JiyongKim Announced as Special Guest for Pitti Uomo 110 in June 2026
The South Korean designer will bring his signature “Sun-Bleach” process and a slow fashion ideology to Florence.
Summary
- South Korean designer Jiyong Kim has been announced as a Special Guest for the upcoming Pitti Immagine Uomo 110, scheduled for June 16-19, 2026
- Instead of a traditional runway show, the 2024 LVMH Prize standout will present his vision through an immersive, project-event exhibition at the Fortezza da Basso
- The exclusive installation will highlight the brand’s signature “Sun-Bleach” technique and sustainable approach to transforming vintage garments into one-of-a-kind pieces
The prestigious Pitti Immagine Uomo menswear trade show is officially expanding its highly anticipated roster, announcing South Korean label JiyongKim as a Special Guest for its 110th edition. Set to take place from June 16 to 19, 2026 in Florence, Italy, the event will see designer Jiyong Kim bring his distinct, experimental vision to the historic Fortezza da Basso.
A standout talent who garnered international acclaim during the 2024 LVMH Prize, JiyongKim is celebrated for his rebellious perspective on menswear and innovative approach to sustainability. Stepping entirely away from the traditional runway format, the designer plans to present an exclusive project-event concept conceived specifically for Pitti Uomo. According to Kim, the dynamic exhibition will allow garments, space, and time to interact and unfold together, offering attendees a deeply layered and immersive experience.
At the core of the upcoming presentation is JiyongKim’s signature “Sun-Bleach” process, a technique that harnesses natural elements to shape, fade, and organically distress each piece. “At JiyongKim, we do not see clothing as a fixed result, but as something that evolves through time and exposure,” the designer shared in a statement. The brand’s slow fashion ideology also focuses heavily on dimensional pattern-making and the artistic transformation of vintage fabrics into completely unique, unrepeatable garments.
“Our interest in JiyongKim’s work began almost as soon as he debuted,” explained Francesca Tacconi, Pitti Immagine Special Events Coordinator. “His style ranges from technical experimentation to a refined play of contrasts… We felt it was important to bring to Pitti Uomo his fresh approach to materials’ second life, in relation to the incessant flow of time.”
Supported by the Fondazione Pitti Discovery and the Korea Creative Content Agency, JiyongKim joins an impressive lineup of guest designers for the June 2026 edition of Pitti Uomo, taking his place alongside Simone Rocha, Noir Kei Ninomiya, and Danish brand Sunflower.
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