Workwear at Pitti Immagine Uomo

For its 75th edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo, the Italian fashion trade fair will present the exhibition 'Workwear'. Curated by Olivier Saillard and Oliviero Toscani, the showcase will open on 13th January 2009 at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence. Workwear will present clothing, accessories, images and sound installations of both the fashion and work world. The exhibition will show how the functional esthetics of work clothes, developed to move with the body and protect it, have provided a source of inspiration since the beginning of the twentieth century. Rather then just giving a historical outline about work clothes, Workwear will present the references and inspirations between the two.

Displayed on industrial workbenches, clothing and related items for all work environments will offer an overview based on quantities, original shapes and materials. Workwear will feature 300 different work-suits; 2,500 safety and protective gear from hardhats to gloves; and 18,000 images in sequence, including iconic images by August Sander. The exhibition will also display 60 video and photo projections related to the topic.

70 Garments by established fashion names will be part of the exhibit. From Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent, from Krizia to Prada, from Armani to Moschino, from Comme des Garçons to Yamamoto, from CP Company to Stone Island – all selected by Olivier Saillard, curator of the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, with supported by Maria Luisa Frisa. The clothes will be arranged by theme and references. Videos of fashion shows and shoots blowups will be projected on walls highlighting what fashion has acquired and adapted from the working world.

'Workwear, Lavoro Moda Sudezione' will run from 13th January until 8th February 2009 and is sponsored by Centro di Firenze par La Moda Italiana and Pitti Immagine. The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue published by Marisilio of Venice and the Fondazione Pitti Discovery for the series MODE.

Image: Pitti Immagine Uomo (June 2008)