Florence and Milan, the catwalks of men’s fashion – First, Pitti Uomo, then Fashion Week in Milan. The front pages and web sites of the major foreign papers closely followed the two appointments for men’s fashion. The New York Times described the atmosphere at Pitti on June 20 as optimistic (June 21 – At Pitti Uomo, the Age of the Natty Fellow*), while El Pais explained that Milan Men’s Fashion Week started with pragmatism and celebration (June 22 – Milán: entre el pragmatismo y la fiesta) For Bloomberg Businessweek, the proposals of the designers were based on classic geometric forms (June 24 – Geometry’s basic line gets fresh exposure in Milan), easy to wear and great for relaxing (June 23 Milan fashion designers say: ‘Go ahead and relax’), with the addition of notes of color (June 24 – Milan designers nudge men to dress with derring-do). In other words, according to the New York Times, it is a style based on Italian tradition (June 25 – Italy Gets Real).
The supplement to men’s fashion in El Pais, Icon, suggested six ways to understand and adapt the trends of the coming season (June 23 –Seis frases para entender la temporada que viene). The Spanish paper also underlined the economic changes in the sector, explaining how designers are trying to expand the supply and seasonal availability of their creations (June 25 – ¿Adónde se fue el verano?).
Reuters was also interested in fashion’s economics, pointing out Ferragamo’s plans for growth in the second half of the year thanks to its performance on the Chinese market (June 22 – Ferragamo CEO sees improved growth outlook in H2, upbeat on China). And other papers concentrated on the models presented by individual designers. Along with Ferragamo (Bloomberg Businessweek, June 22 –Ferragamo emphasizes fluidity with aqueous blue), papers spoke about Dolce&Gabbana (Washington Post, June
21 – Dolce&Gabbana presents a flourish of crimson suits), Prada (Bloomberg Businessweek, June 22- Prada classics recall 70s with top-stitched denim), Fendi (New York Times, June 25 – At Fendi, Reveling in Real Clothes), Armani (New York Times, June 25 giungo – With ‘Echoes of Armani’). Finally, there was also attention to the openings of new brands such as Brioni and Buglioli (New York Times, 22 – Brioni and Boglioli Open New Milan Flagship Stores).
Tourism, from Venice to Naples – There was also news about tourist destinations not far from Milan. The Financial Times went to Venice to rediscover – thanks to courses for the public – the ancient art of the gondolier (June 20 – Venetian rowing with Jan Dalley), while Le Monde stopped in the Lagoon for the Biennale of Dance (June 23 –Gestes d’ouverture à la Biennale de danse de Venise *). The Times visited the Lake of Garda, jewel of northern Italy (June 21 – The jewel of northern Italy: Lake Garda*), and Bloomberg Businessweek went down to Naples to tell the transformation of a city that today is clean, green and even friendly for bikes (June 20 – Naples, green and clean, now bike-friendly).
Growth abroad of Barilla and Fiat – Last week also saw some reports on the activities of some of Italy’s largest groups. Valor Economico reported on Barilla’s success in doubling its sales in Brazil thanks to new products (June 23 – Barilla quase dobra vendas no país com massa para a classe C), and Bloomberg ran and article about Fiat’s expansion in the luxury market. The Turin-based firm is planning to sell assets to encourage investments in the high end market (June 20 – Fiat to Sell $820 Million in Assets for Luxury Expansion), starting by doubling the market for Maserati (June 20 – Maserati to Double Its Dealer Network in High-Speed Chase After Growth).
* marked articles viewable online upon payment or registration