Devoted to Fashion

On Thursday I got to go to Pitti Immagine Uomo! This was a menswear tradeshow for international buyers representing various companies across the world. But not only was I excited to see the interactions between the buyers and the sellers but also what everyone was going to be wearing! I can’t even begin to emphasize how many fabulously dressed people I saw at Pitti. It was mainly men but one of the amazing things was no two men had identical styles. Everyone showed their own unique style and it was truly a fashion lovers dream to watch as hundreds of men exercising their own personal style.

-Industry members walking into Pitti

- Sign outside the entrance to Pitti "Can't Stop Fashion"

            As we walked into the tradeshow there was an immediate energy that filled the room. Vendors had their booths set up with their merchandise displayed in ways that would make any visual merchandiser stare in awe. There were various buildings that had different brands in merchandise in each. Each building had its own theme as well which made each one unique and fun to walk through. I have never been to a trade show before, so I don’t have much to compare it to but from my point of view it was spectacular! The relationships and interactions between the buyer and seller was a dynamic that I have read about but to see in person was eye opening.Some of the interactions that I observed was the touching of the fabric, pulled layered fabric apart, talked style and fit with vendors, and grouping product together to create an overall cohesive collection.

            Another thing that I paid special attention to while at Pitti was the visuals that vendors used to promote their booths. I recently worked with a start up company, who I helped create a booth display that effectively depicted her brand image. I also collaborated with her to design promotional cards that could be given to buyers, media, or customers.  Obviously the presentations at Pitti were on a whole other level but it was very inspiring to see how creative each company was in separating themselves from their competition.

            I understand that going to market is only one part of being a buyer but it made me want to pursue that career path even more. Everything from the atmosphere to the analyzing of the clothing was extremely intriguing to me. I definitely enjoyed picturing myself in their shoes in a couple of years.