Pitti Predicts by Samutaro
As trends lose their lust, fashion embraces the rise of style individuality
 
Editorial
Edition 103
05.01.2023
For decades, the fashion industry has been working on a top down model where designers, celebrities, and magazines have functioned as gatekeepers to seasonal fashion trends, and consumers have willingly followed suit. But at some point over the past few years, a seismic cultural shift occurred and trends lost their clout.


 
Whether it's the impact of the pandemic, the fact we’re facing a climate crisis or that we are simply exhausted by the ever-constant cycle of nostalgia fashion, it's understandable that many consumers are choosing to opt out of what is considered ‘in’. Instead, people are turning to a more individualistic approach to their wardrobe that relies less on seasonal themes and more on personal expression.
The rise of social media — and subsequently — the rise of the influencer has certainly accelerated this cultural shift. With fashion no longer dictated by a select few celebrities on major publications, style has now become more democratized through the influence of ‘everyday’ people who are using social media as a powerful instrument of self-expression.
Martine Rose, who will present as the guest designer at Pitti 103, is testament to this rejection of mass market trends. Her fascination with commonplace characters and real-life dressing have become a unifying force for those seeking something honest and engaging from fashion. From her intentionally awkward tailoring to purposely drab tracksuits or twisted denim, her work has always been celebrated for its individuality in an industry all too obsessed with idealistic perfection.
The diversity of brands and stylish men at Pitti Uomo reflects this style evolution happening in menswear. Destinations like Superstyling and Dynamic Attitude celebrate the out-of-box aesthetics and nonconformist style choices embraced by the new generation of men populating the courtyards at Fortezza da Basso. Some of the stand out brands to look out for this season include: samuel-zelig, Souq and Wundercamera Wardrobe. As the old saying goes: fashion trends come and go, but style is eternal.

words by @samutaro
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