Antonio De Matteis opens Pitti Uomo 108 with a call for resilience

Launching the 108th edition of Pitti Uomo, Antonio De Matteis, president of Pitti Immagine, struck a chord of optimism. Speaking to exhibitors in Florence, he described the event as “a powerful act of courage”—a collective statement of faith in the strength of fashion.

This season, Pitti Uomo features 340 exhibitors, with 46% representing international brands. Pitti Immagine president Antonio De Matteis states that the strong foreign presence reaffirms the trade show’s global reach. “Yes, the global geopolitical climate is tough right now,” he acknowledged, “but we need to zoom out and shift the perspective.”

De Matteis pointed to 2019 as the industry’s last pre-pandemic benchmark, when Italian menswear generated €10.14 billion in revenue. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the sector is projected to reach €11.42 billion in 2024. “Yes, we’ve seen a 3.6% dip compared to 2023—but let’s be clear, this is not the catastrophe some reports suggest,” he emphasized.

He also highlighted steady production value, which rose from €4.68 billion in 2023 to €4.73 billion in 2024. Export numbers followed a similar trend: from €7.03 billion in 2019 to a projected €8.84 billion this year. “If we examine these figures calmly and objectively, without falling into panic, it’s clear that menswear remains in good shape,” De Matteis said. “In fact, we’ve grown beyond levels we once considered exceptional.”

To close his address, De Matteis turned to a football metaphor close to his Neapolitan roots. Citing a recent statement from Napoli’s new coach Antonio Conte, who urged his team to “work hard” to earn a win, De Matteis offered fashion a similar call to action.

“Fashion can still win its championship,” he said. “We just have to roll up our sleeves.”