Written by Gustav Vikander

The Sartorial Club’s Summer Gala, held on Monday evening, is a cherished tradition that marks the unofficial start to Pitti Uomo for the club, setting the tone for the week ahead. This year, the gala returned to the iconic Grand Hotel Baglioni, where its rooftop garden provided a stunning backdrop for the festivities. This marked the third consecutive year at this esteemed venue and my second time attending the Summer Gala with the Club.

The Grand Hotel Baglioni, which officially opened its doors on August 12, 1903, has been a gracious host to kings, heads of state, artists, and intellectuals for over a century, and now the well-dressed members of The Sartorial Club. Housed in a magnificent building constructed during the latter half of the 1800s by Prince Carrega di Lucedio, the hotel stands as a symbol of tradition and a beacon of timeless values and refined sophistication. In other words, it’s the perfect venue for the Club.

“Welcome to The Sartorial Club”

I remember the first time I walked into the hotel. The doorman greeted me and asked where I was headed, then showed me past the reception area, which has a dark, romantic ambiance with its dim lighting and high ceilings. I waited outside the elevator area, stepping into the small, wood-panelled and mirror-clad elevator. I checked my outfit one last time, not quite knowing what to expect once I reached the top.

Once at the top and stepping out onto the rooftop area, all those worries were wiped away as the guests were warmly greeted. The hosts, Florence city lead Monia and the Club’s co-founders Ksenia and Dennise, smiling and shaking hands, inquired about how the trip to Florence had gone, greeting us like old friends. Walking in the second time, with confidence and excitement, and this time really being old friends was wonderful. After the greeting, members were presented with a small, elegant envelope, tastefully sealed with a wax sigil. The envelope contained the evening agenda, as well as table assignments for the upcoming speed-dating event. For new members, the envelope also contained their new membership pin. It was quite the exciting moment as the hosts assisted in attaching the pins.

The Sartorial Club FLR edition membership pin, giving a nod to the famous Duomo.

A seasonal dress code suggested by me

The rooftop is decorated to mimic a garden, with fig trees and greenery climbing up pillars and stretching out overhead to create a feeling of being surrounded by nature. From the rooftop, it almost feels like you can reach out and touch Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Tower.

I specifically remember advocating for a more relaxed dress code, suggesting that the gala not be strictly black tie to allow for more personality and to include those who might not own black tie attire. The Club took this feedback to heart, transforming the dress code into a garden party theme. The gala’s dress code, akin to a garden party, encouraged attendees to embrace open weaves, bright colors, linens, and seersucker—a nod to both the summer season and the venue’s rooftop. This change not only aligned perfectly with the rooftop garden setting but also coincided beautifully with the vibrant and relaxed atmosphere of the summer Pitti Uomo occasion.

As guests mingled among old friends and made new acquaintances, conversations flowed effortlessly over the mandatory Negroni—the unofficial drink of menswear aficionados—and a wonderful selection of finger foods.

Jay (left), Corina (middle), and Dresden (right) showcase their interpretation for the “Italian summer garden party” dress code.

Bring back TSC speed dating

Dennise and Ksenia, the founders of The Sartorial Club, delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, underscoring the community’s spirit and celebrating the shared passion for menswear that unites its members, old and new. At the end of the speech, they announced the start of the evening's main event, the speed dating session. Attendees were divided into small groups, rotating tables every 30 minutes to ensure plenty of opportunities for meaningful conversation.

Meaningful conversation and an unique opportunity to meet new friends

To be completely honest, I was initially anxious about attending the speed dating event for the first time the previous year. Being slightly introverted, networking has never been my strong suit, and the idea of it was slightly daunting. However, the smaller groups of around five to six people made it easier to participate, and the other members, a wide variety of personalities, were always inquisitive and inviting. Being in a group setting also allows you to listen in on conversations and jump in when you feel comfortable. I am happy to say that it has since then become, like for many other members, one of my favorite events. The speed dating really is a great way to meet new friends and make new connections, especially for new members or solo travellers.

For example, a new member, Adam, from Minnesota who worked in a made-to-measure store, provided interesting insights into the American market and his experiences in tailoring. We ended up spending a lot of time together during the week, even managing to squeeze in a gym session together, thus creating a new tradition: the Pitti Pump Session™. Perhaps this could be something to add to the club's agenda (black tie optional)?

During the speed dating, I met a fascinating array of individuals. One standout was a young Mexican tailor, Pablo, who had started sewing at 13. He sported an incredibly cool tonal look with a silk shirt and a beret, a combination that showcased his unique style and confidence. His passion for tailoring and his journey from a young apprentice to a skilled tailor were truly inspiring.

Aaron (left), Yarida (middle) and Pablo (right) bring on the unique touch of Latin American aesthetics.

Another memorable encounter was with one of my old friends and Pitti roommates, Carlo, a former leather artisan who had uprooted himself from Brussels to Milan to pursue bespoke tailoring. His transition from working with leather to fabric was a bold move, and catching up on the challenges and rewards of his new path is always very inspiring. His dedication to his craft and willingness to start anew in a different city became quite a topic at one of our tables.

The diversity of the members is always fascinating. I met Petr, who was half my age who sold menswear in the Czech Republic and Marco, an Argentinian who had relocated his spectacle business to Florence. I also encountered two friends from Michael & Giso, one based in the Netherlands and the other in Belgium. Despite working for the same company, their experiences and perspectives on menswear were very different, highlighting the diversity within the industry based on the current trends in each country.

A fantastic couple from Romania, Dan and Isabela, former law students turned bespoke tailors, were another highlight of the evening. Their decision to leave their legal careers to pursue their passion for tailoring was bold and inspiring. They spoke about the challenges they faced in building their business and the satisfaction of creating bespoke pieces for their clients. Their shared love for skiing was an unexpected connection, adding a personal touch to our conversation. I really believe the speed dating event highlights what The Sartorial Club is all about: the people.

Morning Coffee and the infamous walk to the Fortezza

As the sun descended and the city lights twinkled below, the laughter echoed across the garden, mingling with animated discussions. The event drew to a close with a sense of joy and the attendees eagerly anticipating the next day’s events, starting with a morning ritual at Caffé degli Innocenti, where lively conversations resumed over rich Italian coffee—a seamless continuation from the previous night’s festivities. It was the perfect prelude to our day’s adventures, setting the stage for our journey through the Pitti alley to Fortezza da Basso.

Continue reading as my friend David captures these moments outside the café, setting the stage for our journey through the Pitti alley to Fortezza da Basso. There, amidst the hustle and bustle, David will further delve into the Fortezza experience and the unfolding stories of the day.

(2) Rooftop Summer Gala