
Milan, February 4, 2025 – Milano Unica, the Italian trade show for high-end textiles and accessories, opens the doors of its 40th edition at Fiera Milano Rho showcasing the Spring/Summer 2026 collections in halls 13-15 and 22-24. This edition has reached a record high in the number of exhibitors (723), the most in its 20 years of history. In particular, these include 556 exhibitors (+9.5 compared to the January 2024 edition) in the three Ideabiella, Moda In and Shirt Avenue exhibitions; 150 exhibitors in the Special Areas and the Korea and Japan Observatories, plus 17 publishers.
Compared to the January 2024 edition, the increased number of exhibitors required an expansion of the exhibition space by more than 12%.
These noteworthy outcomes serve as an essential instrument for promoting their collections internationally and validate the confidence of Milano Unica’s leading producers of luxury textiles and accessories. Every Italian district is represented at the trade fair, despite the challenging time for the Made-in-Italy industry as a whole.
With a few notable exceptions, the Confindustria Research Center projects that sales of Made-in-Italy textiles fell in 2024 on both the domestic market (-5.2%) and exports (-8.5%). Specifically, China, which together with Hong Kong makes up over 10% of all exports, experienced a 4.8% growth. Additionally, shipments to Sri Lanka and Vietnam increased, accounting for 5% of total exports. Additionally, it should be mentioned that export volumes decreased little (-1.3%) in the first nine months of 2024. This demonstrates that, despite reduced pricing and profit margins, overall textile exports in 2024 were nearly equal to those in 2023 in terms of quantity. This is a positive indication that 2025 will see improved performance.
“The important milestone reached in this 40th edition of Milano Unica, with a record high in the number of exhibitors, should stimulate us even further to strengthen its leadership at the international level. Particularly in this context of economic uncertainty and widespread geopolitical tensions, there is a need for a strong and qualified tool to promote and support the international expansion of Made-in-Italy and Made-in-Europe textiles and accessories. Thanks to the widespread creativity, capacity for innovation and attention to sustainability of the professionals operating in the various specialized districts, the industry remains a point of reference for our country, generating income and employment and with a positive impact on the trade balance as well,” said Simone Canclini, President of Milano Unica. “Milano Unica is growing as a research incubator, promoting dialogue between the past, the present and the future to support the evolution of creativity. The exhibition dedicated to Anna Piaggi, an iconic figure in the fashion world, renowned for her unique and visionary style, her ability to break conventions and promote innovative aesthetics, goes exactly in this direction,” he concluded.
Every season, Milano Unica offers unique spaces that have evolved into complementary parts of the exhibition panorama in addition to cross-cutting initiatives aimed at tradition, creativity, the arts, aesthetics, and technological innovation.
Through striking visuals and effects, The Cube Still Frame is an immersive video installation that explores the trend concepts showcased at the trade fair, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Beyond Tailoring is a new project resulting from the partnership of major players in the textile supply chain. An immersive, multisensory storytelling journey focusing on processes of menswear production across the different phases.
The special areas always include the Innovation Area, organized by TexClubTec, the Technical Textiles Section of Confindustria Moda, to increase the visibility of product and process innovations and enhance the importance of interaction between companies of the entire supply chain.
Mare di Moda has been promoting and protecting Made-in-Europe collections of beachwear, lingerie and athleisure fabrics and accessories of controlled origin since 2002, at the main trade show in Cannes, Miami and London.
Startup Textile Connection with 8 Italian startups that will cover a broad range of areas: from circular economy to scrap management, quality control, traceability and digital solutions.
Many honored guests attended the opening ceremony: in videoconnection, Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance, who sent a motivational message; Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region; and Claudio Sgaraglia, Prefect of Milan.
Matteo Masini, Director of Consumer Goods Office, took part on behalf of the Italian Trade Agency ICE.
The round table focused on a critical theme, “Textiles: production is the real luxury,” emphasizing how the excellence of Made-in-Italy products is a fundamental quality pillar and guarantee.
Moderated by Nicola Porro, Deputy Editor of Il Giornale, blogger and host of Quarta Repubblica, the two influential speakers, Toni Belloni, President of LVMH Italy, and Alessandra Gritti, Deputy-President and CEO of Tamburi Investment Partners, highlighted how spinning and weaving upstream in the supply chain are key to the performance of the high-end market.
“We are proud that all the work we have done with dedication, care and determination, is unequivocally bearing fruit. However, this does not mean that we have reached the finish line, but – instead – this is a starting point, from which to improve and innovate further. Our entrepreneurs set the guidelines, as they contribute to building Milano Unica’s success. Their satisfaction is and remains our main goal. Their talent and passion are the real strength of this event, which continues to grow and win appreciation upstream of the textile supply chain, building solid foundations for the downstream part. I will never fail to extend my usual heartfelt thanks to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency ICE for the promotion and internationalization of Italian companies abroad for their irremissible support, season after season, helping to make Milano Unica a trade show with the highest international standing. Last but not least, I would also like to thank our loyal partners Banca Sella and Lauretana for their valuable support” concluded Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica.
The 41st edition of Milano Unica is scheduled on July, 8-9-10, 2025