The British menswear industry will have a strong presence in Florence for the next edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo in January, launching the all-important AW2020/1 collections.

Taking place from January 7-10 at the Fortezza da Basso, Pitti Uomo is the first UKFT fashion tradeshow of the new decade and also the first after the UK parliamentary elections, which are expected to herald the UK’s departure from the EU.

There are a number of new brands and interesting stories this year, including:

• First export show for Bowhill and Elliott.
• The grand relaunch of Coxmoore as a lifestyle brand.
• The first showing by Bluebuck and Sirplus and a return of Viyella, Country of Origin and Private White.
• Collaborations between US brand Elements and both Nigel Cabourn and Griffin Studio in I Go Out.
• The start of Tateossian’s 30 year celebrations.
• Globe-Trotter, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, TWC, Bennett & Winch and Barnby Windmere hosting a Best of British showroom in Florence.

Scotland is very much essential to the AW2020 look, with Harris Tweeds from Walker Slater, fine scarves from Begg Scotland and Fair Isle knits from Jamieson’s, Eribe Knitwear (which has announced they are taking over the Burberry mill in Melrose) as well as Johnstons of Elgin.

There is also a strong British made presence from Edward Green, the Cambridge Satchel, Ettinger, Gloverall, John Smedley, Lamler, Foster & Son, Corgi, Dents, Chester Jefferies, Fox Umbrellas, Crockett and Jones, Trickers, Croots, Joshua Ellis, Pantherella, Drake’s and others.

This edition sustainable collections from brands including Bluebuck, Lamler and Raeburn are also gaining increased momentum.

In the spirit of the new decade, UKFT is doing something different on the stand in Salone M with a collaboration with online portal Basset Bleu to promote British brands to end users in a way which also supports and encourages their multi-brand supporters.

UKFT’s International Business Director Paul Alger MBE said: “Pitti Uomo will be the first UKFT fashion exports group in the new decade and we expect to get a lot of questions about Brexit, from UK exporters and EU brands wanting to understand what Brexit will mean for their business.

“At the same time, we wanted to try something new so we are looking forward to working with Basset Bleu this season to showcase a new way of driving online sales and supporting brick and mortar retailers – we hope people will come to the stand for a cuppa and a friendly chat (yes we shall have tea and coffee).”

Discover the full list of UK exhibitors here:

• Pitti Uomo AW20 – Brits in Florence
• UKFT Exports