As many of you that have been following me know, I have just returned from 31 days in Europe, with 24 of those days spent in Florence, a city that I have always loved but after a few years and several trips now with bpptours, truly feels like my ‘home base’ while traveling abroad. Well, this year, due to the two tours we had scheduled, one each for May and June, I happened to be in Florence, for the first time, in June. Since I am not there normally at that time, my radar was not turned on for the happenings of Florence in June. I am explaining this because what a surprise for me to be in Florence for a few weeks before it clicked that Pitti Uomo was happening and actually opening the day I was LEAVING FLORENCE…..so much for timing! I was able to be there and watch all of the set ups, and rehearsals at many of my favorite spots in this magical city. Ferragamo’s first ever show in the Piazza della Signoria and the amazing finale celebrating LuisaViaRoma’s 90th anniversary in the breathtaking Piazzale Michelangelo on the Arno River overlooking the city. They built and everyone came to see what appears to have been such a memorable night (and yes, I was already back in the states…..timing!!!?) I now know that after having a taste of this magnificent event that if Florence, once again, shows up on my radar in June, I will make every effort to attend this unique fashion event!
So here it is, a first time look at Pitti Uomo Spring 2020…..primarily a menswear show with sprinklings of women’s fashion as well. It happens twice a year, and as this lovely gal in what has become one of my favorite stationary stores near the Ferragamo Museum, __________explained to me is a time when Florence totally shines and is more beautiful than ever. Floral decor is everywhere as it becomes a sea of well-dressed men and runways full of impeccable menswear. Let’s just say, Italy, Florence specifically, is always beautiful, but during Pitti Uomo…bellissimo!
Ferragamo’s Tribute to Italy
Having gotten his start in Hollywood as a bootmaker to the stars, Salvatore Ferragamo eventually made his way back home and built the brand to what it is today. The Spring 2020 Menswear show was the first the brand has ever staged in the late designer’s hometown of Florence. Adding even more to the thrill in the air, this was the first runway show ever to be allowed in Piazza della Signoria! With all the Italian milestones tied to the show, it’s no surprise the collection was deeply rooted in Italian history. The brand contributed largely to the restoration of the Fountain of Neptune, the dominating centerpiece of the Piazza della Signoria creating the inspiration behind the designs. (It should also be noted that Piazza della Signoria also houses the Gucci Museum and one of our favorite dining spots….Gucci Osteria by Massimo Bottura.) Prints and silhouettes mimicked the chiseled fountain balanced with pastels and light hues representing the elegance of the city – this collection was truly Italy through-and-through!
Waight Keller’s Menswear Debut for Givenchy
While Ferragamo celebrated it’s Italian roots, Givenchy went a little more East for inspiration. Held in the gardens of Villa Palmieri, Givenchy Creative Director, Claire Waight Keller (of Meghan Markle wedding gown fame) debuted her first menswear collection. The collection was filled with connections to the ever-growing dandy movement in Korea mixed with Waight Keller‘s own memories of the 1990’s.
“They have a real passion for a look. Seeing them there reminded me of how we wanted to be in the ’80s and ’90s, of wanting to belong, to have the best of a look.”
-Claire Waight Keller, Givenchy Creative Director
The collection gave us the ideal balance of work-wear and athleisure, adding some fun to the classic menswear looks. Having taken fabrics from Korea that are popular in active-wear, she transformed them into something entirely new by using them for tailored silhouettes. It’s pretty easy to say Claire Waight Keller definitely proved herself in the menswear world, delivering a unique set of musings that resulted in a one of the most unique collections of Pitti Uomo!
Carine Roitfeld and LuisaViaRoma’s Epic Finale
Pitti Uomo might be all about the boys, but hey…girls know how to party, too! To celebrate the 90th anniversary of iconic Florence retailer, LuisaViaRoma, the store joined forces with Carine Roitfeld and her son Vladimir to close out Pitti Oumo in style! The party started with a 102-look fashion show, marking the debut of Carine Roitfeld’s CR Runway Events – the newest venture on Roitfeld’s already overflowing resume. The show included pieces available at LuisaViaRoma, that are sure to be this season’s hottest pieces, of which were draped on models of almost every generation!
**It should also be noted that while shopping in the city, I always make a point to visit LuisaViaRoma as it is truly one of those remarkable retailers that stands out from the rest…..the finest selection in high-end fashion shopping. However, when I approached it, I found that the store was under major construction and after inquiring was told that twice a year they totally revamp their store with the theme for the season. That was happening and the Via Roma location actually was closed for business, reopening the day before Pitti. They taxi’d us to a remote location on the outskirts of Florence where we were able to shop a very edited selection but where they also had large computer screens where you could go online to their website and request anything that you wanted to see or purchase! Going back to visit the store on re-opening day, it was amazing to me the lengths they went to to support their theme throughout the store!
While the fashion was out of this world, the backdrop of the Piazzale Michelangelo was hard to overshadow. As the show came to an end, the models paraded down the runway to meet at the steps of the infamous version of Michelangelo’s David. Just when the crowd thought the show was over, Lenny Kravitz took the stage and kept the party going before the fashionable crowd made their way across the street for an upscale dinner party! Talk about going out with a BANG!
& So Much Street Style…
Image courtesy of @photographer_lucy
Feature image courtesy of @pittimmagine
In case you missed it, check out the story below on even more Italian happenings:
Thanks Roz,
Great coverage.
Virginia
Wow!! Makes me want to plan my trip to Florence in June now! Thanks for sharing your experience, Roz. I felt like I was right there in the middle of it all! 😍
Great, it was awesome for me to just be there for set-up and rehearsals!!! The city was abuzz!!! thanks for the nice comments!