Florence · Pitti Uomo 109 · January 14, 2026 · Hotel Savoy
In the sumptuous setting of one of Florence’s most iconic luxury hotels, Hotel Savoy, guests of the Salon of Excellence were immersed in an atmosphere of refined elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, celebrating the world’s finest creators of handmade excellence.
The evening unfolded under the expert moderation of internationally renowned master of ceremonies Mr. Jeyhun Ali, together with the founder of the Salon of Excellence, Mr. Alex Djordjevic of DeGorsi Luxury Consulting. The event opened with the presentation of some of the world’s finest bespoke tailors, led by the legendary Venetian artisan Maestro Franco Puppato, who showcased a unique piece crafted in Ermenegildo Zegna cloth — a refined cotton-and-cashmere blend executed in a denim interpretation. The creation was elegantly worn by renowned men’s fashion model Mr. Massimo Gradini, who moved gracefully among the guests, bringing Maestro Puppato’s sartorial vision to life.
Adding a truly international dimension to the edition titled Olympians of Handmade, created on the occasion of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Salon gathered respected artisans from Italy, France, and Germany, uniting elite craftsmanship with the symbolic spirit of Olympic excellence.
Adding a truly international dimension to the edition titled Olympians of Handmade, created on the occasion of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Salon gathered respected artisans from Italy, France, and Germany, uniting elite craftsmanship with the symbolic spirit of Olympic excellence.
From Frankfurt, tailor Roland Schmidt presented a remarkable interpretation of sartorial winter sportswear: a long waistcoat paired with a short jacket and trousers designed to be shortened and fastened with a small belt into knickerbocker-style pants — an ensemble perfectly suited for skiing.
France was represented by Francesco Florio, a young tailor of outstanding recognition and winner of the Milano Su Misura tailoring competition and the Arbiter Trophy, who presented an iconic piece in Ermenegildo Zegna cloth, styled with a distinctive Prince de Galles–patterned belt.
The Italian fashion scene was represented by Valentino Ricci of Sciamat, a renowned style trendsetter, who introduced a bold and sporty creation: an alpaca overcoat defined by an oversized zipper and a dynamic silhouette.
Beyond tailoring, the Salon of Excellence celebrated the full spectrum of handmade mastery through artisans specializing in shirtmaking, trouser-making, and glove-making, all working with Ermenegildo Zegna fabrics, reaffirming the Maison’s role as the event’s exclusive cloth partner.
One of the world’s most respected shirtmakers, Alessandro Siniscalchi of Maison Siniscalchi (Siniscalchi Milano), presented a striking three-colored piece in precious Zegna CashCo, offering a modern and sporty interpretation of Olympic-inspired elegance. The creation was selected by the Lombardy Region to be included at the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games as an official showcase of regional craftsmanship.
From Naples, Sartoria Voglio (VOGLIO Trousers), fifth-generation trouser makers celebrated for exceptional handwork, presented trousers featuring a unique fastening system — equally suitable for the city and the slopes, designed to be easily tucked into boots.
Completing the winter sports narrative, OMEGA Gloves, one of Naples’ most renowned glove makers led by Alberto Squilace, presented refined men’s gloves combining premium leather with Ermenegildo Zegna fabric.
Guests enjoyed refined finger foods and fine spirits, including rare rums and Black Tie Gin, courtesy of Black Tie Company of Hamburg. The rum selection featured blends including Jamaican rum aged in sherry casks, offering a tasting experience worthy of the evening.
Among the distinguished guests were Francesco Mitrano, President of the Monte Carlo Polo Club; men’s style authority Simon Crompton; Giansandro Cantori, Editor-in-Chief of Bespoke Magazine; Christopher Östlund, Editor-in-Chief of Plaza Magazine International; Alessio Ferracin, CEO of Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna; Giuliano Bensi, President of the Tuscan Classic Car Federation; and, as guest of honor, Mr. Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine.
The evening concluded outside the Hotel Savoy on Piazza della Repubblica, where impeccably dressed gentlemen enjoyed fine cigars by Black Tie before strolling together across the square — a lasting image of elegance, camaraderie, and timeless style.
The Salon of Excellence is not merely an event.
It is a statement — that the future of luxury is handmade.