Un umissable double fashion-related event in the halls of the Fortezza da Basso in Florence
While Milan Fashion Week is widely celebrated as the crown jewel of Italian fashion, its true
historical roots started in Florence.
In 1951 Italian businessman Giorgio Battista Giorgini showed off Italian men’s Ready to Wear in a private residence to American buyers and journalists, successfully convincing them the quality and innovation of Italian products, worthy of global competitiveness. As years went on the momentum to showcase Italian products in Florence grew, and in 1972 the first Pitti Uomo was established as a trade fair exchangement for designers to sell their products to interested buyers. However, shortly after a few years in Florence, ambitious Italian designers collectively moved their trade fair to Milan, in hopes of filling a larger stage through modern and industrial backdrops.
From 1975, The Milan Fashion Week was born after the succession of Pitti Uomo. As of today, Pitti Uomo takes place twice a year with a specific focus on men Ready to Wear, with Men Milan Fashion Week succeeding days shortly after the Florence spectacle.
Pitti Uomo 2026: Making a Splash at The Pool
From June 16-19, 2026, the historic Fortezza da Basso will open its heavy metal gates to welcome over 720 brands from 30 different countries to Pitti Immagine Uomo 110, the 110th edition of the fashion week, showcasing a definitive summer of international menswear, lifestyle and contemporary culture.
From classics to cutting-edge brands featuring Italian tailoring blended with Asian style trends, this year’s visual theme will follow the visionaries behind SSAW magazine, evoking a crisp, sun-drenched colorful David Hockey-style setting.
The Fortress will span five curated fashion universes, from Fantastic Classic (Italian tailoring), Futuro Maschile (contemporary luxury sportswear), Superstyling (genderless cuts), Dynamic Attitude (streetwear and vintage), and I Go Out (innovative outdoor wear), this year’s spatial curation creates a perfect dialogue between timeless italian heritage and futuristic designs.
Though a pool may sound enticing, the centerpiece in the main courtyard will be an art piece curated by Phileo Landowski and Lebanese contemporary artist Pascal Hachem. Made of oversized structural pipes in a bold industrial spectacle, the design evokes visitors to look beneath the surface and reflect towards the invisible systems of hard labor behind our summer moments of leisure.
Not only so, Pitti 110 is lining up spectacular talents for independent runway shows to showcase their beautiful works.
Simone Rocha: The London-based Irish designer will set her first independent menswear runway show on Thursday June 18, taking over the historic teatro della pergola to blend her soft-feminine poetic romanticism with Florentine history.
DSM Kei Ninomiya: The Japanese designer behind Comme des Garcons-backed label noir kei ninomiya will reveal the highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collection with an iconic conceptual event.
Jiyong Kim: The 2024 LVMH Prize finalist from South Korea will bring sun-faded, avant-garde fabrics to the fortress’s magazino 07 for a four day immersive project.
Sunflower: Blowing in the cool breeze of Nordic design, the Copenhagen-based label will host a special open-air runway show on the terrace of the Teatro del Maggio Musicaale on June 17.
This year Pitti Uomo is launching a groundbreaking digital program called Hyperscout. This software will be able to use AI to matchmake brand identity to retailer data, helping global retail buyers to instantly discover and connect with exact designers that fit the buyer’s store DNA.
Whether you are passing through Florence or staying for the summer season, make sure to head into the fortress to spot the next big menswear trends. Pitti Uomo’s vibrant energy and authentic Italian essence make it an unmissable experience in this beautiful, historic city.
