Why the humble mobile phone is calling the shots at the 2016 Pitti Uomo. Here’s our favourite examples of the unexpected hero accessory at work on the streets of Florence .

The sharply be-suited gentlemen of Florence’s biannual Pitti Uomo trade show are well-known for their exhaustive ability to accessorise, whether it’s finding the perfect patterned tie to offset a chalk-stripe shirt, achieving the optimum “scrunch” factor on a deftly stuffed pocket square or even loading themselves with jewellery. (It was largely thanks to attendees of Pitti Uomo that we at MR PORTER were able to put together our guide on the best way to wear bracelets last year.) One accoutrement of the Pitti Peacock that often goes unremarked, however, is his phone – despite the fact that he’s apparently always on it. Who or what he is calling is unclear – unlike the shows in Paris and Milan, at Pitti there is not much in the way of a scheduled itinerary to stick to, nor is there really anywhere you need to be, apart from the floor of the show. It’s pretty much a situation that requires zero organisation or coordination. So... maybe he’s just a little bit lonely? Is there even anyone on the other end of the line? Unfortunately, such questions are likely to remain forever unanswered. But in tribute to this perennial fallback of Pitti’s finest, here are our favourite phoned-in attitudes from this year’s show (or at least, the ones with the best outfits attached).

A conspicuous position. A statuary posture. Clearly this is an important call – one that requires a time out from the incessant striding up and down that is such a core part of the Pitti experience. It may be a coincidence, but it’s also a pose that nicely showcases the elements of this gentleman’s outfit – comprising a nice inversion of pattern up top (a white-check blue jacket worn over a blue-striped white shirt) and some neatly cuffed chinos below. We also like how he’s left his cuffs unbuttoned – a typically sprezzaturra touch.

Get the look

On first glance this intrepid character may seem to be winding his way through The Matrix, but we assure you he was actually spotted in Florence. In any case, the nicely put-together outfit very clearly says “in transit”: from the denim jacket (which looks like it’s been on a road trip across the US, thanks to its multiple patches – a key trend for the coming season), to the neat backpack and layered bracelets (which look like they’ve picked up from a variety of far-flung destinations). Of course nothing makes you look more important, busy and in-the-middle-of-something as taking a call on the go. Even if, secretly, you’re just checking in with your mum.

Get the look

Some business matters are so urgent that they need to be actioned instantly – cue much swiping and tapping and endless swirly dials as you try and figure out how you try to attach an image to a pre-existing email on an iPhone. (Of course, you can’t. Why, Apple, why?) On the other hand, some addictions to Candy Crush Saga are so pressing you find yourself stopping in the middle of the street to change the date on your operating system to some time in the distant future, so you can have one last go – this time… maybe…? Whichever of the two is happening here, we very much like the presentation of the whole thing. It’s a bold choice to pair deep red trousers with another primary colour like blue, but this Pitti passerby has made it work by mixing together soft shades and textures up top, circumventing the playground aesthetic.

Get the look