9 – 12 January 2018 & 10 – 13 January 2019
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 is today housed in 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.
Pitti there are no runway models and no superstar designers–just a selection of the world’s best menswear brands and artisans. It’s a trade show without actually feeling like a trade show. On the scene you notice buyers, sellers, and craftsmen showing off beautiful handmade shoes and suits as well as buyers from the leading stores across globe handling merchandise and placing orders for next year. The atmosphere is so friendly and relaxed, that you can feel the positive energy running through the place, as if everybody was so glad to be back at the party. Very different vibe than your typical high fashion event.
Pitti is about great people making great products. We as “Geniusbowtie” are always excited to be to one of the few selected menswear brands attending pitti each year. If you love fashion as much as we do, you should definately visit Pitti.