Men, prepare to dive into a stylish Florentine summer with four trends fresh from the Pitti Uomo fair and the Milan Fashion Week.
Italian with an Asian twist
The classic Italian style—tailored, fitted and extremely refined—is absorbing new influences from the now-not-so-Far East. There are certainly marketing reasons for this Asian influence, but more subtle elements of design are playing a part as well. These two extremely different worlds are finding ways to co-exist in fashion, transforming classic styles into new and exciting trends. Jackets are still tight, but significantly shorter; pants are also shortening, showing the ankle; waistlines are dropped and more relaxed. Japanese colours and prints give sportswear a flowery and techno-glam look. Rain jackets for damp days are also wider and shorter, often just hip-length, and should be paired with fun socks and sneakers.
Bikers are back
With a focus on the motorcycle look, black leather is king and studs are central to this strong, genuine style. Those wanting to meet this look halfway can still be inspired by 70s and 80s vintage, including T-shirts, skinny pants, stone-washed treatments and dye finishings. James Dean leather jackets are a must, with boots to complete the look.
Grunge-punk glam
The tough chaos look of 90s punk and grunge is now being celebrated in major exhibitions around the world and in global campaigns, such as the new Saint Laurent ads and the Luisa via Roma window video in Florence. The novelty is in how these two traditionally dress-down styles are now being enriched and embellished. Plaid patterns and camouflage prints will rock your world this summer.
Details, please!
Summer styles find their best expression in amazing accessories and unique items for men. Italian men love their scarves, sunglasses, watches and bracelets. After all, even in the late 1940s a British journalist reported that, in Italy, men might not have much money, but what they do have they spend on looking good.
The best new frivolous accessories include a fine wool eye mask for the extremely stylish traveller.
Last but not least, for the women …
Finally, news from the Women Preview section at Pitti. Months ahead of the Milan and Paris shows, this little fair provides an inside look at future trends. Among the summer highlights are straw and multicoloured ballerinas and loafers, richly embroidered African textiles and Damir Doma rigorous charme.
