The special project Detroitissimi makes its debut at Pitti Uomo 104, June 13 - 16, 2023, staged at the Costruzioni Lorenesi, bringing together a collective of six brands that will showcase the best of Detroit, Michigan-based creativity: from hand-crafted jeans to accessories, contemporary menswear, and sustainable streetwear.

The project is presented by the College for Creative Studies (CCS), a top ranked U.S. art and design institute which plays a key role in Detroit’s cultural and educational communities. Octane Design, an award-winning Michigan-based company, has designed the venue for Detroitissimi to exhibit at Pitti Uomo. Muralist Mike Han will bring Detroit street art elements to the show through live painting.

As part of Detroitissimi, a collaboration between CCS x Carhartt will be presented at the show, highlighting the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and brands.

Here's the list of the brands joining forces to form Detroitissimi:

B.May Bags
B.May was founded by Barbara May over twenty years ago with a vision to create artisanal luxury leather handbags that are relevant, chic, and timeless in a fast changing marketplace. Aki Choklat is a Finnish designer known for his contemporary and avant-garde footwear designs, who also creates unique and luxurious bags. His brand has gained recognition for its exceptional quality and innovation, and is sought after by fashion enthusiasts around the world. BM.AC, a collaboration between B.May and Aki Choklat brings together their shared commitment to craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail. The resulting collection offers a bold and unique range of bags that are both practical and stylish. Each bag in this collection is handcrafted using the finest materials and techniques. The skilled artisans at B.May bring their passion and expertise to every piece, ensuring that each bag is a true work of art. The result is a collection that is not only fashionable but also durable and functional, with attention paid to every detail.

Boswell Millinery
Boswell Millinery was founded in 1994. He made his first hat because he could not find what he wanted in the marketplace. He wore it to a concert and garnered lots of attention. Over a period of approx. 3 years he produced 4 seasonal collections and many custom orders. Frustrated with a lack of interest in head wear, he turned to a full time career in fashion photography. Five years ago a dear friend and hat fan asked if he would revive his career and create a hat for her to wear to a special event. He thought about it and agreed. The exercise was a success and he felt so great to be back creating with his hands. Boswell took the new “collection” to Paris in 2019 to show some friends in the fashion business. He showed the first collection of this new era, “Ghost” at Showroom Place Des Vosges in Paris, March 2020. Later he has had several pop-up showings and his brand also won a grant from the State of Michigan. Neiman Marcus has hosted 3 in store pop-up events. Linda Dresner also took his line into her famous retail space. Today he has a thriving retail/custom hat business.

Detroit Denim Co.
Detroit Denim Co. is a brand and apparel manufacturer located in Detroit, Michigan. The brand's approach advances a growing movement to transform the industry through made-to-order manufacturing and personalized customer relationships. Its made-to-order model reduces waste from overproduction, while allowing customers to customize their products to their specifications. It offers free repairs for the life of the products, and recycle them when they’ve reached their end-of-life.

Deviate
Deviate is a Detroit-based fashion label designing luxury mens/womenswear collections that emphasize sustainable textile innovation and artistry. With each new collection, we write an original storybook to inspire design. Through hand-crafted textile capabilities, each Deviate piece tells a different part of the storybook.

K. Walker Collective
Founded in 2018 in Detroit, Michigan by Ken Walker, KWC is a high-street, lifestyle apparel brand equipping audacious professionals with an eclectic range of street, comfort, and refined garments. Birthed from black pride, spirit, culture, resilience, and joy, K. Walker Collective is the essence of clothing and apparel driven by servitude, solidarity, and unapologetic dedication to the classic man and woman innately rooted in infectious individualism and pristine appearance.

CCS x Carhartt
The educational partnership between CCS (College For Creative Studies) Students and Carhartt is part of a CCS initiative focusing on experiential learning, which assists with the preparation for life after graduation. It provides students with opportunities to gain practical skills through hands-on experiences with faculty, peers, industry, and community partners.

Detroitissimi
June 13 - 16, 2023
Costruzioni Lorenesi
Fortezza da Basso - Florence
www.uomo.pittimmagine.com