MILANO UNICA 41ST EDITION: THE STORYTELLING OF THE TRADE SHOW
Facts and highlights of the event
Milano Unica - 41st edition
The 41st edition further reinforced Milano Unica's international standing as the leading trade show for high-end fabrics and accessories. This success is clearly reflected in the figures: international participation increased by 10% compared to the July 2024 edition, with significant increases from the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, the US, and France. International visitors accounted for 45% of the total, confirming the event’s global reach and adding up to the excellent initial results: 735 total exhibitors, including 584 exhibitors participating in the Ideabiella, Moda In and Shirt Avenue sections (+2.6%). European exhibitors rose by a notable +8.7% alongside the continued strong presence of 459 Italian participants.
MU Tendenze Sostenibilità Area
Great attention was paid to the MU Tendenze Sostenibilità Area, which reached a significant milestone with 3,367 samples registered - a number that reflects the growing and consistent commitment of the participating companies to sustainable practices. The selection featured fabrics and accessories inspired by the MU Performing Tendenze, produced in accordance with sustainability principles. For further insights, read the dedicated article.
e-MilanoUnica Connect allows users to search companies by combining sustainability-related filters with other criteria, such as product category, end use, and style.
Highlights
The 41st edition of Milano Unica introduced several important innovations:
New exhibition layout: a redesigned layout grouped the different sectors of Moda In Fabrics, simplifying visit planning for buyers and professionals.
Special areas and institutional presence: numerous themed areas and institutional booths enriched the visitor experience.
Digital tools: the official Milano Unica App featured new functions, such as matchmaking and appointment scheduling, to help buyers establish contacts and organize their visit.
MU Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 41st edition of Milano Unica featured an opening speech by President Simone Canclini, who highlighted the achievements of recent editions and expressed gratitude to the exhibitors and all those who have contributed to building Milano Unica’s success over time.
The Prefect of Milan, Claudio Sgaraglia, and the President of the City Council, Elena Buscemi, emphasized the strategic importance of the textile supply chain for Milan and for Made-in-Italy products.
Nicola Porro, deputy editor-in-chief of Il Giornale and host of Quarta Repubblica, moderated a panel discussion on continuity and innovation in the textile and luxury industries. The discussion featured Edoardo Zegna, representing the fourth generation of the family business, who shared insights on legacy and vision, and Claudia D'Arpizio, Senior Partner and Global Head of Fashion and Luxury at Bain & Company, who outlined future industry trends focused on authenticity, creativity, and product quality.
To conclude, Canclini introduced a video message from Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency ICE, a long-standing partner of Milano Unica.
e-MilanoUnica Connect
The storytelling continues online: e-MilanoUnica Connect remains the reference hub for inspiration for the Fall/Winter 2026-2027 season.
Upcoming events
Milano Unica will return to Shanghai on September 2, 3, and 4, 2025, for its well-established event dedicated to the Asian market. The next edition of Milano Unica in Milan is scheduled for January 20, 21, and 22, 2026.
