Plane ticket to Pitti? Check!
Meltin’ Pot AW13 Preview, Firenze
Although during Pitti all the attentions are mainly focused on the Fortezza itself, the truth is Firenze becomes stage for numerous parties, cocktails, showrooms and previews. After the fair closes its doors, there’s still a lot of activity going on scattered throughout the city center that’s worth taking a closer look: that was just the case with the Meltin’ Pot showroom…
Set in a unique “Wild Wild West meets underground punk gothic” scenario, Meltin’ Pot presented its AW13 collection resorting to a healthy dose of revivalism, through creative director Leopoldo Durante’s re-editions of some of the most renowned models. Inspired by over 19 years of historical archives, the result is a mind blowing array of options focused on details, fit and versatility - fully reversible two colorway versions, pipe stitching, special washes and finishings, unique fabrics, the works. See the wooly pants on the bottom pic? They’re actually made from heavily brushed denim giving it that soft texture and feel: brilliant…
To top it off (pun intended), beautiful earthy toned knits with plays on texture and a selection of jackets ranging from fitted wool peacoats to lightweight waterproof technical parkas.
Source: beyondfabric
Store Info: Frasi, Firenze
Before leaving to Firenze a few weeks ago, I had already noted a few essential places I couldn’t miss this time around. Among the selection of stores, restaurants and others, one of them instantly rose to the top of the list: Frasi - the menswear haven run by none other than Mr. Simone Righi.
Unless you’ve been dead to the menswear scene for some time now, it’s likely you’ve come across Mr. Righi’s superb sense of style and proportion in street style blogs, magazines or websites. Simply put, he’s one of the best dressed men out there, a style icon Mr. Schuman and others made popular through their camera lenses…
Luckily for every menswear aficionado, Mr. Righi’s know-how and impeccable taste is brought to life through an iconic store which transpires his attention to detail. When you’re greeted by someone as sharp as him, you instantly know you’re in the right place to purchase a couple of outstandingly tailored garments. The best part? He’s there for you: getting hands down with styling and fitting, sharing his invaluable skills and contagious good mood to make you feel at home and looking your absolute best. Standing there, watching him work, is seeing art come to life while his presence completely absorbs you from the surrounding environment.
It’s only after a few moments that I snap back to reality, a faded background buzz giving place to a jazz soundtrack that’s a perfect fit for the overall mood…and then, “Simo” as his staff calls him, is suddenly dancing to the tune while styling a look in earthy tones. I’m surrounded by amazing garments that seamlessly blend into the store’s atmosphere, decorated with Mr. Righi’s own oil paintings, tailoring books and vintage photos…This is about more than tailored shirts, suits, blazers and luxurious shoes and accessories; it’s an experience, and one definitely worth living.
Frasi
Via de’ Federighi 7R, 50123 Firenze
Source: beyondfabric
Store Info: Stefano Ricci, Firenze
While all the attentions are focused on Pitti and rightfully so, there’s much more to Firenze than its biannual fair. Locals are gifted with some of the world’s most renowned brands and personalities and on top of that each store seems to elevate the standard to a whole new level. This was just the case over at Stefano Ricci…
I’ve visited my share of places and stores, but I must say few have had the same effect on me: the moment I stepped in, garments became but a portion of the unique universe created within, as I found myself absorbing all the surrounding details in pure awe. From an 8m-high ceiling with a glass dome, to fresco paintings on the walls, mohogany displays and leather sofas, this space exudes the very essence of luxury. Add to that the brand’s logo brought to life in every eagle-shaped mannequin and a massive eagle statue at the center and it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the whole environment, like it or not.
Once your jaw gets back in place, you start gazing at the outstanding leather suitcases and accessories, sharp suits, colorful ties and exquisite shoes, all of which are carefully shown to you by a super friendly staff (enough to say they let me shoot inside the store). I could go on and on describing every little detail, but I’ll let the pictures do that for me instead and simply say: don’t miss it next time you’re in Firenze.
Stefano Ricci: Palazzo Tornabuoni, Via dei Pescioni 1, 50123 Firenze
Source: beyondfabric
Cucinelli Store, Firenze
Mr. Simone Righi
Looks Promising
Ok… So I just bumped into Lino in a Piazza in Firenze!! How perfect is that?
Off to Firenze at 5 a.m.
