
By Giulia Piceni, Marinieves Tejeda and Giulia D’Amore. Cover image courtesy of Pitti Immagine Uomo.
Pitti Uomo has consistently served as the ultimate gauge of fashion trends and the current needs of our society. What lies ahead for 2025, and how is the fashion industry responding to today’s pressing concerns? From overproduction to sustainability, iconicity to innovation, certain brands shine brightly, embodying a unique vision amidst Pitti’s extensive lineup. Whether through captivating runway shows, engaging events, or minimalist fair stands, these brands capture the essence of what’s next in style. With the stage set, Pitti Uomo 107 is scheduled to take place from January 14th to 17th at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence. This event remains the ideal venue for discovering the designs we crave and the stories we aspire to share.
The 6 Brands We Cannot Wait to See at Pitti Uomo 2025
1. The Brand Everyone Is Excited About: MM6
The French brand MM6 Maison Margiela will be the first Guest Designer, presenting an androgynous collection crafted by the Finnish creative director Heikki Salonen. Renowned for his deconstructed approach that challenges traditional tailoring rules, Salonen offers an unconventional take on feminine sensibility, blurring the lines of gender fashion. His work is characterised by a commitment to functionality and versatility, resulting in avant-garde pieces that redefine contemporary urban fashion.
2. SETCHU Is Exclusively for Discreet and Distinguished Gentlemen
Satoshi Kuwata, the visionary behind SETCHU, will also be attending the event in Florence as a Guest Designer. This recognition comes after his impressive wins in 2023 at the CNMI Fashion Trust Grant and the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. SETCHU’s ethos is deeply rooted in tailoring and the Japanese philosophy of “Mottainai,” which promotes respect for resources and reducing waste. The brand merges Western aesthetics with Eastern influences, drawing inspiration from classic objects, origami, and the silhouette of the kimono to create durable pieces that combine style and functionality.
With versatility, timeless allure, and functionality as cornerstones, Kuwata masterfully bridges Eastern and Western design. The Japanese term Wayo Setchu encapsulates this fusion, representing the meeting of contrasting worlds. His creations are a vibrant blend of cultures—a true alchemy that we eagerly anticipate on the runway.
3. Brunello Cucinelli Delivering Sought-After Cashmere (and Exclusive Events)
A true show-stopper at every edition of Pitti Uomo, Brunello Cucinelli consistently hosts the most sought-after dinner, which is highly coveted by press and influencers alike. In addition to this exclusive social event, the brand never fails to impress with remarkable displays of craftsmanship and Italian expertise at the fair.
This year, we eagerly anticipate innovations that emphasise sustainability, respect for artisanship, and environmental care—core values that the founder champions every year. Brunello Cucinelli’s commitment to these principles ensures the brand remains a beacon of excellence, seamlessly blending timeless tradition with forward-thinking responsibility in the fashion industry.
4. Karl Lagerfeld Returns to Pitti Uomo 2025: A Touch of Timeless Elegance
Karl Lagerfeld is an undeniable force in the fashion world. His visionary style and timeless influence on men’s fashion continue to stand out. The upcoming Pitti 107 will feature a collection that blends the brand’s iconic heritage with an experimental approach and bespoke decor. Bold and expressive, the collection highlights Lagerfeld’s signature sharp silhouettes and mastery of tailoring while introducing a fresh, modern edge.
His legacy will not only be celebrated through this immersive experience but also reinterpreted for today’s fashion-forward audience, ensuring that his impact remains as relevant as ever.
5. The Outdoorsy Charm of Barbour
The English brand Barbour, although not officially invited as a Guest Designer, will have a significant presence at the event. Known for its focus on outdoor clothing, Barbour has evolved to offer high-quality garments suitable for a variety of occasions. Its relevance remains strong in both rural and urban settings.
This edition will showcase the Barbour x Baracuta collaboration, which brings together two icons of British design. The resulting collection blends Barbour’s functional jackets with Baracuta’s refined style, particularly its bomber and Harrington jackets. This collaboration celebrates the expertise of both brands in creating garments that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
6. Hul le Kes: Seeking the Beauty of Imperfection Through Sustainability at Pitti Uomo 2025
Hul le Kes is a Dutch circular and social designer brand created by Sjaak Hullekes and Sebastiaan Kramer. The brand embraces a holistic approach to fashion, empowering wearers with character, freedom, and choice. Rooted in a gender-fluid philosophy, the brand challenges conventional sizing and fit, promoting constant evolution over fixed identities. Hul le Kes finds beauty and balance in imperfections, offering garments that celebrate the authentic and the flawed and tell unique stories.
Materials like antique linens, vintage wool blankets, and secondhand fabrics—sourced from flea markets and recycling centres—carry histories that inspire each design. For Hul le Kes, clothing is not a mask but a mirror that amplifies individuality while reflecting a more thoughtful and interconnected world. It’s remarkable for Pitti Uomo 2025 to have provided a platform for such an incredible brand!