Together for a comeback

Wednesday, September 9, 2020: The 31st edition of Milano Unica, showcasing the A/W 2021-22 collections of high-end fabrics and accessories for menswear, womenswear and childrenswear, closed its doors. A special edition, given the context in which it was held, but also a bold signal of a comeback. 

Milano Unica is, in fact, the first trade show in Italy to physically open its doors after lockdown. 

 

“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,” said Alessandro Barberis Canonico, President of Milano Unica.

 

The 31st edition of Milano Unica saw the participation of 207 exhibitors, 36 of which foreign, and 2,400 visitors. Particularly important was also the participation of approximately 400 foreign companies attending the trade show, coming from Europe, the US and Japan. 

 

The traditional Opening Ceremony, introduced by the President of Milano Unica, was held on last September 8 with the attendance of prominent representatives of the corporate, associative and institutional world: Marino Vago, President of Sistema Moda Italia, Cirillo Marcolin, President of Confindustria Moda, Carlo Maria Ferro, President of the Italian Trade Agency, Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

 

The Ceremony was the occasion to remark on the exceptionality of the moment in which the 31st edition of Milano Unica was held and thank all the exhibitors who, with courage, decided to participate in the trade show, contributing to sending out a bold message of restart, cohesion and continuity. 

 

The 31st edition presented a few novelties to exhibitors and visitors. One of these is  e-MilanoUnica Connect, the digital marketplace project with advanced features, developed in collaboration with Pitti Immagine, which has made available the experience of its new omnichannel model.

 

Great interest was also confirmed for the Tendenze and Sustainability Area, which – for the second time - presented the very best of the creative and sustainable proposals developed by the exhibitors.  

 

For the first time, with the collaboration of Filo, the trade show showcased a selection of exclusively sustainable yarns that are part of the Filoflow project.

 

The organization of a physical trade show in such a particular time is of the essence for the entire textiles and accessories industry, as it offers important commercial, but also relational and institutional, meeting opportunities. “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," said Massimo Mosiello, General Director of Milano Unica.

 

Milano Unica thanks also Sistema Moda Italia and the Municipality of Milan for their continued support and Fiera Milano for its precious collaboration. In addition, Milano Unica expresses its gratitude to Banca Sella and Lauretana for their sponsorship.

 

See you in February 2021 with the 32nd edition of Milano Unica.