What we learned from Pitti Uomo 105

Pitti brings together all that's great in the menswear space and remains the go to industry event for brands, suppliers and aficionados.

What struck the team was how the organisers have created a welcoming event, inclusive to newbies and industry stalwarts alike.

Here are 3 insights into Pitti 105:

1) Activewear and technical fabrics - casual smart vs smart casual?

Numerous traditional brands displayed smart casual outerwear looks (safari, flight, bomber jackets) in water-resistant technical fabrics, an innovative way to ensure premium smart casual brands compete with premium outdoors brands such as Arc'teryx, Osprey and Columbia.

2) Rubber soles - form and functionality

Following the major success of the Loro Piana Easy Loafer and OpenWalk it's clear a number of brands have sought to replicate the benchmark of look and quality Loro Piana have set. An amazing number of Pitti attendees matched suede shoes with a rubber sole. At BTI, we offer an outstanding variety of rubber sole shoes, handmade in Portugal, allowing brands to capitalise on the hot footwear trend right now.

3) Pitti's inclusivity is built on collaboration

During our time in Florence the team met an amazing group of brand owners, suppliers and creatives, many of whom had travelled solo to the event, with the common bond of caring deeply about our industry. Whether it was the negronis and great food, there was a constant feel that everyone was looking for the opportunity to collaborate, not often the case at industry tradeshows!