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If there’s one fixed point on the global menswear calendar, it’s Pitti Uomo—the biannual show held in Florence inside the historic Fortezza da Basso. First launched in 1972, it began as a showcase for Italian menswear and craftsmanship, and has since become the industry’s most influential meeting place (and let’s be honest, a bit of a style spectacle too). I made my first visit to Pitti, as it is generally referred to, for a summer show back around 2003.
Wow, what an eye opener.
The first thing I realised is how inappropriately dressed I was. Bearing in mind that I had made a huge effort with suit, tie, nice shirt and shoes, I immediately felt like I was dressed like my grandfather. In an attempt to fit in a bit, I quickly removed the tie.
It had little impact.
Back then - and for many years after - I visited the show in the capacity of a supplier or agent. Essentially, that role was more about observation: walking the halls to see what’s changing, which colours feel prominent for the coming season, what fabrics are gaining momentum, and generally taking in Florence (which is never a hardship).
This January, though, was different.
For the first time we travelled as buyers, and it’s an entirely new experience. When you’re buying, the show becomes less of a spectacle and more of a map—who’s doing what well, and which relationships are worth starting. At Pitti, you truly get the full spectrum of menswear. From Barbour to Cucinelli, the best of the best is there.
As Kempt continues to grow, it seems that the demand is there for some new product groups. As well as adding some new colours in shirts for Spring '26, and a small linen program planned for April, we will be introducing a new chino and some beautiful lambswool and cashmere knitwear.
Knitwear for Spring/Summer?! I hear you question. But trust me—a 4-ply cashmere cable or lambswool thrown over your shoulders on a summer evening is the ultimate elegance.
We're humble enough to know we're not experts in everything, which is exactly why we chose Pitti as the place to begin building new relationships. If you're going to expand into new categories, you go where the expertise is. While we continue to hone out shirt fits for the next drops in late February and early March, we're happy to leave additional product categories to the specialists - our job is to choose well, be selective, and bring you pieces that genuinely earn a place in your wardrobe.
Always a whirlwind, we spent this trip soaking up the
Menswear Autumn 2026 scene in all its glory, popped our heads into the WM Brown cocktail party which was pretty lively. I’d hate to think what Matt's negroni bill was come the end of the night. It definitely had a few zeros behind it!
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