Milan, July 8, 2025 – The 41st edition of Milano Unica commenced today at Fiera Milano Rho, reaffirming its stature as a premier international trade fair for high-end textiles and accessories. This year, a total of 735 exhibitors are presenting their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collections. Of these, 584 companies (an increase of 2.6%) are participating in the Ideabiella, Moda In, and Shirt Avenue sections. The Italian contingent remains dominant with 459 exhibitors, while European representation grew notably by 8.7%. The event also includes 134 participants from the Special Areas and the Korea and Japan Observatories, along with 17 publishers from the textile press. Overall, the exhibition space grew by 3.3%.
As per data from Confindustria Moda’s Economic Studies and Statistics Office, the Italian textile sector exhibited mixed signals in Q1 2025 following a challenging 2024. That year, total revenues dropped to €7 billion (down 8.8%), and exports declined 10.7% to €3.8 billion. In early 2025, woven fabric sales decreased by 6.9%, whereas knitwear rose 11%. Exports shrank 2.3% year-on-year, with segment-wise performances diverging: wool and knitwear declined by 5.3% and 4.1% respectively, while cotton (+1.1%), linen (+1.2%), and silk (+1.6%) recorded gains. EU exports fell 5%, but non-EU exports grew slightly by 0.1%. While exports to China plummeted by 16.5%, the U.S. market grew 18.4%, showing promise despite political tariff uncertainty. Meanwhile, imports surged, with non-EU countries making up 68.6%, led by a 40% increase from China.
Simone Canclini, President of Milano Unica, emphasized,”Beyond the increase in the number of exhibitors, I want to highlight the value of the new European participants who are attending Milano Unica for the first time, recognizing its consistency and relevance as a platform for the commercial and marketing promotion of their collections.”
He added that the numbers demonstrate growing faith in Milano Unica and also increase the responsibility to continue supporting the industry amid global economic instability.”Data from the Economic Studies and Statistics Office of Confindustria Moda indicates that we are not yet out of the tunnel, but there is a glimpse of light…”
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Claudio Sgaraglia, Prefect of Milan, and Elena Buscemi, President of the Municipal Council. A panel discussion, moderated by Nicola Porro, included Edoardo Zegna offering insights on preserving and renewing Made-in-Italy manufacturing.
Claudia D’Arpizio, Senior Partner and Global Head of Fashion & Luxury at Bain & Company, delivered the keynote. She noted:“2025 marks a turning point for the luxury sector… Luxury must be discreet, genuine, and aligned with personal fulfillment rather than ostentation…”
She predicted that by 2030, over 300 million new luxury consumers, half from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, will reshape demand. In such a volatile landscape, brands must exhibit both resilience and long-term vision.
President Canclini also presented a video message from Matteo Zoppas, President of ICE, reaffirming ICE’s strategic partnership with Milano Unica.
The 41st edition again serves not just as a trade platform but as a cultural and innovation hub, offering enriched visitor experiences through several specialized areas:
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MU Tendenze Sostenibilità, with exclusive sustainable samples for FW 26/27
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Innovation Area (curated by TexClubTec), spotlighting solutions for sportswear and Milan-Cortina 2026
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Startup Textile Connection, with 7 Italian startups focused on tech and sustainability
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Design Studios, MU Vintage Area, and MU Info&Style Area, merging creativity, circularity, and insights
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Institutional showcases from Lenzing, Woolmark, Supima, European FlaxLinen & Hemp, and Cotton Egypt
Contributors also include Confindustria Moda, ACIMIT, and UKFT. Educational institutes like ITS TAM Biella and Accademia Costume & Moda highlighted student-led innovations. The MU Trade Press Area introduced a new heritage project: The Excellences of Textile Magazine, showcasing vintage publications and rare editions from post-war Italy to now.
Archivolution, the evolving project from The Cube Archive, continues to serve as a bridge between tradition and future inspiration.
A new partnership was also announced between Milano Unica and MarediModa, who previewed SS27 beachwear, lingerie, and athleisure collections — further strengthening European collaborations.
Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica, concluded:”The continued growth in both quantity and quality of Milano Unica’s international role is attributable to the exhibitors’ creative and product innovation and the trade show’s distinctive nature…”
He extended thanks to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ICE, and the Municipality of Milan, noting Milan’s importance as a cultural and fashion capital. In celebration of Milano Unica’s 20th anniversary, a special evening at Teatro alla Scala will be held. He also thanked loyal partners Banca Sella and Lauretana for their support.
