Italy continues to be a beacon of inspiration for me, with its rich history, impeccable craftsmanship, and unparalleled style. This trip, however, was about more than just soaking in the culture. The MAARNY family was set to make a grand entrance at Pitti Uomo, the mecca of sartorial menswear. We were prepared to showcase our brands on a new level, with exciting partnerships, brilliant events, and collaborations that promised to turn heads. The anticipation was palpable, and what followed was an unforgettable week that exceeded all expectations.
Check out the MAARNY ‘THE ORIGIN STORY’ with my partners and I here.
Let me set the record straight: traveling light to Europe is a myth. We all have this romanticized vision of packing just the essentials, gliding through airports with a chic carry-on. Reality check: when your clients have homes abroad, you end up lugging around their commissioned summer wardrobe pieces. Enter two massive Rimowa trunks, because who needs simplicity?
While my team was setting the stage in Florence, I made a mad dash from my Rome fittings to Florence on Monday morning. Destination: the Four Seasons Firenze for our kickoff aperitivo hosted with The Dalmore.
Our Four Seasons event suggested a black-tie creative dress code – a term open to wild interpretations. I opted for my Jacket Required Tee “In Case of Emergency Break Glass” (now available!), brown cotton pajama pants courtesy of a collaboration between Thousand Yard Style and Jabs, bespoke jaguar slippers by Arthur Sleep, and our zebra dinner jacket. Subtlety? Never heard of it.
This year marked my 20th Pitti Uomo fair. Every season, I attend Pitti with the purpose of discovering styles or products that catch my eye. This past season, the shift towards fuller fits was palpable. Less slim trousers, longer lengths on jackets – the runway's loose and oversized trends (what we call “Free & Easy”) have finally seeped into the streets.
The MAARNY family teamed up with Matt Hranek of the WM Brown Project to sponsor the most attended WM Brown party at Pitti to date. The highlight of the WM Brown party is always the iconic Negroni bar. This year, we elevated the experience with a twist: introducing the Highland Negroni, crafted with Dalmore whisky instead of the traditional gin. Yes, you read that right – a Negroni reimagined with whisky, bringing a new level of sophistication to this classic cocktail.
And as for the dress code, there isn’t one. The beauty of Hranek’s events is their inclusivity – no guest list, no strict entry rules, just a gathering of people passionate about dressing up, having a cigar, and enjoying a Negroni or many. The best part? Guys like Matt and I have fostered a culture where everyone now ensures they pack at least one black-tie outfit. It’s become a tradition, with everyone eagerly embracing the elegance of formalwear.
Dinner that evening was beyond exquisite, perhaps even more legendary than the famed annual Brunello Cucinelli dinner (I kid, I kid). My partner Michael Andrews and I hosted a private dining experience on the Arno River at the Florentine Rowing Club, featuring a menu of traditional cuisine paired with Tuscan wines and rare Dalmore expressions. Perfection on a plate.
For more on my favorite dining places in Florence, check out my blog on Florence's culinary gems here.