PITTI, TAKING STOCK

Once again, the summer edition of Pitti that was held last week in Florence, opened in the rain. It took ages to get to the Fortezza da Basso but photographers did have time to capture the best looks worn by the fair’s visitors. 

The 108th edition attracted approimately 15,000 visitors including just over 11,000 buyers for 740 exhibitors.

To report on this year's event, we met 4 of the French brands we support with DEFI, plus one buyer.

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FEEDBACK FROM BRANDS

JEAN-FRANCOIS BARDINON – CEO AND DESIGNER OF CHAPAL (1832)

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For a clothing brand to last 20 years is already quite an achievement yet Chapal is quietly approaching its 200th anniversary! The tannery, founded and still based in the Creuse region of France, began making clothes in the mid-20th century. It works for some of the top luxury brands, but also has made a name for itself with leather jackets worn by the military and racing car drivers. Chapal is a Pitti Uomo regular.
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‍Tell us about the company's projects.

As is often the case, it’s linked to our history. First there's the Mille Miglia Storica, a vintage car race currently taking place between Brescia and Rome, for which we’ve designed the canvas outfits for several of the technical crews. Then there's a limited-edition collection of American jackets lined in Ascot & Fathers silk. There are 32 pieces, a nod to the year our company was founded. Our jackets are always extremely well made, but on this model we took the finishing a step further: the deeper navy tone is the result of two dye baths, the brass findings are nobler and the silk lining is magnificent. We sold almost all of them!
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‍How did the show go for you?

Pitti is the only fair we do. We always meet the most beautiful boutiques who sell expensive, exclusive products. It's also an opportunity to meet journalists and influencers, who are powerful relays. We sense that boutiques are suffering, but not in all the markets. Ultra-luxury is doing ok right now. I think we're lucky, because the energy is good.

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credit of picture : @goldiewilliamsvericain

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