that time of year again when the menswear buyers the world over get ready for the trade show merry-go-round, kicking off with the longest standing show of all, Pitti Uomo in Firenze from June 11-14. Having attended the show’s London presentation by Pitti’s CEO, Raffaello Napoleone, at Mayfair’s Isabel restaurant, here’s a taste of what to expect.
Givenchy will be the special ‘Guest Designer’
The French fashion powerhouse that is Givenchy is to be given ‘Guest Designer’ status this time. Clare Waight Keller – the British stylist and artistic director of the LVMH group ‘maison’since spring 2017 – will present the new menswear collection from the brand that is an icon of French elegance, with a special event scheduled for Wednesday 12 June.
Another special guest is American artist Sterling Ruby
Sterling Rubyis the show’s ‘Special Guest’. The American artist, who has worked with the likes of Dior, Calvin Klein and Raf Simons, is famous for the multifaceted nature of his work that spans painting, ceramics, collage, video and photography, artwork fabrics, sculpture and installations, as well as his personal acknowledgment of American workwear. He will present the first collection by his brand S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA.at a special event to be held on 13 June at Le Pagliere.
“Florence Calling”: Salvatore Ferragamo SS20 Menswear Show
Salvatore Ferragamo is choosing Florence and Pitti Uomo as the stage for the world debut of the new SS20 menswear collection. The brand will present a special fashion show at Pitti Uomo 96 on Tuesday 11 June, in the magnificent setting of Piazza della Signoria.
The first official CR show and the 90th anniversary of LuisaViaRoma
Carine Roitfeld, fashion visionary and founder of CR Fashion Book and CR Studio, will present her first CR Runway official fashion show and will join Andrea Panconesi, CEO of LuisaViaRoma, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of LuisaViaRoma, scheduled in Florence on June13, 2019. Created with his son and business partner, Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, the opening show will have a 90’s theme with a post-show concert by none other than Lenny Kravitz.
A|X Armani Exchange at Pitti Uomo for the first time
The more streetwear-focused arm of the Armani offer, first launched in 1991, comes to Pitti Uomo for the first time. As Armani said: “In 1991 I had an intuition, and I called it A|X. Looking at the reality of the street, before it became just another vogue, I created fast, affordable metropolitan clothing for the young generations or those with a young mindset. The spirit persists today in apparel and accessories.” Definitely worth a look to see the direction this designer label is now taking.
Karl Lagerfeld to showcase collections at Pitti Uomo
The brand’s presentation in Florence will pay tribute to the memory of Karl Lagerfeld and celebrate his immense legacy of creativity as a design icon. The brand will further showcase its SS20 collections including menswear, womenswear, footwear, eyewear, denim and beachwear. This will be accompanied by a live performance by London-based artist Endless, with a special installation.
The BasicNet Group to present “BasicIcons”
Featuring four brands, and four iconic pieces in the history of clothing and footwear in one exhibition space, BasicNet brings ‘BasicIcons’ to the Padiglione delle Ghiaie area at Pitti, with four of its brands. Alongside the SS20 collections, taking centre stage will be the Sebago ‘Docksides’ boat shoe, the 2750 sneaker by Superga, the 222 Banda tracksuit by Kappa and the Le Vrai 3.0 jacket by K-Way.
Moon Boot chooses Pitti to launch its first summer collection
In the year of its 50th anniversary, Moon Boot relaunches with an eye on the future and presents its first ever spring/summer footwear collection. The challenge for the brand is to explore new horizons apparently in opposition to its classic winter profile, while remaining true to its DNA and style.
Bikkembergs new direction comes to Pitti
With its brand reboot already underway for several seasons, thanks to new creative director, Lee Wood, the company is choosing Florence to unveil its SS20 collection, in an independent space in Piazzale delle Ghiaie.
Closed x Societé Anonyme
Florence’s coolest concept store Société Anonyme meets Closed – a contemporary design brand with a uniquely creative DNA. The family business stands for quality, understated looks and handmade Italian denim since 1978. The two labels have joined forces to create a streetwear-inspired denim collection. The collaboration will be presented at a launch party on Tuesday, June 11, at the Société Anonyme store.
China is the Guest Nation
The most promising names on the new Chinese creative scene will be the protagonists in Florence of the “Guest Nation” special project, organised by the Fondazione Pitti Immagine Discovery in collaboration with Shanghai Fashion Week. Eleven designers will showcase their collections at the Fortezza da Basso in the Grotte area: 8ON8, Danshan, FFixxed Studios, Percy Lau, Private Policy, Pronounce, Samuel Guì Yang, The Flocks, Staffonly andUntitlab. The events and special projects scheduled include a fashion show by the Chinese duo Pronounce on Wednesday 12 June, at 5pm at the Dogana restaurant in Florennce.
Instagram is the media partner of Pitti Uomo
This edition of the show launches a special collaboration between Pitti Immagine and Instagram. At the Fortezza da Basso a photo set by Instagram will be set up based on The ‘Pitti Special Click’ theme of the show, and will be open to all Pitti Uomo attendees. A special photography project will also preview the ‘Romanzo breve di Moda Maschile – A Short Novel on Men’s Fashion’ menswear exhibition at the Museo della Moda e del Costume at Palazzo Pitti, curated by Olivier Saillard to mark thirty years of Pitti Immagine, though the Pitti Uomo show actually dates back to 1972. Raffaello Napoleone was general manager of Pitti Immagine Srl from 1989, becoming CEO in 1995.
