Pitti Uomo 105 begins with moderate optimism and opts for made in Italy

The 105th edition of Pitti Uomo began on Tuesday under a blue and sunny sky, with a good turnout from the beginning, although fewer visitors than usual on this first day. With 832 exhibitors, 46% of them foreign, the benchmark men’s fashion show, which takes place in Florence’s Basso Fortress until January 12, hopes to send a positive signal to the market at the start of the autumn/winter season. 2024/25, since as well as to Italian companies. The Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, inaugurated the event.

In particular, the minister highlighted the Italian government’s plan to promote creativity, traditional craftsmanship and local manufacturing by celebrating Made in Italy in all its forms. Among the main announcements is the creation of a Made in Italy secondary school, which will welcome its first students at the beginning of the 2024 academic year “to train young people in typical professions of creative culture and production in the strategic sectors of the Italian manufacturing industry. “. The program also includes the introduction of a “made in Italy day” on April 15.

Other measures include tax advantages for Italian companies that decide to move their production to Italy and the possibility of the Government taking under its protection, after five years, historical “made in Italy” brands purchased by foreign groups that no longer produce in Italy. . the country. In addition, Adolfo Urso announced the allocation of 13 billion euros until 2024 to help companies accelerate their digital and ecological transition. “I believe that at Pitti Uomo we can highlight the excellence of the Italian system. I ask companies to help me make 2024 the year of production,” he said, addressing the exhibitors at the show.

During the opening ceremony, Antonio De Matteis, president of Pitti Immagine, the company that manages the Florentine salons, expressed his enthusiasm and welcomed “the return of the big brands to the show.” “For many, 2023 was a record year and 2024 will be equally positive. This year’s Pitti Uomo will undoubtedly be exceptional,” he said.

“Looking for new outlets”

“After two very good years in 2022 and 2023, we are witnessing a slowdown in foreign trade. Our companies need to look for new outlets, new markets and new niches,” warns Matteo Zoppas, president of ICE, the Italian agency responsible for the Internationalization of companies. Made in Italy companies. By 2022, the textile, clothing and accessories industry will have reached sales of 110 billion euros, of which 80 billion euros will be generated internationally, an increase of almost 18% compared to 2021. It is expected that growth will be around 3% by 2023.

“It is true that Italy has managed to contain inflation more successfully than other countries, which gives it a competitive advantage. Freight transport prices are falling and the country has been able to count on a very resilient industrial system,” he continues.

“But small businesses are still under pressure and often find themselves alone. Especially since the rhythms have completely changed, preventing them from building their career around traditional seasons,” says Sergio Tamborini, president of Sistema Moda Italia (SMI), the confederation. employer association that brings together all textile and clothing companies in Italy. However, Tamborini warns that the prevailing optimism should be tempered by the fact that “as we enter 2024, the market looks a little more complex.”