The 31st edition of Milano Unica closed at Fieramilano Rho, with 207 exhibitors, of which 171 Italian and 36 foreign, showcasing their collections of high-end fabrics and accessories for menswear, womenswear and childrenswear for the A/W 2021 season.

2,400 companies attended the first trade show to physically open its doors in Italy after lockdown. Particularly important, as well as unexpected, was the participation of foreign companies (about 400). In particular, the presence of American, Japanese, British, English, French, Swiss and German representatives was noteworthy.

In his opening speech, the President of Milano Unica had remarked on the exceptionality of the moment in which the 31st edition of the Italian Textiles and Accessories Trade Show has been held and the rather difficult decision to confirm the dates after the postponement of last July. In thanking all the exhibitors who, with courage and determination, decided to participate in the trade show, the President had underscored how important it was for the whole industry and beyond, to give a bold message of restart, cohesion and continuity.

Alessandro Barberis Canonico, President of Milano Unica:

“In observance of the safety protocols, thanks to the stringent measures adopted, a bold message of confidence has been extensively shared by exhibitors and buyers and I hope this will act as an icebreaker, contributing to recreating the conditions that promote recovery. Physical trade shows are fundamental for the textiles and accessories sector, for the very nature of the product, which comes to life when it is presented live, that it is of the essence to avoid focusing on the short term, but instead to adopt a long-term perspective and continue to invest in trade shows, keeping an eye on the future scenarios and the potential economic and commercial developments. Creativity, innovation and digital sustainability are the pillars we must leverage on with determination, because Milano Unica confirms its status as a point of reference for the excellence of global textiles.”

Carlo Ferro, President of the Italian Trade Agency:

“The inauguration of Milano Unica at Fiera Milano, on Tuesday, was a sign of restart for the trade show business, thanks to the optimism of the participating companies and the sector’s commitment to keep the autumn fair calendar going. Congratulations to the Milano Unica organization.”

Massimo Mosiello, General Director of Milano Unica:

“It was a complex edition, not only because there were only two days of trade show to manage. The uncertainties resulting from the global pandemic have put a strain on the organization and preparation of the event. The satisfaction of our participating exhibitors and buyers largely compensates for the dedication and commitment injected by the entire staff of Milano Unica. It was not only an image event meant just to keep the Made-in-Italy flag flying, but also an important moment for making contacts and negotiations. The occasion was exploited also by the Education Committee, set up by SMI and Confindustria Moda, to meet in support of the provision of training for the benefit of the new professional profiles necessary to face global challenges. I would like to extend special thanks to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency which, despite the extraordinary situation, has never failed to provide us with their traditional economic aid and the essential support for the promotion on international markets.”

The e-MilanoUnica Connect

Among the main novelties of the trade show worth noting is the further development of e-MilanoUnica Connect, realized in collaboration with Pitti Immagine, which has made available the experience of its new omnichannel model.

The digital marketplace provides an opportunity for participating companies to offer virtual showrooms with different levels of accessibility.

The synergy between Milano Unica and Filo continued also in this season. Filo was present in the Tendenze Area with a selection of exclusively sustainable yarns that are part of the Filoflow project.