(1) Prepping for the Fair
By Simon Brockbank
Planning the Outfits - Style and comfort
Since Pitti Uomo is about style, it makes sense to plan your outfits. The fair lasts four days, the first three ones being the most important. The reason is the following : Milan’s fashion week typically starts on Friday, meaning many attendees move to that event and leave the fair. Going from Tuesday to Thursday, a fresh outfit for each day is the bare minimum. Since there are also many evening events like the Sartorial Club Gala on Monday and Black tie Dinner on Thursday, bringing black tie garments is a wise choice.
In light of that, days at Pitti Uomo often end very late, so comfortable clothes are very important. Focusing on a style representing your taste is key, as long as comfort remains. Wear that bolder tie or the items you wouldn’t dare otherwise, this is the place for it. For the winter edition, the mornings are chilly and the afternoons are warm, hence why bringing an overcoat is mandatory.
Shoes should be on your mind since there is a lot of walking and standing involved in every Pitti Uomo. I would also advise on having a few possibilities, both in style and material. Having a suede or grain leather option in case of rain goes a long way. Mixing loafers, oxfords and boots is also smart. Versatility is the best approach : stains, scratches, unfavorable weather or change of hearts can all happen and nothing feels better than having a backup plan to face it.
In your Pitti arsenal, you will definitely want sunglasses, an overcoat, black tie garments (tuxedo, shirt, bowtie, etc.) and three outfits for the fair, with at least two different pairs of shoes. Bringing a sweater, an extra shirt and a few more ties/squares/socks provides that versatility you will enjoy once arrived.
Planning the Trip - Travel and Lodging
Planning the trip is also worthwhile, especially for a transatlantic flight. As most of you know, traveling can sometimes involve loss of luggage. While this is always difficult, it can be nearly catastrophic for a menswear trade show. In order to minimize that impact, spreading your outfits between carry-on and check in luggage is much safer. One way to extend your luggage without much effort is to fly in with a jacket and the overcoat, which allows you to pack a second coat if you so desire.
While Pitti Uomo takes place Tuesday to Friday, arriving on either the Sunday or Monday before the fair is best, while leaving either Thursday or Friday is what most attendees do. The Sartorial Club field trip always takes place at the end of the week : Friday and Saturday. Taking into account where those adventures take place for your return flight can save you extra time and effort.
Staying in the medieval city of Florence is the favored approach, since Pitti Uomo always takes place at the Fortezza da Basso. Doing so allows you to walk to the fair every day and to the cocktails, as most of the evening events also take place in the medieval city. Finally, if you are to use the train to get to Florence, reserving in advance is always best.
Planning the Days
The Pitti Uomo trade show takes place during the day; which is a perfect occasion to meet your old and new friends to catch up and take pictures at the Fortezza. After four o'clock, most people go back to their room to either change to evening wear or rest before the cocktails, which typically start around six.
Evening events in Pitti Uomo are where the magic happens. At Pitti, these events are by invitation only, though it could be said that many events will let you in if you know where it is held. Each event has its unique approach, mood and crowd; it is up to you to find the one you prefer. Discovering those with newly met friends is always one of the highlights of Pitti Uomo, at least for me.
If you are someone who has ever done collaboration work with brands, Pitti Uomo represents an amazing opportunity. For a week, the world of clothing turns its head toward Florence, with undivided attention. It is also an excellent place to discover brands and styles you have never seen before, and actually walk up to the people to discuss it. Planning photoshoots, collaborations and outfits with brands is an excellent way to get more from your Pitti trip.
Closing thoughts
Planning for Pitti Uomo allows you to fully enjoy the events once there, without worrying about your outfits, missing out on an event or travel related headaches. It allows you to focus on the experience and the people.
The openness of the people attending Pitti Uomo is perhaps its most refreshing aspect : making new acquaintances and discussing menswears is not only expected, it is welcomed with open arms. Discovering the fair makes you go a first time, meeting old and new friends is what keeps you coming back.
Every Pitti Uomo begins with the Gala hosted by the Club on Monday evening, which is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow members and discover new ones. The Club’s first masquerade ball is certainly worth anticipating and will be discussed in the next article.