The Diary: Gentleman’s Journal joins Alexander Kraft for a stylish ‘Tailgating Party’ at Pitti Uomo

Outside the storied Odeon Cinema on Florence’s historic Piazza degli Strozzi, guests including Alessandro Squarzi, Auro Montanari and Franco Mazetti sipped cocktails, inspected fine garments and appreciated vintage cars...

Style and cinema go hand-in-hand — especially when the movie theatre in question is as characterful as Florence’s fashionable Odeon Cinema. Sitting proudly on the Italian city’s Piazza degli Strozzi, this iconic Renaissance destination was once a palace, and today is a cultural cornerstone in the great Tuscan town. And, adding yet more verve and style to the cinema last Thursday evening, Chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty France — Monaco, hotelier, music producer and fashion designer Alexander Kraft hosted a Pitti Uomo party on the cobbles outside.

With such esteemed Italian guests as entrepreneur Alessandro Squarzi and TBD Eyewear founder Fabio Attanasio, Kraft threw the elegant party to celebrate and unveil the latest collections from his inimitable sartorial label, ‘Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo’. Launched two years ago to immediate acclaim, the brand evokes classic style — but stitches a contemporary twist into every piece. Each garment is sustainably handmade in Italy, and plays with a sophisticated palette of greys, blues, whites and browns.

Showcasing the latest sharp collections at Florence’s Odeon (the clothes can be purchased online, and the label is currently launching a women’s line following the striking success of the men’s line), Kraft highlighted summer-ready pieces including suits, cashmere sweaters, polos, shoes and belts.

"Launched two years ago, the brand evokes classic style..."

Strong red spins on the classic Negroni (‘Kraftonis’) were also stirred together in collaboration with 44°N Gin, heralding another joint venture of Kraft’s that will soon launch. Partnering with the renowned Grasse-based gin producer, Kraft’s pre-mixed, bottled cocktails will feature his beloved late dog, Bertie, on the label.

Holding their carefully-crafted cocktails, guests mingled among and around three lovingly customised motors from Kraft’s renowned collection at the event, displayed alongside a selection of his favourite artworks, valuable collectibles — such as polo boots — and vintage Louis Vuitton luggage.

Kraft welcomed over 200 distinguished guests to the ‘Tailgating Party’ — and 100 of his attendees arrived even before the event officially started. Influencers including Remco Sijtzema, Iuru Marini, Austin Pollak and Franco Mazetti also shared a ‘Kraftoni’ or two with their host — and Gentleman’s Journal Head of International Partnerships Drew Laidlaw Hoare was our man on the ground. Join them below…

Fabio Attanasio

Andreas Klow

Anton Welcome & Giuseppe Gargiulo

Alessandro Squarzi

Mathilde Biondi Morra di Belforte, Michele D’Istia, Alexander Kraft & Chris Modoo

Franco Mazetti

Robert Spangle

Alessandro Squarzi, Alexander Kraft and Auro Montanari

Francesco Maglia & Francesca Seragin

Andy Poupart & Anne Hjerl

Samir Imran

Nicola Radano

Joslyn Clarke

Andreas Klow, Niklas Nystrom & guest

Denis Tichonov

Nat Schedler

Angel A. Ramos, Alexander Kraft & Tommaso Melani

Want more summery Italian style? We asked 10 influencers to define the term ‘sprezzatura’…

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