Launching the 108th edition of Pitti Uomo in Florence, Antonio De Matteis, the president of Pitti Immagine, sparked a wave of optimism among exhibitors and attendees alike. He described the event as “a powerful act of courage”—a collective demonstration of faith in the resilience of fashion even amid challenging times.
This season, the expo proudly features 340 exhibitors, with a significant 46% hailing from international brands. De Matteis emphasized this strong global representation, noting, “Yes, the global geopolitical climate is tough right now, but we need to zoom out and shift the perspective.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping back allows us to see the bigger picture and recognize the strengths that still exist within the industry.
Reflecting on the industry’s past, De Matteis pointed to 2019 as a benchmark year before the pandemic struck, when Italian menswear generated a remarkable €10.14 billion in revenue. While he acknowledged the ongoing economic struggles, he confidently projected that the sector would reach €11.42 billion by 2024. “Yes, we’ve seen a 3.6% dip compared to 2023,” he stated, “but let’s be clear: this is not the catastrophe some reports suggest.” It’s easy to lose sight of the successes amid the noise of negative headlines, but De Matteis’s insights reset the narrative.
He also highlighted the consistent value in production, which has seen a slight increase from €4.68 billion in 2023 to €4.73 billion in 2024. Similarly, the export figures reflect a positive trend, projected to rise from €7.03 billion in 2019 to an anticipated €8.84 billion this year. “If we examine these figures calmly and objectively, without falling into panic, it’s clear that menswear remains in good shape,” De Matteis remarked. “In fact, we’ve grown beyond levels we once considered exceptional.” This perspective is essential for anyone invested in the industry—a call to stay grounded and focus on the potential ahead.
To wrap up his address, De Matteis embraced a metaphor that resonated with his Neapolitan roots. Quoting Napoli’s new coach, Antonio Conte, who recently urged his team to “work hard” to earn a win, De Matteis drew a parallel to the fashion industry. “Fashion can still win its championship,” he asserted. “We just have to roll up our sleeves.” It’s a rallying cry for every designer, brand, and enthusiast: now is the time to dig deep, innovate, and show the world what fashion can truly achieve.
As we navigate these uncertain waters, it’s clear that the essence of what we love about fashion endures. The resilience and creativity inherent in our industry continue to shine through, and maybe, just maybe, that “championship” is closer than we think.
Image Source: Antonio De Matteis @ Instagram
