By Dominique Emmen

Florence, Italy – This year, instead of the traditional black and white, Pitti Optical Power P.O.P delivered a kaleidoscope of colours to Fortezza da Basso, bringing true summer feels to its visitors. We’ve picked a few brands that will surely inspire your summer wardrobe:

PRESIDENT’S: Crafted in Tuscany, Inspired Globally

Selected as one of five upcoming brands on menswear fashion bible Mr Porter,  President’s showcased its new Spring/Summer collection in the Futuro Maschile section at Pitti. With its roots in Tuscany, President’s initially started as a denim brand, founded by the first-ever Italian denim producer 7 Bell S.P.A in 1957. Three generations later, Guido Biondi evolved the brand into a contemporary menswear label inspired by street style and youth cultures.

Their current collection finds inspiration in the ‘British Ska’ and ‘Punk’ styles from the late-seventies, which has been reinterpreted in a new contemporary mannerism. Biondi mixed classics with modern silhouettes and high-quality materials – Japanese denim and Loro Piana wool. From florals prints to graphic tees, silk ‘dot shirts’ to denim pieces, the collection offers a variety of tasteful and fresh looks for the summer.

WHERE TO BUY: High-end multi brand boutiques such as Mr.Porter and United Arrows

PRICE RANGE: €150 – €350

DEL CARLO: Art of Construction

Since 1997, Del Carlo has focused on the construction of its handmade shoes, optimizing comfort and durability rather than simply crafting aesthetic designs. In order to create perfection by combining design and craftsmanship, the unconventional shoe brand pairs young creative minds with master artisans.

In a world where the art of craft has become rare, this initiative allows a new generation to experience and communicate the beauty of artisanal-made products. For its Spring/Summer collection this year, Del Carlo has a new range of sneakers for men and women, besides its well-known cutting-edge footwear designs. The shoes can be described as an artistic approach to the sneaker culture, playing with contrasts between the upper and sole while adding graphic overlays to the soft-leather exterior.

WHERE TO BUY: Del Carlo Boutique, Via Borgospesso 25, Milan & through their website 

PRICE RANGE: €400 – €600

CHIMBORAZO: We Wear Biodiversity

Born in 2017, founded by Francesco Rubini, Chimborazo introduced its second swimwear collection for S/S ‘19 at Pitti Uomo. The brand’s main aim is not only to create high quality and comfortable garments, but also to respect the environment and biodiversity. They do that by creating most of the swimwear from a fabric made of recycled plastic fibres. Besides their sustainable use of material, Chimborazo also donates a percentage of its turnover to a different environmental cause each year.

For their latest collection, a partnership with the marine area of Torre Guaceto resulted in a concept where mankind becomes one with nature. The advertisement campaign and photoshoots featured no professional models but rather photographer Kyle Thompson captured a simple man and woman caught in their moments with nature.

Chimborazo’s swimwear is characterized by colourful prints and illustrations of (endangered) sea-animals, ideal for an environmental statement at the beach.

WHERE TO BUY: Visit the link here

PRICE RANGE: Swim shorts €70-€80, Flip-Flops €30, Bags €100-€200

GREVI 1875: Not Just a Hat

Four generations of expertise can be found in the hats made by Grevi. Represented by father and son at Pitti, the designs encompassed a variety of different shapes and colours. Materials from hemp to straw and linen were used to produce hats made entirely by hand from the best weavers and crocheters in Tuscany.

There were some noteworthy designs that could be the perfect finishing touch to a summer outfit. Amongst reversible hats and classic styles, the waterproof ones in different colours, finished by a shimmering wax were a standout – ideal against summer rain. And if you’re looking to make a statement, the hats made of luxurious prints and floral fabrics by Liberty London are summer-ready.

WHERE TO BUY: Grevi Boutique, Firenze and through their website

PRICE RANGE: €65-€200