Pitti Uomo 108, held from June 17 to 20, 2025, in Florence, Italy, was a spectacle of menswear excellence, innovation, and heritage. With more than 730 exhibitors—nearly 45% hailing from outside Italy—the event drew global attention and once again cemented its role as the cornerstone of international men’s fashion.
But beneath the glamour of high-end fashion activations, something far less elegant unfolded. Gracie Opulanza, founder of the esteemed MenStyleFashion platform and a ten-year veteran of fashion coverage, was unfairly discriminated against in a deeply troubling incident that unfolded at the Press’ Restaurant.
Listen to he recording of William & Ilaria, bullying Gracie Opulanza
WHO FUNDS PITTI MAN?
Pitti Uomo operates under Pitti Immagine, a non-profit organization funded by multiple streams:
- Main Partner: UniCredit, which supported sustainability and innovation initiatives at the event.
- Institutional Support: Special grants from MAECI (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Agenzia ICE.
- Public Stakeholders: Florence Municipality, Tuscany Region, and The Center of Florence for Italian fashion.
- Media & Brand Sponsorships: Collaborations with fashion giants and international media bolster both prestige and exposure.
Brands like U.S. Polo Assn. celebrated 135 years of heritage at the show, hosting VIP events at iconic Florentine venues like Santa Maria Novella. Issey Miyake’s Homme Plissé took center stage as Guest of Honour, with showings by Post Archive Faction and Niccolò Pasqualetti underscoring the event’s commitment to global and emerging voices in fashion.
The Discrimination of Gracie Opulanza: A Press Crisis Unfolds
Despite being a recognized journalist and digital publisher with a global following, Gracie Opulanza was denied access to the press’s restaurant, a location she had frequented for interviews and coverage in previous years. When she raised questions about the sudden change in press access, she was abruptly and rudely dismissed by Ilaria head of press and passed on to a contractor named William—someone who staff later admitted was not part of the official Pitti Immagine communications team but rather an external contractor.
Instead of addressing her concerns with professionalism, the incident escalated. Gracie was told by staff that only Ilaria and Lisa were responsible for press matters, and that William should never have intervened. Yet, when the matter was brought to the attention of Pitti Immagine’s director, rather than investigate the facts, he sided with the contractor and banned Gracie from the event entirely.
This decision was made without any formal hearing, evidence review, or verification of her media credentials, which have been used to champion menswear across Europe for over a decade.
The absence of due process and the silence from senior leadership is not just an oversight—it’s institutional discrimination.
Why This Matters
Fashion prides itself on diversity, creativity, and openness. Pitti Uomo’s own narrative pushes innovation, sustainability, and internationalism. But when a woman challenges protocol for fair access and is publicly humiliated and banned without cause, it undermines the very principles Pitti Immagine claims to support.
It also sends a clear message: that long-standing media voices, particularly independent ones led by women, can be discarded when inconvenient.
Gracie Opulanza has attended Pitti Uomo since 2019, giving small brands global visibility, bringing attention to emerging trends, and capturing the energy of Florence through her digital storytelling.
To be ousted without explanation or apology is a stain on the credibility of Pitti Immagine.
A Call for Accountability
Fashion is not just about clothes—it’s about people, voices, and representation.
If Pitti Immagine truly stands for inclusivity and innovation, then it must publicly address this discrimination, issue a formal apology to Gracie Opulanza, and review the internal decision-making processes that allowed such an incident to occur.
Events like Pitti Uomo thrive on international media. Silencing those who hold them to account sets a dangerous precedent.
Until justice is served, this story remains a cautionary tale of what happens when access, ego, and poor judgment collide in the world of luxury fashion.