Pitti Immagine (aka Pitti Uomo) is a trade show that is almost exclusively attended by retail buyers sorting through the latest and greatest of men’s fashion coming out of Europe. Some of these brands are on the cutting edge of design and might be huge in the EU but remain largely unknown in the USA, which is a shame because good style is universal. Here are seven brands out of Pitti to put on your radar:
Who: DON
What: The two guys who started this line of hats out of Paris were united in the mission to democratize the aristocratic vestige, helping revive the chapeau as a hipster essential. With six shapes for men and a variety of colors and accents available, they’re the coolest caps on the market and reasonably priced considering the quality and craftsmanship. Hats are something you can keep forever if taken care of property and this duo has created something that is both classic and modern.
Who: Art Comes First
What: This French label has their finger on the pulse of the street. A rock n’ roll meets hip hop collection of apparel with a message, the guys behind this line are blurring the boundary between fashion and pop art. Shirts and jackets have subversive messages and cuts are fresh.
Who: Tiger of Sweden
What: A contemporary brand with a modern Scandinavian paired-down aesthetic. Already huge in Europe, Tiger of Sweden is just dipping its feet back into the American market after leaving New York in the 80’s. Suiting is quirky with shrunken jackets and trousers designed to flash a little ankle.
Who: Filling Pieces
What: Founded in 2009 by designer Guillaume Philibert, this Amsterdam-based label has blown up recently with it girls like Gigi Hadid wearing their kicks. The original concept for men was to marry a formal shoe with the sneaker, creating a hybrid style with premium manufacturing and design touches. These are the kind of sneakers that look awesome with a suit, tailored trousers or jeans and stand out in a sea of imitators.
Who: Stutterheim
What: Handmade rubberized raincoats that look like wardrobe department props from a Wes Anderson movie. Paradoxically cool (aesthetically) and hot (temperature-wise), these are functional pieces with a timeless modern design and color palette. They’re best for Fall and Winter as the rubberized cotton shell gets pretty toasty.
Who: Hardy Amies
What: Savile Row tailoring with a fresh perspective for the modern gentleman. A venerable house established in 1945, Hardy Amies has evolved with the years while keeping heritage craftsmanship at heart. The style is 60’s era Mad Men with flat front trousers and two button minimal suit jackets. For the Savile Row label, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Who: Troubadour Goods
What: Luxury leather goods from Italian craftsmen that combine classic geometric shapes with sophisticated and subtle detail. Originally working exclusively in leather, the brand has evolved to include high quality canvas at a lower (but not low) price point. If you balk at the prices, know that all Troubadour products come with a lifetime guarantee (whether it’s your life or the bag’s life or the company’s life is unsure).
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