Pitti Uomo has started announcing what new appointments will set the tone for next Pitti Immagine Uomo edition, scheduled to take place in Florence from January 12 to 15, 2027.
Right after the disclosing of Dunhill as Special Guest, they another name will recall attention in Florence–Kartik Research. Just as interest is growing in global markets and regions such as India (read my article analyzing the country’s textile industry), Indian designer Kartik Kumra—founder of the brand—will participate in Florence with a special project scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2027, and specifically conceived for the city’s show program.
“The invitation to Kartik Research stems from the interest sparked by his reflections on fashion. This designer’s spontaneous approach to fashion views craftsmanship as a living language and a crucible for new perspectives, far removed from any nostalgic celebration,” comments Francesca Tacconi, special events manager, Pitti Immagine.
Kartik Research’s language is expressed through contemporary silhouettes where historical knowledge and modern sensibilities converge.
“Indian artisanal techniques and fabrics are breaking into the global discourse, freeing themselves from their exotic origins to assert intellectual and creative authority. From exotic to expert: a shift in perspective that recognizes the active role of the handmade in shaping tomorrow’s creativity and expressing a new concept of luxury, rooted in the memory of the gesture and the beauty of imperfection,” continues Tacconi.
Kartik Research was founded by Kartik Kumra in 2021. It is an artisanal fashion brand from New Delhi, India. Its mantra is to reintroduce humanity into clothing, and every piece features a touch of craftsmanship. Every item is characterized by a return to traditional craftsmanship, with fabrics woven on manual looms and entirely handmade embroidery.
Kartik draws inspiration from the richness of Indian subcultures, creating collections that explore themes such as cultural heritage and aspirations. From the psychedelic rock aesthetic of the 1960s to the Indo-modernist art of the 1980s, the brand loves to explore how traditional craftsmanship reflects cultural movements. Along with that, Kartik Research works closely with master artisans to revive India’s forgotten crafts, bringing them to the attention of a global audience.
“I am truly grateful to the Pitti Immagine team for this opportunity. Looking at the designers who have taken part in the Guest Designer program over the years, being on that list is something special—and certainly not something to be taken for granted,” commented Kartik Kumra.
“For us, it’s an opportunity to continue growing as we always have, letting the world around us guide our work in new directions,” he added.
This season, the focus of the collection is on the ancient connection between Indian textiles and Florence—on the journey of Indian textiles orchestrated by Florentine merchants, which has become part of the visual and aspirational language associated with the city today. It’s wonderful to return to that exchange, this time in the opposite direction.
“We’re excited—and a little overwhelmed—at the idea of bringing Kartik Research to Florence,” concluded Kumra.
In November 2025, Kartik won the “FTA 2025 Guest Country Award – India,” and since October of that same year, he has been listed among “Time” magazine’s 100 most influential people. In 2026, Kartik was also named a semifinalist for the LVMH Prize.
Kartik Research runs two flagship stores, in New York and Delhi, and its collections are available at retailers such as Mr. Porter, Selfridges, Dover Street Market (London, NYC, LA, Ginza, Paris, and Beijing), as well as Harrods, Mohawk General Store, Lane Crawford, and Biotop.