Israeli-born and Paris-based designer Hed Mayner has been announced as the Guest Designer for Pitti Uomo No. 109, set to take place in Florence from 13 to 16 January 2026. Known for his sculptural reinterpretation of menswear, Mayner’s appointment has heightened anticipation for the upcoming fair, following the news of 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Designers winner Soshi Otsuki’s participation. Together, these announcements mark a pivotal moment for both designers and for the evolving language of contemporary tailoring.
Held twice a year at Florence’s Fortezza da Basso, Pitti Uomo remains one of the world’s most influential menswear trade fairs. Since its inception in 1972, it has become a vital meeting point for designers, buyers and editors. Each edition spotlights a guest designer whose work embodies the defining spirit of modern menswear, with past names including Martine Rose and Grace Wales Bonner. Beyond its runway presentations, Pitti Uomo continues to serve as a global barometer for tailoring, craftsmanship, and the future of men’s style.
A graduate of the Institut Français de la Mode, Mayner launched his eponymous label to critical acclaim, earning recognition for his ability to fuse architectural precision with a personal approach to dressing. His collections are characterised by voluminous silhouettes and generous cuts, allowing for ease and fluidity. As Francesca Tacconi of Pitti Immagine observes, his work “rests lightly on the body yet is dense with physicality.”
At Pitti, Mayner will stage a special runway event — his first at the storied fair — signalling a new phase in his brand’s evolution. His participation not only reinforces Pitti Uomo’s commitment to directional design but also cements his reputation as one of the most relevant and compelling voices in menswear today.
Audiences can expect expansive tailoring: wide-leg trousers, oversized outerwear and draped shirting rendered in subdued, earthy palettes. Mayner’s work continues to challenge traditional notions of gender and proportion, proposing garments that shift between utilitarian and fluid.
Since winning the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize in 2019, Mayner has refined his vision with remarkable consistency. His forthcoming Pitti Uomo presentation promises to be one of the defining moments of the January 2026 menswear calendar.
