Florence Street Style at Italy's Famous Fashion Trade Show

By Lauren Sherman
January 18, 2011

Pitti Immagine Uomo 79

General view of the Pitti Immagine Uomo 79 at the Fortezza da Basso (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)

Every January in Florence, Italy, menswear’s elite gather for the biggest men's fashion trade fair in the world: Pitti Uomo. Along with Uomo there’s Pitti W (for women), and together they make Pitti Immagine. Along with fashion runway shows from the likes of Alberta Ferretti, Gareth Pugh, and a few up-and-coming Italian fashion designers, there are booths upon booths of great new fashion trends, brought to Pitti Immagine attendees by brands like Filson, Barbour, G-Star, and Brooks Brothers.

Pitti Immagine Uomo 79

Trussardi 1911: Pitti Immagine Uomo 79 (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images); Andrea Incontri: Pitti Immagine Uomo 79 (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)

Some of the major Pitti Uomo fashion trends we spied weren’t just applicable to designer menswear, despite it being a predominately male fashion show. For Fall 2011 styles, there were plenty of work boots; charcoal flannel jackets, skirts, and trousers; as well as colorful accessories for men and women. But for guys, the biggest fashion trend is still heritage. From Brunello Cucinelli to Trussardi 1911, men (or at least the fashion brands who design for them) are still obsessed with the idea of clothing telling a story. Case in point: To celebrate its company's own roots—leather gloves—Trussardi’s fashion runway show consisted only of leather clothing.

But while there was a lot going on inside the Pitti Uomo and Pitti W events, there was street style on the sidewalks as well. We stopped some of our favorite lookers for a picture and a chat.

Name: Gabrielle
Lives: Arezzo, Italy
Occupation: Intern
Why we shot him: We loved Gabrielle’s red socks, which matched his jacket and were peeking out from the hem of his jeans. We’re also obsessed with that scarf.
Favorite brand at Pitti this year: Boglioli and Brunello Cucinelli

Roll over items for details

NEW UGG Australia Cable Scarf

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Red Trouser Socks

Vtg Red Plaid Lumberjack Woolrich Hunting Jacket

(buy it now price, $39.99)

Florence Street Style at Italy's Famous Fashion Trade Show

Name: Sine Cosette
Lives: Copenhagen, Denmark
Occupation: Buyer and Store Manager
Favorite Brand at Pitti Immagine This Year: Mad et Len fragrance
Why we shot her: Sine looked relaxed yet put together. And we loved her hair.

Mileno Teal Soft Leather Ballet Walking Flats

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Womens Aeropostale Solid Pea Coat Peacoat Jacket

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Toru Burch Satchel Handbag Carson

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Name: Herman Nguyen
Lives: Copenhagen, Denmark
Occupation: Buyer and Store Manager
Favorite brand at Pitti Immagine this year: Filson (the American company is producing a new line of jackets in Italy)
Why we shot him: Herman’s street style was early ‘90s all the way: a huge fashion trend right now.

Mens Denim Levi Shearling lined Coat

(starting bid, $15)

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low

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Reef Mens Leather Cord Pewter Ring Surfer Necklace

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Name: Jiyoung Kang
Lives: Seoul, Korea
Occupation: Fashion Director of GQ Korea
Favorite brand at Pitti this year: Sciamat
Why we shot her: Jiyoung pulls off the menswear look with aplomb, and the fiery orange socks and pocket square pull the whole look together.

Joseph Abboud Houndstooth Double Breast

(starting bid, $49.99)

Silk Mens Solid Orange Pocket Square Hanky

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Vintage Mens Sebago Docksides Fringe Buckle Loafers

(buy it now price, $35)

Name: Bianca
Lives: Milan
Occupation: Sales at an Italian manufacturing firm
Favorite brand at Pitti Immagine this year: Longhi
Why we shot her: She looked grown-up and stylish, with trendy shoes and a more traditional scarf.