PITTI UOMO PLANS SPECIAL TRIBUTE FOR KITON FOUNDER, TOMMY HILFIGER AND Z ZEGNA TO HOLD PRESENTATIONS

by Stephen Garner
Kiton founder Ciro Paone
(Seated) Kiton founder Ciro Paone

Italian trade show company Pitti Immagine held its bi-annual press luncheon at Tutto il Giorno in New York City yesterday where CEO Raffaello Napoleone discussed the itinerary of the upcoming 91st edition of Pitti Uomo to be held January 10-13 in Florence.

Among the many initiatives previously disclosed, Napoleone continued to lay out other programs that we can expect to see this January at the Fortezza.

The one closest to Napoleone’s heart, “Two Or Three Things I Know About Ciro”, is a new exhibition project that will be presented under the artistic direction of Angelo Flaccavento, where Pitti will honor Kiton founder Ciro Paone.

“We at Pitti Immagine have always found Ciro Paone to be representative of friendliness, elegance, vision, and courage,” said Napoleone, “and his work is an example of research and at the same time the protection of tradition. He represents the best in contemporary tailoring, and at the same time is one of the most enlightened entrepreneurs in Italian fashion: a history that starts in Naples, and from here, goes on to conquer the world. Two or three things I know about Ciro will take a dive into the taste, passion, and unrelenting devotion that rally in support of beauty, while also passing through the life and career of Ciro Paone. Our thanks go out to him and to the individuals who have shared in the company’s history, for what they have done and will do in the future.”

gildo zegna
Gildo Zegna

Italian house Ermenegildo Zegna will unveil its new Z Zegna sports collection designed by Alessandro Sartori, the newly appointed creative director of the brand.

“The presence of Z Zegna at Pitti Uomo 91, with the official presentation of the first designer collection by Alessandro Sartori, has a dual meaning of great significance,” said Napoleone. “From one end, the show confirms its vocation for research as a platform for new projects developed by leading international fashion groups – in this case, one of the champions of Made in Italy. From the other end, it puts the spotlight on the stylistic talent of Alessandro Sartori, one of the most interesting fashion designers on the contemporary scene.  We are genuinely happy about this debut, having worked in mutual agreement with the business owned by the Zegna family.”

Gildo Zegna, CEO of the Zegna Group added, “The decision to participate in Pitti Uomo is part of our growth strategies for Zegna, which incorporates Z Zegna. Alessandro Sartori embraced the opportunity to present our new vision with great enthusiasm. He developed a very innovative, forward looking collection that perfectly matches this season’s theme of ‘Fashion meets Activewear’. At Pitti, one of the most prestigious global events for textile innovation and style, our Techmerino project finds its perfect home.”

And finally, Napoleone announced that American designer Tommy Hilfiger will present a curated selection from his fall 2017 men’s collections within an impressive installation inspired by the brand’s love of innovation and digital technology inside of Sala Ottagonale – Area Monumentale.

Be sure to stay with MR for more info on the upcoming events of Pitti Uomo 91.