The 40th edition of Milano Unica, which opened with a record-breaking 723 exhibitors, saw an extraordinary presence of international visitors. For the first time, foreign companies accounted for 40% of the total attendees, reaffirming Milano Unica’s international standing in the high-end textile and accessories sector. In total, approximately 4,800 international buyers representing around 2,500 companies (+30.5%) visited Milano Unica’s stands, contributing to an overall attendance of about 6,500 companies (+10%). This figure is even more significant given the additional increase in Italian companies, exceeding 4,000 (+3.5%).

Double-digit growth was recorded in key export markets, both in terms of the number of companies per country and percentage growth: France (+35%), the United Kingdom (+41%), the USA (+25%), Spain (+55%), Germany (+51%), Japan (+27.5%), Switzerland (+19%), and China (+14%). Additionally, notable growth was seen in emerging markets of potential interest: the United Arab Emirates (+75%), Saudi Arabia (+50%), and Brazil (+55%).

During the opening ceremony, introduced by the President of Milano Unica, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, sent his greetings and best wishes for a successful event via video message. In attendance was also the Prefect of Milan, Claudio Sgaraglia, who focused on an upcoming protocol aimed at combating illegal labor practices in the fashion supply chain. Up next was the round table discussion "Textiles, Production is the True Luxury", moderated by Nicola Porro, Deputy Director of Il Giornale, blogger, and host of Quarta Repubblica, featuring Toni Belloni, President Italy LVMH, and Alessandra Gritti, Vice President and CEO of Tamburi Investment Partners. The starting point for both was the unusual market situation that emerged after Covid. Belloni described it as an "excess of transitory desirability", while Gritti referred to it as a "distorted market", leading to a significant rise in fashion product prices. As a result, many industry players underestimated the importance of fostering creativity. This was followed by a slowdown, which, according to Belloni, saw consumers adopting a more cautious approach, contributing to the double-digit growth of the second-hand market. Gritti, however, does not see this as a recession but rather as a phase of consolidation.

Prompted by Porro, Belloni and Gritti addressed the challenges faced particularly by small family-owned businesses in the supply chain and their crucial role in fostering creativity in the final product. They emphasised the importance of structured companies supporting these smaller players through strategic alliances. The discussion also highlighted the major obstacles companies face in accessing bank credit and the rising costs linked to excessive regulations – particularly in sustainability – imposed by the European Union. The Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and the President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, each within their respective areas of competence, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the industry's interests at the European level. Their efforts are particularly focused on streamlining bureaucratic procedures and advocating for "sustainability that is truly sustainable for businesses."

The 41st edition of Milano Unica is scheduled on July, 8-10, 2025.