Optimism prevailed at the recently concluded textile trade show Milano Unica despite several geopolitical instability and supply chain issues faced by exhibitors. As per a Woman’s Wear Daily report the two-day show, which saw a 16 per cent rise in the number of attendees, was attended by over 342 exhibitors at the Milano Rho fairgrounds. The show opened with Barberis Canonico, President, Milano Unica paying a tribute to late designer Nino Cerruti. Textile executives attending the show projected a positive outlook for 2022. Giorgio Todesco, CEO, Marzotto Wool Manufacturing, confirmed a 35 per cent rise in seasonal orders compared to corresponding period in 2018-19.
Experts demand adjustments to rising prices
The industry is experiencing a better-than-expected recovery, noted Ercole Botto Poala, CEO, Reda. The Biella-based mill expects its turnover to increase to €90 million this year. However, Todesco said, consumers will have to adapt to increased retail prices even though narrowing price difference between super-fine wools and regular options may level off. Poala also forecasted an uptick in raw material prices in the long term. Meanwhile, Vasiliy Piacenza, Brand Manager Director, Piacenza 1733 pointed out, rising prices may not impact the premium luxury segment much with wealthy consumers.
To deal with rising raw material prices, the textile industry will also have to adjust its prices, said Filippo Vadda, CEO, Lanificio Fratelli Cerruti. Manufacturers like Marzotto Wool Manufacturing said, they aim to introduce cogeneration plants to offset rising energy prices. On the other hand, Eurojersey plans to refurbish its weaving and dyeing departments with an investment of €9 million this year while Lanificio Fratelli Cerruti will revamp its weaving room with new Itema looms. Companies currently involved in refurbishing operations also plan to expand their operations.
Rising interest in cotton alternatives
A growing interest in cotton alternatives was noted at the trade show as exhibitors included woolen shirts in their collection. Marzotto Wool Manufacturing introduced a soft and lightweight off-white version of the white shirt, while Reda blended wool and linen as a part of its Reda Active performance-inclined collection.
At Vitale Barberis Canonico, lightweight versions of denim-looking fabrics and mottled ocher suits were showcased while Piacenza 1733introuduced a textile derived from the Himalayan urtica dioica that blended with silk and wool and delivered tactile and shimmering effects to very light blazers. Como-based silk specialist Canepa introduced fabrics embellished with luxrex damasks, moiré effects as well as cloth-dyed paisleys. Its womenswear offerings included shimmering tie-dye fabrics that blended silk and poly, and fil coupè geometric-patterned textiles with Lurex lozenges.
Focusing on performance fabrics, Vitale Barberis Canonico’s Off Limits collection, introduced Technonatural range that blended recycled man-made fibers with viscose, hemp, linen and cotton boasting stretch qualities and textured effects. Similarly, Maglificio Maggia blended linen and Lycra, cotton and Coolmax or nylon to create knitted suits. The firm introduced technical knits into sportswear range besides offering clothes made from Lenzing’s lsdyocell Tencel.
To achieve denim and corduroy effects, Eurojersey continued to develop its Sensitive Fabrics. The company acquired new partners including Skims and the Brady Brand in the US.
