Pitti is pretty important in the fashion industry. It is where the great and good flock to get a flavour of the season to come. Being there for the first time can be a daunting experience. But fear not, the Cee Are Dee team is on hand to guide you through the sartorial-shark infested waters.
In part one of our essential guide to surviving Pitti Uomo we got you street-styled and got you in the show. Now we will look at how you should conduct yourself, how to navigate the conversation and how not to go broke on the streets of Florence.
When in the show
Conduct yourself with decorum. Next to being street-styled, there is the business to be done there… People have paid a lot to be at the show. People have places to be and things to do. When you see that dude you have been following in Instagram for the last 5 years, resist the urge to run up and ask for a selfie. At least, if he is in company. If he is alone smoking or on his phone outside the pavilion… he will probably dig it.
When walking around the booths, again be aware of what is going on there. I know, I know… there are all these amazing garms just waiting to be pawed at… resist my friend. Resist. Also, none of that shit is for sale… going around a trade show for us fashion folks must be what it’s like going to a strip club. Look, don’t touch. Can’t have. Even if you see your best mate, if he is showing a buyer his collection. Leave him in peace.
Talk the talk, then walk
Having a discussion at Pitti is kinda like being a gazelle at a watering hole. You need to be hyper-aware at all times. Be aware that there might be more interesting conversations to be had. Be aware that the person you are shooting the breeze with is also looking for more interesting conversations. Do not take this personally, he won’t.
Long lost pals
People you have never met before will shoehorn their way into your conversation. They will either totally ignore you or act like your long lost best friend. If your discussion partner is skilled in the ways of the Pitti, he will inform you of the position, brand and roll of your new best friend.
“Marco, where is “such and such ” brand showing this time around, I want to drop by, loved it last season… and how’s it going, how long have you been heading up sales now? I forget”
Learn this skill. Employ it.
The Florence night.
Once you have been street-styled, once you have run the entry and once you have lustfully navigated the booths and been ignored out of so many conversations that you question your worth as a human. You are ready for Florence by night.
Arguably, more business is done over a raw chunk of cow and a bottle of red wine than could ever be done at a show.
Not for vegetarians.
At any business dinner anywhere in Florence, you will be presented with Steak Florentine. This is a speciality of Tuscan cuisine and is totally fucking delicious. You will be expected to eat it.
Harrys Bar
Down on the River Arno is Harry’s Bar and for some reason, you will end up there. Don’t ask me why, everyone does. It’s inevitable, like taxes, but more expensive. I have frequented this establishment many a time and I just don’t get it. The interior looks like Wes Anderson was working off a budget. The staff are dressed in ill-fitting, chewing gum green nylon suits. This makes them seething masses of static electricity. Badly dressed dynamo’s who will electrocute you as they serve you a Bellini.
What is a Bellini you may ask? A Bellini is a Jedi Mind Trick that has been pulled on all patrons of Harry’s since 1952. It is peach juice mixed with sparkling wine…. Dat’s it, nothing more. And this will cost 25 euros. As well as my respect and most of your dignity.
Caffè Gilli
Right off the bat, it is Gilli’s, not Caffè Gilli. Nothing will out you as an imposter like making a mistake like that. Now, like Harry’s bar, this is a Florence institution. Unlike Harry’s, Gilli’s is good. The secret here is to bitch and moan to everyone about going to Gilli’s… then go anyway… you’re meeting such and such there and “have to”. You turn up. Take a turn around the room, don’t see anyone you know. Piss off again.
N.B. if you do see someone you know, piss off anyway in case you need to buy a round, You have already spent your rent on a round of Bellini’s at Harry’s for someone you thought looked a bit like Nick Wooster.
But where to go?
Over the last few seasons (that’s right, you work in fashion and therefore think in seasons now) more and more people gravitate to the “Irish Bar”. The Irish bar is not actually called the Irish Bar, it is called The Fiddler Elbow. But I did not know that until I Googled it a moment ago. Just say you are going to the Irish Bar, if the folk know they know. If they don’t…. Well.
The Irish bar is good for a number of reasons. It has a great beer selection. It has a great whiskey selection. It is fun, unpretentious and the best place to really unwind after a long day at the show. You get to go there and not network while networking.
One hard and fast rule.
What happens in the Irish Bar, stays in the Irish bar. If someone gets a bit too lit, no one will hold it against them. If the head of Hugo Boss signs over the company to you over a few too many beers. You own it, but only when you are both in the Irish Bar.
Good to go
The next Pitti will be the summer edition sometime in June 2020. Take what you have learned my young Padawan. Use it and use it wisely, with great power comes great garms. See you in the Irish Bar.
Photos from: Gol Dugusl Noorsoi
