Pitti Spoils: Sourcing Inspiring Products
Pitti Uomo offers Brown in Town a unique opportunity to meet with suppliers from Italy and the UK under one roof.
Pitti Uomo, the menswear expo held twice a year within the soaring historical battlements of the Fortezza de Basso in Florence brings together some of the worlds finest tailoring and artisanal producers of accessories, streetwear and luggage brands all showcasing their wares to buyers from all over the world. And I am like a Kid in a candy store!
Pitti also serves as a one stop shop for meeting with our suppliers, a great many of whom exhibit at Pitti such as Joseph Cheaney & Sons, Trickers, Borriello, Hardy & Parsons, Umberto Fornari, Petronius and Gallia to name a few and many more who do not exhibit at Pitti but who host their own showcases often with a party such as Huddersfield Fine Worsted who host a super party each Pitti in an historical apartment in the Florentine centre.
Like Pitti Uomo itself, the Fortezza de Basso is the antithesis of the uninspiring trade fairs held in soulless sheds which many will have attended over the years.
Unlike many of our contemporaries whom I see at Pitti we go to buy, not sell and I am never disappointed by what is on offer, inspired as I am by the cuts, colours and designs on display across Fortezza de Basso’s Piano’s and Terra’s and also at the various salons held in and around the City, showcasing the work of small producers such as our trusted tie maker of many years F. Marino whose ties are as exquisite as the patterned silks and wools they source in Italy to make their ties.
Historically we have travelled to Naples to F. Marino’s atelier to choose from their huge selection of vintage fabrics but this was the first time they had exhibited in Florence during Pitti and we were very happy to see our old friend Patrick Marino, Son of Francesco and their new collection of fabrics in a grand apartment in the historical centre. We Cannot wait share our new range of ties this Summer including a raw silk polkadot, a new rep tie and a very classic paisley printed on a silk twill.
Since our first fateful trip eight years ago on the day that Ziggy Stardust boarded his rocket and headed for the stars, we have made the acquaintance of many wonderful artisans, tailors and ateliers offering some fantastic products, many of which I have desired to offer at Brown in Town and a great many more that I would love for myself but more often than not the minimum order value or the minimum quantity required by many of the vendors is just too high.
But this Pitti was different. We met vendors who were happy to think outside the box such as and to our great surprise In the Box who offer colourful socks made of cotton and cotton/cashmere in classic patterns such Argyle which we think is due a renaissance and was in evidence around the show. They also have patterns which for me were synonymous with old school Hackett rugby socks with contrasting toes and heels, and solid staples such as burgundy, grey, mustard, green and camel, all in our preferred overcalf and ribbed finish.
But it’s not just Socks they have in the box, seasonal collaborations with childhood favourites such as Schulz Peanuts and Rock n Roll giants such as The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd printed onto all cotton t’s in the same dimensions and finish as the original tour shirts!
But the clincher for me was their range of casual shetland knitwear, ranging from cardigans to long sleeve polo sweaters in classic colours which can be worn over as easily over a t-shirt as a shirt and tie, for example, which they are happy to make in limited quantities, which will be in stock in time for Autumn.
I have been a fan of the Italian outerwear brand L’Impermeabile since I chanced upon them at Pitti last Summer. I love their Columbo style raincoats with raglan sleeves and their traditional Tuscan Cowboy Jackets and Gilets available in corduroy or Casantino wool, as well as the best fitting Duffel Coat I have ever worn, also in a Casantino.
Until this trip, however, L’Impermeabile’s minimum order quantities have been prohibitive but following a chance encounter with the owner, he very kindly offered a minimum order of three garments per style, not to mention an invitation to the family farm and vineyard! We will be taking pre-orders for the above so let us know if something catches your eye.
It is great to have the opportunity to work with these ready-to-wear suppliers on small production runs of their great products affording us a unique introduction to their craftsmanship.