Prima MU closed on a positive note with exhibitors, clients and organisers showcasing satisfaction over the networking opportunity. The first, important step towards the diversification and globalization of Milano Unica, following the development of the Shanghai edition, created a meeting point which brought 900 selected garment firms and a total of 1.580 operators to the hall hosting textile/accessories pre-collections, including 66 Italian exhibitors.
The early edition was organised to provide a preview of new fabrics and accessories proposals to top-end clients, who were able to discuss the creation of personalized collections with producers. “I can proudly say that the experiment has been successful,” said Silvio Albini, President of Milano Unica, adding, “The positive response from operators, not only Italian, now demands in-depth consideration on how to bring continuity to this event, not only on behalf of the Presidential Committee of Milano Unica, but, most of all, on behalf of all entrepreneurs in the sector.”
“Collaboration with Lineapelle has already proved positive for both tradeshow appointments – adds Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica. Mosiello further said that the edition will continue in New York on July 20, and then in Milan in September. “In addition, Filo, the yarn fair, will join us in Shanghai in October, with the support of Sistema Moda Italia,” he said.
The firms present were mainly Italian, with 63 percent European, 21percent Asian and 6 percent from the United States. Top-end clients representing brands such as Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Marina Rinaldi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, The Kooples, Paul Smith, Thomas Pink, Turnbull & Asser, Etro, Marni, Versace, Alexander McQueen, visited the event.
The promising atmosphere was offset by data which, despite the positive trade balance, was not very favorable during the first quarter (export increased only for worsted and carded woolens) but confirmed the outlook of Centro Studi SMI, which, in collaboration with the University of Castellanza, foresees a growth in annual turnover at the initial phases of the production chain.
The next edition will be in New York on July 20 to 22, during New York Textile Week. Milano Unica XXI will follow from September 8-10 with its innovations on trends and the On Stage event, in collaboration with Woolmark and the MonteNapoleone Association, sponsored by the City of Milan. 2015 will close with Milano Unica World in Shanghai which will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center from October 13to15.
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