Pitti Uomo 2025 starts January 14th in Florence Italy. The bi-annual menswear fashion trade fair showcases brands, style and trends from around the world. The fashion world faces strong headwinds as economies slow down, consumers cut back and geo-politics rattle business. During a Zoom Call with Director of Communication Lapo Cianchi, the head gave one word, “Unpredictable” is the general outlook in the fashion world. The frank honesty was welcomed. The business model for fashion trade show is being called into question. Since Covid, the attendance numbers have not recovered. Even so, Pitti Uomo is a special gathering for men’s fashion lovers.
With over 800 exhibitors signed, this upcoming apparel forum is an important event on the calendar. MM6 from French house Maison Margiela hits the runway with “do not follow the rules” looks. The other designer on the calendar, Satoshi Kuwata, comes to Tuscany with his label Setchu. According to the brand’s web page “a fusion of two cultures” is the basis of the gender-neutral aesthetic.
Fashion and lifestyle concepts continue to evolve and merge. Concepts of Community and Active Style of Living have emerged as consumers push more into experiences over brand linkage. Producers, buyers and creatives seek shared passions with communal relationships and passions for the same ideas and values.
Knees Up, a new concept store centered around Marathon enthusiasts has a prominent role at Pitti Uomo. The popular retail space located in East London offers fashion, coffee, sportswear and a place to recover from physical training. Several athletic brands will exhibit with the first-time headliner in Fortezza da Basso.
The same questions linger, but have become more obvious. As customers move away from well-known masstige labels, will retailers take a chance on small brands? Perhaps in these rattled times, a small bet can pay back big returns.
Of course, we expect the traditional Dandy pageantry in the center courtyard.
Pitti Uomo starts January 14th until 17th in Florence Italy.
