Brunello Cucinelli

I spent last week in Florence, Italy covering Pitti Uomo and Pitti W, the men's and women's trade shows known best for translating high-fashion trends to retail. You won't find middle-of-the-road brands at this event: Each label is either steeped in tradition, or starting a revolution in its specific category. (Whether that's men's brogues, outerwear, bow ties, or hats.) When I wasn't scurrying off to press previews, runway shows, or, um, blogging, I was floating from booth to booth, checking out what the vendors had on offer. Here's a bit of what I saw. (Tomorrow, I'll reveal my new street style icon, who I found at the fair.)

We’ve always loved American Apparel, and not just for their stock of basics, but for that second part of their name- “Made In Downtown LA.” But truth