Pitti Done Different: A Celebration of Connection
For those of us in the sartorial world, Pitti Uomo is nothing short of legendary. Over the years, I’ve watched its transformation—from a show dominated by major brands into an intimate and brilliantly curated gathering of sartorial enthusiasts. Today, Pitti feels less like a tradeshow and more like an electrifying family reunion, where the heart of it all is human connection and a shared passion for craftsmanship.
This year, I decided to approach Pitti differently. I wanted to take you along—not just for the glamorous highlights but for the louche, behind-the-scenes reality of what Pitti truly is. Let’s be honest: it’s not all perfectly curated moments and easy elegance. It’s a marathon. But it’s a brilliant one, filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and the kind of connections that fuel creativity.
Upon landing in Florence, I was thrilled to have a rare day to relax before the whirlwind began. I spent it capturing some of my favorite local haunts—the hidden gems that make Florence so endlessly captivating. If you haven’t seen the video yet, check it out [here]. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark these spots for your next visit.
We officially began the week with an event that was nothing short of spectacular. In partnership with The St. Regis Florence, The Dalmore, and Davidoff Cigars, we hosted an epic black-tie creative soirée inspired by the roaring ’30s but infused with a modern, nostalgic charm. It was elegance redefined, with every detail thoughtfully curated. A highlight of the evening was the sabrage ceremony—a dramatic tradition of the St. Regis, where a champagne bottle is opened with a saber to mark special occasions. This ritual, performed nightly at every St. Regis property around the world, added a touch of historic flair and set the tone for an extraordinary week.
Tuesday was a day filled with creativity and connection. I teamed up with Damien Broderick for a playful video collaboration where I dabbled in ASMR—yes, click, click, clap included. Later, I traveled to Prato to visit Fratelli Conforti, where I selected fabrics for my upcoming spring/summer collection. Being surrounded by the history and innovation of their workshop, I felt truly inspired by their commitment to sustainability and artistry. You can watch the video [here] to see the magic behind the materials.
The colder-than-usual weather gave me the chance to showcase some of my favorite pieces that have already dropped this season. You may have spotted me in my tartan blazer, the ARNY sweatpants (a.k.a. ivory flannel pants), or my zebra dinner jacket, which stole the spotlight at those late-night black-tie events. And let’s not forget all the overcoats I managed to pack—still to drop this season, so keep an eye out.
The rest of the week was a whirlwind of extraordinary moments. The WM Brown party at the Sina Villa Medici was a standout, thanks to Matt Hranek and the inimitable Fernando Pane, who hosted an 800-person gathering that somehow felt personal and refined. (The number of Negronis consumed? Immeasurable.) Other highlights included events with Plaza Uomo, Scarosso, and SmokedBone—a rising star in the sartorial scene that’s already making waves.
As I look back on this year’s Winter Pitti Uomo, I’m reminded of what makes it so remarkable. While this winter was unforgettable, I’m already excited for this summer, it will be better than ever and I can’t wait to reveal what we have in store.