On December 4, the Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFWO), a key player in Japan’s fashion industry, announced its partnership with PITTI IMMAGINE, a leading force in organizing international fashion trade fairs and events in Italy. This collaboration aims to drive the development of the fashion industries in both countries through integrated promotional activities.
Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of PITTI IMMAGINE, commented: “The Japanese fashion system plays a pivotal role in the textile and product divisions of Italian fashion and PITTI IMMAGINE’s trade fair business. We also understand how instrumental PITTI’s trade shows and events are in promoting exceptional Japanese fashion proposals to the global stage.” He added, “Supporting Japan’s manufacturers, retailers, and designers is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s politically and economically challenging international markets.” Napoleone expressed confidence that this partnership would open new opportunities for both nations’ fashion ecosystems.
Similarly, Hiroshi Komoda, Executive Director of JFWO, described the partnership as “an efficient first step into the European market for many Japanese brands.” To date, JFWO has facilitated the introduction of over 50 brands, including sulvam, BED j.w. FORD, and yoshiokubo, through PITTI IMMAGINE’s platform. Building on this track record, JFWO aims to showcase even more Japanese brands and projects on the global stage moving forward.
At the heart of this collaboration lies “PITTI UOMO,” PITTI IMMAGINE’s flagship trade fair. Focused on menswear, this event is a must-attend for buyers and industry professionals worldwide, and this international partnership is expected to invigorate the industry further.
The upcoming “PITTI UOMO 107,” scheduled for January 14–17, 2025, will welcome Satoshi Kuwata, the designer behind the brand Setchu, as its guest designer. Famed for blending Japanese and Western cultural elements in his designs, Kuwata will debut his first runway show at the National Central Library in Florence on January 16, 2025.
This new partnership between PITTI IMMAGINE and JFWO promises to breathe fresh energy into the fashion industries of both countries. It marks a significant milestone in fostering creative potential for the next generation on the global stage.
