WHO IS ON NEXT? UOMO 2015 Fashion Designers @ PITTI

In cooperation with Altaroma and L’Uomo Vogue, Pitti Immagine will present the seventh edition of WHO IS ON NEXT? UOMO, the competition that seeks out new Italian or Italy-based talents in men’s fashion design.

During Pitti Uomo, an international panel of top buyers, fashion journalists and opinion-makers will be called upon to judge the collections presented by the finalists and to announce the winners.

The seven finalists are: Ilaria Lepore, L72, Miaoran, Omogene and Vittorio Branchizio for prêt-à-porter; and  Mani del Sud and Marco Laganà in the accessories category.

Their collections will be shown to the Pitti Uomo audience in very technical settings conceived to show their creativity to the best. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 16 June, at 10.30 am, on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of Pitti Uomo 88, in the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio.

“WHO IS ON NEXT? UOMO is truly the lead project in promoting new talents in men’s fashions”, says Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine. “It is a launch pad that goes directly to the international scene to acquaint the press and top buyers with their styles and creative talents, and to open new horizons for their careers as fashion designers…exactly what has happened for the winners of all the previous editions”.    

And now, the profiles of this edition’s seven finalists:

Ilaria Lepore –  Psychedelic shapes that expand freedom of movement and new style perspectives are the distinguishing features of the Delirium Summer collection by London-based designer Ilaria Lepore. It’s a philosophy that breaks down common concepts of gender. It’s a new androgynous dress code that combines ultra-light textures like silk and cotton with high-tech materials and  leather in over-size overcoats. It’s a total-black poetic with overalls and jumpers designed for a generation beyond the edge.

Studio L72 – Founded by Lee Wood, the Milan-based English designer, L72 presents collections inspired by the worlds of art, architecture and design. Bringing his past experience, in retail, as a stylist and as a member of the Versace creative team, into his “Collection Zero: Not Conditioned” collection, Lee started by looking for a modern uniform and a military edginess – with softer edges. Streetwear and sporty elements mix with volumes from the 1950s and fine materials  – and craft workmanship of course – in a sophisticated look that makes sensual minimalism and a non-gender concept its manifesto. 

Mani del Sud –  With a fashion design diploma from Polimoda, Florence, a degree in Letters and philosophy and fifteen years of experience designing accessories, in 2013 Raffaele Stella Brienza presented “Mani del Sud”, his first collection of bowties that are entirely hand-sewn and made in Italy. Accessories that are totally handcrafted according to the finest traditions of Southern Italy – the south that the designer loves so dearly, that is filled with memories and that he celebrates in all of his creations through a fascinating play of contrasting textures, colors and decorations.

Marco Laganà –  Simplicity, softness and linear aggression. This is how Marco Laganà – born in 1991 and with a degree from the Politecnico di Milano – defines his Pop-Art Collection.  Footwear classics –  moccasins, derby boots, slippers and sneakers – are made in three materials ranging from extremely high-quality leathers to a special Kevlar fiber fabric. His footwear is craft-constructed and geometric and mixes elements of men’s and women’s styles for a line with a unisex twist. His signature mark, leather triangle on the heel, brings to mind the accent mark on his name, while the toes on the moccasins and low sneakers aren’t there…or are they?

Miaoran –  Born in Shanxi, China, eclectic designer Miao Ran earned a degree in fashion design at the Politecnico di Milano, and a master’s from NABA where he teaches. With a résumé of work in the worlds of art and theater and the Missoni style department, in 2014 he created Miaoran, a clothing collection for men and women with a functional aesthetic. Gender-bending clothes are distinguished by minimal lines and big volumes in a play of black and white, and light and shadow where geometric cuts adapt to the shape of the male and female body. An unusual blend that mixes Oriental traditions and inspirations with the most classic Italian tailoring.

Omogene – Here is an urban and contemporary collection that brings designer Alexis Giannott’s creative career into close touch with his personal vision of menswear. Sartorial garments enriched with technical details and high-tech materials give rise to a subversive elegance where streetwear influence becomes sophisticated, knocking down the barriers between formal and casual. The culture of the 1990s: skateboards, punk music and street art all contribute to the young designer’s poetic.

Vittorio Branchizio – With ten years of experience in the world of knitwear, Vittorio Branchizio launched his own line of men’s knits in 2014. The collections are informed by profound study and experimentation that look to the visual arts, and by his collaboration with creditsvisit herefake watches on amazonmarque de coque de telephoneelfbar marketphone case purse internationally renowned artists.  Fine yarns, advanced technology and design comprise his signature in a blend of romanticism, minimalist shapes and complex textures and geometries.  This is knitwear where apparently conflicting components come together to create a poetic postindustrial atmosphere.

STAY TUNED! from PITTI @ Florence (Italy) by LaModaChannel