“Thanks to the confirmation of 342 participating companies, representing +27% compared to the last edition of Milano Unica, and a consequently greater offer, we have recorded an increased number of visitors. Let me extend sincere thanks to the exhibitors and buyers who, despite the many uncertainties, have confirmed the unique and imperative characteristic of Milano Unica,” said Alessandro Barberis Canonico, President of Milano Unica.

342 participating companies, including 290 Italian and 52 foreign, showcased their S/S 2023 collections of fabrics and accessories for menswear, womenswear and childrenswear. A total of 3,600 companies (+16%) visited the 34th edition of the Trade Show of Italian Textiles and Accessories. Compared to the previous edition, there was a considerable increase in the number of foreign companies (+35% total) from United Kingdom (+195%), the Netherlands (+70%), Poland (+29%), USA (+26.5%) and France (+14%).

Alessandro Barberis Canonico, President of Milano Unica:

“The result of the 34th edition is certainly reflected by the increased number of exhibitors, but also by the changed mood in the market. The recovery in consumer spending, the reduced pressure of the pandemic and improved sales have definitely given an injection of confidence both to the increasing number of exhibitors and buyers looking for new stimuli for their collections. We also addressed an important and topical issue, that of technical training in the textile-apparel industry. Today, we are facing a paradox: on the one hand, companies are seeking technical professional profiles, and, on the other, the supply of such industrial experts seems to be insufficient, despite a high unemployment rate. The opinion expressed by Confindustria Moda Education Committee, together with the TAM network, in the person of Paolo Bastianello, was very interesting and, last but not least, the testimony given by Brunello Cucinelli in the Back to School event stimulated, motivated and provided valuable insights to the participating fashion school students.”

One of many challenges: Creating attractive working conditions

At the beginning of the traditional opening ceremony, a minute’s silence was dedicated to Nino Cerruti, the pioneering entrepreneur from Biella who recently passed away.

All the participants were introduced by the President of Milano Unica, who invited them to an informal discussion on the future of the industry and, more generally, of the fashion system. Sustainability, digitalization and greater flexibility are not the only challenges that need to be faced in order to maintain an active and prominent role in global competition: it is also important to develop attractive and gratifying working conditions for the younger generations, thanks also to the contribution of a renewed cultural and educational engagement from the competent institutions.

Milano Unica did not miss the appointment with digital technology, announcing further developments of its marketplace, e-MilanoUnica Connect, the platform designed to help amplify the business activities and international relations of its exhibitors through the virtual extension of the trade show. All this has been made possible also thanks to the strengthening of the partnership with Pitti Immagine.