Pitti Uomo 96: Here We Go Again
This year, our team is back again in Florence, Italy for Pitti Uomo 96. Pitti Uomo 96 is a semi-annual tradeshow which is held at the historic Fortezza da Basso (Fortress of Saint John the Baptist), running from 11-14 June 2019. With over 1,220 participating brands from Italy and all over the world, it is a crossroad of global contemporary men’s fashion ranging from luxury menswear, casual streetwear to men’s accessories. Pitt Uomo 96 features some of our menswear favourites - from Church’s, Lanvin, Stefano Cau to bold new Italian visionary Marco De Vincenzo.
Our team was not there as mere spectators - we were on a research journey to gain insight on global fashion trends and all the intricate work that goes behind the manufacturing process, solidifying our expertise in men’s fashion. We are also deeply involved in the product development and brand sourcing. With over two decades of expert knowledge to back, sourcing for fresh new brands to bring into the Singaporean market is a skill we pride ourselves in.
What makes a trip special is the people we meet along the way. We are no stranger to Dr Zanone-Poma, former Brand Director of Ermenegildo Zegna from 1985 to 2009. Yearly visits to him are a near guarantee - throughout the years, we remain in close ties with him (read more about our visit to him last year here). It is a treasured friendship founded on our shared passion for men’s fashion. We appreciate him for always taking the time to bring us along to explore the intricacies of Italian culture lost through the generations.
(L-R) CJ, Nai Wen, Dr Zanone-Poma, Sean
We also had the privilege to meet Mr Wei Koh, the founder of men’s lifestyle magazine the Rake and luxury watches magazine Revolution. In a short span of ten years, he has put himself on the map of the luxury menswear and lifestyle industry. A man of culture and inimitable charisma, he rocks his eclectic match of summer suit that best reflects his personality. What makes him even more special is that despite spending a huge portion of his life overseas, he calls Singapore home.
A pleasant encounter: (L-R) Mr Tiong, Dr Zanone-Poma, Sean, Mr Wei Koh, Nai Wen
Plaza Uomo Reception at the Palazzo Budini Gattai: (L-R) Matteo, Stefano, Sean
Other riveting figures we had the pleasure to chat up are - style icon and Instagram celebrity Matteo F., and Stefano Cau, founder of the eponymous Italian luxury tie brand.
Through our fruitful research and exploratory expedition, we are thrilled for the opportunity to bring in some of the signature Italian flair exhibited in Pitti Uomo 96 to our stores in Singapore. Stay tuned for the next special feature covering our journey through this event and beyond!