Menswear sales reached 5,4 billion euros prior to the Pitti uomo event

Overseas sales of Italian menswear increased in the first seven months of 2023, according to a report by the Confindustria moda study center for Smi-Sistema moda Italia. The menswear sector saw cross-border sales totaling 5.36 billion euros, an 11.4% increase, from january to july. Non-EU countries accounted for the largest share (54.3%), up by 10%, while European countries achieved the best growth at 13.1%. France leads as the top destination with a growth rate of 20.6%, followed by Germany (+6.7%) and the US (+13.2%). Switzerland had a negative growth rate of -17.6%, while the UK experienced a decline of -1.4%. On the other hand, Poland saw the highest growth rate at +32.9%, followed by South Korea (+27.9%) and Japan (+23%), outpacing China, which experienced a growth rate of +7.3%.

The analysis indicates that 2023 will be a year of consolidation, susceptible to inflation and the slowdown of major economies. A climate of great uncertainty has emerged due to conflicts like that in the Russian-Ukrainian region and the Middle East. These findings were presented during the launch of the 105th edition of Pitti uomo, with an estimated 835 brands exhibiting their fall-winter 2024/25 collections from January 9-12, 2024. This year, 43% of the brands are foreign. The number of exhibitors has increased from the 789 in last winter’s event and the 825 in the previous summer’s event. «Pitti Uomo will follow a very successful summer edition that reflects the dynamic market trends influenced by the recovery in tourism flow. In the upcoming scenario, there is undoubtedly a level of uncertainty as there are two ongoing wars causing concern. Additionally, this is reflected in the quarterly results of the large companies, which continue to grow but at a slower pace. Despite this, we should view tomorrow with positivity», Antonio De Matteis, the chairman of the event and ceo of Kiton, pointed out during the conference. «In recent years, producers have faced rising costs for raw materials and energy, which have hindered our growth. However, I am optimistic about the high level of quality associated with the Made in Italy label that sets our sector apart. During challenging times, buyers are receptive to innovation, and I am confident that this edition will be a resounding success».

«We hope that resources will soon arrive to assist Smes in Tuscany following the severe floods» the ceo of the event, Raffello Napoleone added, explaining that renovation work has commenced on the Fortezza’s pavilions, causing some delays but without affecting the event. The upcoming event, themed around Pitti Time, features guest designers Steven Stokey-Daley of the S.S. Daley brand and Luca Magliano, founder and creative director of Magliano. Todd Snyder, an US Designer, will showcase his eponymous label at Stazione Leopolda. Additionally, 17 creatives will present their new wave from Germany as part of the special project Neudeutsch, curated by Julian Daynov. Finnish artist Achilles Ion Gabriel will be making his debut showcasing gender-neutral fashion. For the first time, Fay archive will also be present at the event. Exciting projects will include the unveiling of the first Tod’s for Automobili Lamborghini collection and the new Guess jeans collection by Nicolai Marciano, son of Paul. Lastly, to commemorate the 360th anniversary, Vitale Barberis Canonico will present The Saxon club. Caruso will feature a special edition of its Aida jacket. (All rights reserved)