The 26th edition of the Italian textile trade show Milano Unica is starting today. The show, dedicated to fabrics and accessories collections for Spring/Summer 2019, will be on till February 8 at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition centre on the outskirts of Milan. The management says this time there is a 10 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors, from 427 in February 2017 to 470 now. The show will host 416 exhibitors, and 34 Japanese companies featured in the Japan Observatory section, dedicated to Japanese manufacturing excellence and 20 Korean exhibitors featured in the Korea Observatory section.

The show's President Ercole Botto Poala has said, “The satisfaction expressed by buyers last July confirmed our choice was the right one, as it was self-evident, since it enabled us to respond to the market's requirements. Milano Unica's duty has always been to act on the stimuli issued by the world of fashion, not just in the interest of its exhibitors but also of the industry at large." The opening conference will feature a presentation of latest figures on the Italian textile industry.

Also, the conference will give industry the chance to discuss new challenges facing Made in Italy manufacturers, "from sustainability to digital technologies, including fashion tech, new markets and Millennial consumers." Among the speakers, Milano Unica are David Orban, entrepreneur and thought leader on emerging technologies. For the first time, in the Area Tendenze (trends area) section, the show will feature a sub-section dedicated to eco-sustainable products. The Creative Director of Ermenegildo Zegna, Alessandro Sartori, will meet fashion academy students on February 8 to talk about his professional experiences.