What is "Pitti"?

For over a decade, Pitti Imagine Uomo has been creating new staples and the next trends in men's fashion. Known simply as "Pitti" among fashion industry insiders, it is one of the world's largest international trade fairs for men's clothing.

Held twice a year, in January and June, at the Fortezza da Basso (Basso Fortress) in Florence, Italy, Pitti Uomo celebrated its 88th edition in June 2015. Pitti Uomo has primarily featured factory brands that produce goods for luxury brands in Milan and Paris, as well as high-end bespoke clothing brands specializing in handmade items. While these brands were originally mostly known only to a select few, they have come to be recognized as a center of global men's fashion by skillfully combining their long-cultivated high-quality craftsmanship with original designs and concepts.


In recent years, the exhibition has featured over 1,000 exhibiting brands, with about half being from outside Italy, making it truly worthy of the name "international trade fair." However, it goes without saying that the focus of attention remains on brands that excel in high-quality craftsmanship, a hallmark of Italian manufacturing.

Furthermore, fashion professionals from all over the world, especially from Italy, gather at "Pitti." And as you probably know, features showcasing their outfits are popular in magazines and online publications.


The theme for this fall/winter is Walk About Pitti

Each Pitti Uomo event has a theme. For example, the 85th event was "Vroom Pitti Vroom," with motorcycles as the main focus. It covered biker styles, lifestyles, fashion, and accessories from around the world. The following 86th event was "Rock me Pitti," with the venue decorated using musical elements such as guitar picks and speakers. There were also live performances.

The theme for the 87th exhibition, showcasing the 2015-16 Autumn/Winter collection, was "Walk About Pitti." Photographs and illustrations that appeared to show people walking, depending on the viewing angle, were placed throughout the venue. This conveyed the message that, in this age of the internet where information can be obtained without moving, we should cherish the information and experiences that can only be gained by walking.


In line with this theme, the items from each brand on display featured more flexible materials and constructions than in previous years. A prime example is the three-piece suit from Angelo Nardelli 1951, a factory brand from southern Italy that won the Best Coordination Award from "Gazzetta dello Sport," a favorite Italian men's magazine. While three-piece suits are typically associated with classic and heavy attire, this one presents a light and modern look that is both refreshing and perfectly matches the theme of the event.

Featuring a three-piece suit by Angelo Nardelli 1951 and other notable brands from "Pitti," "Pitti Immagine Uomo at Isetan Men's" will be held at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building from September 29th (Tuesday) to October 20th (Tuesday).


Pitti Immagine Uomo at Isetan Men's

This is the only event in Japan officially sanctioned by the Pitti Association, bringing together approximately 150 carefully selected brands at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . These brands are spread across each floor, so, true to the "Walk About Pitti" theme, a unique experience awaits you, one you can only discover by exploring on foot.
Another brand worth paying particular attention to is MARNI , which was selected as an invited designer brand for the 87th edition of Pitti Uomo. The collection features items from their men's runway show, which was held for the first time in six years to coincide with Pitti Uomo.

Stefano Mano's bespoke event and Hancock's collection are also must-sees. Additionally, the lightweight and oversized stoles from Faliero Sarti, which garnered popularity as the next big trend at this year's Pitti Uomo, as well as Diemme sneakers and jersey jackets from Altea and CIRCOLO 1901 , are also worth checking out.


Finally, the "Italy Week" fair, held concurrently, will feature a wealth of information on noteworthy Italian brands. Notable examples include HERNO , popular for its down jackets, and a pop-up shop for Marina Yachting, which blends sports fashion with marine style. "Italy Week" will run from September 23rd (Tuesday) to October 6th (Tuesday).

PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO at ISETAN MEN'S
From Tuesday, September 29th to Tuesday, October 20th
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building = Every floor