Pitti Uomo 103, Martine Rose is guest designer and Jan-Jan Van Essche the Designer Project of the new edition

All the news of the men's kermesse returning to the Fortezza da Basso from 10 to 13 January 2023

Pitti Uomo announces the first novelties for edition 103, scheduled to take place from 10 to 13 January 2023 at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

The first announcement is that of the guest designer who this year will be Martine Rose, a stylist of Anglo-Jamaican origin who will present a preview in Florence of the Autumn-Winter 2023-24 collection of her eponymous label, through a special event in a space yet to be revealed.

Jan-Jan Van Essche, on the other hand, is the Designer Project. The Belgian designer brings his concept of fluid and essential fashion to Florence during a unique event on Wednesday 11 January.

"At the first meeting with Martine for the special event in Florence, we ended up talking more about family, schools, daily shopping, and life cycles in working-class neighbourhoods than about fashion shows," say Lapo Cianchi and Francesca Tacconi, Pitti Immagine special projects managers. "And yet it was evident how all this was closely related to his work, a cognitive and emotional baggage that is mixed with great creative freedom with social and cultural reflections and that is reflected in his collections, where even the most conflicting inspirations and inclinations arrive at a solution, at a provisional coexistence to be reconstructed each time. A sort of inverse canon in short, a very interesting work by and about fashion". And on the subject of Jan-Jan Van Essche he added: 'He is such a secluded and yet emblematic figure in contemporary men's fashion that he would probably be the first to deem any statement on gender distinction superfluous, either to reiterate it or to decree its overcoming'.

"I am very honoured to participate in the upcoming Pitti Uomo in January. Pitti has always been at the forefront of celebrating the best menswear, and many of the designers I respect most have been part of it. Together with my team we are thrilled to come to Florence, a city I love, to present our new collection!" says Martine Rose.

"I am really happy and honoured to have been invited by Pitti Uomo to present my work," says Jan-Jan Van Essche. It will be my brand's first ever fashion show, a special event in any case, and to be able to organise it in the unique atmosphere of a city like Florence makes it even more special, something I could only dream of. We feel the great support of Pitti Immagine in creating this presentation, and that is also why we want to make it an unforgettable moment".

BIO MARTINE ROSE

Martine Rose founded the eponymous brand in London in 2007. Starting with a hyper-curated capsule of shirts, she created an internationally acclaimed, critically acclaimed brand. Her innate authenticity and drive for modernity led to the creation of collections with an underground feel but global success. Martine is now one of the most sought-after fashion consultants, influencing the direction of contemporary menswear. Martine Rose is inspired by her Jamaican-British heritage and her deep interest in music and the multicultural diversity of the London scene. There is always a tension between attraction and resistance to recognised menswear codes. The exploration of masculinity, the cutting of garments and a sensitivity to character and gender define his work.