ITALIAN MENSWEAR
GOES GREEN FOR THE GREEN
 Vibrant
green was a part of the fashion story at the 70th
Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence, Italy last month.
This menswear exhibition attracts a global audience
of over 20,000. For four days, 825 luxe labels
present their menswear collections.
Hugo Boss awed the menswear industry with an
exhibit that turned one of the buildings into
an exotic greenhouse and garden with an 80-foot
green dinosaur and over 10,000 white roses. Other
garden variety plants and trees were shaped like
animals.
Canali showed sportswear and accessories in washed
tones of pink, yellow and aqua. A few lines were
green-friendly - organic cotton, hemp products
and messages of no chemical processing were apparent.
A recent industry report in Sportswear International
said that Italian consumers are "increasingly
interested in the environment and social responsibility."
TRENDS FROM THE 70th Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence:
Cotton and Cotton Canvas: The
most unexpected story was canvas footwear and
accessories.
Regal and Crested: From the
country clubs in America to the polo fields in
the U.K., the royal crest was redesigned and appeared
on every traditional menswear item – blazers,
sailing jackets, cable sweaters, polo knits, rugby-inspired
pullovers. Patches and emblems continued to add
personality to men's apparel.
Shiny Silk: The newest offering
for 2007 was the silk suit. The silk fabrics had
high sheen, some being shantung, but most were
made polished cotton. Silk/mohair was reminiscent
of the Rat Pack days of dressing.
Stripes: Spring will be a season
to get graphic. Bold stripes emerged through the
Pitti event, all in varying shapes, widths and
interpretations. Stripes appeared tonally or in
texture for accessories – belts, hosiery,
cuff links and footwear.
Skin for Spring: Soft, buttery
leather and suede, sometimes tissue weight.
Maritime Men: Military jackets
appeared as the newest staple in the wardrobe.
From authentic vintage designs with gold hardware
to washed and worn styles with epaulettes.
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