Pitti Uomo 92: Australia named guest nation

After South Korea, Africa, Ukraine, Turkey and Denmark, it's Australia's turn to be put under the spotlight. The up-and-coming designer continent has been chosen as the guest nation for the next edition of Pitti Uomo, taking place June 13 to 16 in Florence. Marking the first time Australian men's fashion has been highlighted at such an important international event, the project is being presented by the organisers of the tradeshow and their foundation, Pitti Immagine Discovery, in collaboration with The Woolmark Company.

Seven emerging designers have been selected by the Australian Fashion Chamber to participate in the project. Some are already known in Europe such as Strateas.Carlucci, the label helmed by Peter Strateas and Mario-Luca Carlucci, which has showed previous seasons in Milan and Paris. As is the denim brand Ex Infinitas, which was created in New York by Lukas Vincent.

The other five are: Chinese-born, Melbourne-raised designer Chris Ran Lin; Commas, the swimwear label founded in 2016 by Richard Jarman; Hawaiian shirt brand Double Rainbouu, created last year by Toby Jones and Mikey Nolan, former art and creative directors of streetwear brand Ksubi; eyewear label Sener Besim, headed up by the Australian-born, Turkish-Albanian designer of the same name; and Ten Pieces, a Japanese punk-meets-sportswear offering created by entrepreneur Maurice Terzini and designer Lucy Hinckfuss, who each time present their designs within a capsule collection limited to 10 pieces.

"Australia is becoming one of the most interesting places, which is also rapidly growing, for contemporary fashion and creativity. That's why we have decided to make it the main star in our Guest Nation project," explained Andrea Cavicchi, president of Pitti Immagine Discovery, in a press release.

The event will also be accompanied by a photo exhibition and digital project put on by Australian photographer Bartolomeo Celestino.

Pitti Uomo 92: Australia named guest nation

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