Pitti is a tradeshow where ready to wear brands are showcasing their collection for the following year and retail buyers are there to see those collections and make orders, or to find suppliers for private-label products, or even to do general research on the trends and future of the industry. Many others come just to see friends, be photographed and/or network. Of course the press comes to cover the whole thing and report on it (like me). And because of how it draws such a large crowd, many brands and makers come and set up to have appointments with customers—for instance, 100 Hands had an apartment in a Palazzo by the Arno where clients could come and see them.

The fact that it’s in Florence means you have a strong local tailoring style (the torchbearer for which is world-famous Liverano & Liverano). And the fair still leans traditional and somewhat tailoring-oriented.

And so when it comes to “street style,” Pitti is somewhat unique in that it draws a set of people wearing styles broader than a typical trend-setting orientation. In fact the folks who are dressed more classically—whether in bespoke tailoring or simply wearing more trend-proof outfits—are the ones I’m most interested in.

I didn’t spend nearly as much time taking photos as I thought I would—in part because of the oppressive heat. But I did manage to get some, and so I present them below.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3