Photography by Luke Alland
There's nothing quite like an Alexander Kraft party at Pitti Uomo. There's nothing quite like a Plaza Uomo party at Pitti Uomo. So when the two combine, you're almost certainly in for a good time. The AK x EGM cigars were on hand to be smoked, and smoked they were. Such was the demand since its release, that this event marked the complete sell out of stock of the limited edition cigar! With queue stretching around the corner, lively music, a delectable spread, and some of the finest-dressed people in the world, it was a curtain raiser that would've given even Bacchus a run for his money.
Hosted at Palazzo Budini Gattai, the Pitti crowd sauntered into the beautiful space on the opening night of the four-day trade show, to enjoy the final selection of our collaborative cigars with the inimitable Alexander Kraft. The customary Kraftonis kept the crowd hydrated, so to speak, and the venue—consisting of several floors and a beautiful garden space—was full to the brim. A wonderful turnout, to celebrate a camaraderie (and a cigar) unlike any other.
Florence has a tendency of delighting its guests with surprisingly mild weather for the time of year. Whilst London was essentially frozen over, the warm sun in Florence kept everyone in good spirits, especially when you think about how busy things can get during the show. We caught up with some of our international friends and got their thoughts on what makes Pitti so special, which you can see over on our Instagram highlights.
Steve Gonzalez starts his days at Pitti Uomo with a coffee from one of our favourite spots, SimBIOsi.
Youssou Bamar Gueye loves how Pitti draws together people that are passionate about clothing and craftsmanship.
Our good friend Austin is a foodie, and loves the culinary scene in Florence.
When people with a collective passion for clothing, craftsmanship, food and photography come together, it's hard not to have a good time. The days may certainly be long, but the time absolutely flies. Before you know it, you're back on the plane already planning for the summer. However, the final rite of passage if you will, is Thursday nights with J. Mueser and Maximilian Mogg. The street party brings together the sartorial set for a last hurrah, whilst trying not to get your feet run over as taxis slowly inch past the narrow corridor of a road. It's here where the cigars are brought out, wine glasses are topped up without anyone actually realising how, and the world's best menswear trade show comes full circle. We can't wait to be back in June to do it all over again.
