The main program for the 92nd Pitti Immagine Uomo, to be held in Florence, Italy from June 13th to 18th, has been announced. One designer who is attracting attention is J.W. Anderson, who will present his Spring/Summer 2018 collection as a special guest designer on the 14th. Presenting his first accessories collection in 2008 and making his London Collection debut with a women's capsule collection in 2010, the 32-year-old Northern Irish designer has created a "genderless" and "youth culture" sensation in this short space of time, revolutionizing the fashion business itself. While there's much buzz about how his collection will be received at Pitti, known as the mecca of Italian classicism, Anderson's artistic talent is highly acclaimed, having rebranded the venerable Spanish leather brand Loewe in 2013 with investment from the LVMH Group. Lapo Cianchi, Communications & Events Director at Pitti Uomo, commented, "What captivated us most was Anderson's collections, whose value is cemented by the sheer quality of their craftsmanship. He also expressed his creativity and eclecticism through them, and the excellence of his menswear, backed by his undeniable sartorial skills. Anderson's shows, which always command intelligent communication, amaze us every time." Another special guest was Virgil Abloh of OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH. He will present a selection of his Spring/Summer 2018 men's collection and women's pre-collection on the 15th. Since his brand debuted in 2013, his name has rapidly gained recognition in the fashion scene, making him a darling of the times, on a par with JW Anderson. Born in the United States in 1980 to Ghanaian immigrants, Virgil earned a Master's in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and has blossomed into a multi-talented designer, serving as creative director for Kanye West's creative team, Donda, and as a DJ. Having built his brand by incorporating everything from Japanese street brand marketing to architecture, music, sports, and the Renaissance, it will be fascinating to see what he will present in the ancient city of Florence. "I am thrilled and excited to be able to present my collection at Pitti Uomo," said Virgil, who visited Japan in May. "I recognize that the platform provided by Pitti Uomo has become the most important arena for writing fashion history over the past few years. My current goal is to write a unique chapter in this history." Another special event announced was the first runway show for HUNTING WORLD, a new outdoor brand with White Mountaineering designer Yosuke Aizawa participating in the creative direction, in its 50th year since its founding. Symbolically using the brand's iconic fabric, Battue cloth, the brand will present its Spring/Summer 2018 collection on the 14th. Aizawa was first invited to Pitti Uomo as a new designer in 2013, where he presented on the runway. Since then, he has earned acclaim as a regular designer at official events, announcing a collaboration with Barbour and appearing as a guest at adidas Originals by White Mountaineering in January 2016. Yoshiokubo will present his Spring/Summer 2018 collection as the second collaborative project in the two-year partnership between the newly established Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFW) and Pitti Immagine. Yoshio Kubo presented his collection in Milan in January as part of the Giorgio Armani-supported New Designer Project, marking his second consecutive season on the runway in Italy.

Also featured as Guest Nation this year are seven emerging Australian designers: CHRIS RAN LIN, COMMAS, DOUBLE RAINBOUU, EX INFINITAS, SENER BESIM, STRATEAS.CARLUCCI, and TEN PIECES, who will present collections focused on Merino wool with support from the Woolmark Company. The "Guest Nation Australia" booth will also feature works by Australian photographer Bartolomeo Celestino.

In addition, HUGO BOSS will be showcasing its Spring/Summer 2018 collection as a special event. Christian Louboutin and Pitti's new project, Paul Smith, are also planning a special presentation.

In addition, "Il Museo Effimero della Moda (The Ephemeral Museum of Fashion)", produced in collaboration with the Uffizi Gallery, Galliera Museum and Museum of Fashion and Costume, will be held at the Pitti Palace until October 22nd, including during this year's Pitti, under the supervision of Olivier Saillard.

Text: Tatsuya Noda