Yesterday at the Carven presentation in Florence at Pitti Uomo, menswear designer Guillaume Henry revealed that the brand are planning to open a stand-alone store in New York soon. When asked about timescale he wouldn't budge but it's definitely happening.

The presence of the brand's menswear collection at Pitti this year is big. Aside from giving the brand exposure generally, it has also pushed the menswear limb of the business to the forefront. At present the brand is only available at Opening Ceremony and Barneys so the news is definitely going to be music to the ears of the fans out there.

Are you excited?

It's only a few months before Pitti W and Pitti Uomo take place, and organisers got us excited when they announced this year's guest designers yesterday. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte will design for the former, and expect Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders for the latter.

“Rodarte and Band of Outsiders are two very different design talents,” Lapo Cianchi, the director of communication and events at Pitti Immagine, said. “But they both connect us to the mythology of Western America: Los Angeles, where all three designers live and work; film, which they are obviously interested in; and the expanses of the interstate highway that runs through California or heads into the desert of Nevada. The European curiosity about California culture and the landscape played an important role in Pitti’s decision to invite both designers to Florence at the same time.”

All three designers have released statements about the news. "Italy has always captured our imaginations and inspired us artistically," the Rodarte sister explained, "so we look forward to having the opportunity to share our vision there." Sternberg agreed: "Italy is a second home to me, where I've produced our collections for the last three years. Being invited by Pitti is such an honor."

Lars Nilsson has had a tough time over the last couple of years. In 2006 he was replaced at Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens. Then in 2008 he was unceremoniously dirched by Gianfranco Ferre and just as things were shaping up for him to take over Halston, Marios Schwab pipped him to the post.

His tenacity has however paid off as rumour has it that Nilsson will soon be manufacturing his very own Men's line in collaboration with an Italian tailoring manufacturer. By next spring Nilsson should hopefully be celebrating the launch of the collection at the Pitti Uomo in Florence.