Say what you will about the flocks of peacocks that descend at Fortezza da Basso to pose in front of eager fashion photographers every January and June, but Pitti Uomo is an important cog not only in the wheel of general men's fashion and also a gathering ground for many of the major players in the field of classic footwear.
Pitti Immagine Uomo is a biannual menswear trade fair that is closed to the public, attracting roughly 1,200 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from all over the world during four days.
Francesco Maglia of Ombrelli Maglia
The Danish gentleman who goes under the web moniker Butler
The Pitti phenomenon is about buying, selling, fetching and providing inspiration, as well as displaying goods and business or personal trademarks, but also about getting together with colleagues and networking with new people.
One of the Pitti icons: Lino Ieluzzi of Al Bazar, Milano
Andrea Luparelli of Sartoria Ripense
It takes place in one of the world’s most beautiful cities: Florence is a breathtaking cornucopia of Renaissance art and architecture, and being the capital of Tuscany, it is filled to the brim with the agriculutural region’s best food and wine. Florence also happens to host a few prominent names in shoemaking.
Michael Hill, creative mastermind behind Drake's London
Famed street style photographer Scott "The Sartorialist" Schuman with friend
So, off we went – and came back not only with tastebuds spoilt, feet sore and friendships made, but of course also a few fresh ideas and snapshots of the Pitti people. Below is a selection of what we managed to capture – more to come!
Pitti Uomo has been arranged since 1972 and has reached its 90th edition. The next edition will take place in January 2017.
