Success of the 39th edition of the fair: Italian exhibitors increase by 18% and European exhibitors by 47%
The 39th edition of Milano Unica concluded yesterday, featuring 569 exhibiting companies, including 454 Italian (+18% compared to July 2023) and 115 European (+47% compared to July 2023). These companies showcased their Autumn-Winter 2025/2026 collections of high-end fabrics and accessories for women's, men's, and children's apparel, in addition to research and innovation areas, bringing the total number of exhibitors to 700 (+18% compared to July 2023).
The event, held from July 9 to 11, 2024, attracted 5,541 companies, representing a 19% increase over the July 2023 edition. Of these, 3,403 were Italian (+11%) and 2,138 were international (+36%). This international growth was well-distributed across all traditional markets for fabrics and accessories presented at Milano Unica. Notably, there was an increase in the presence of companies from France (+65%), Spain (+60%), China (+55%), Germany (+47%), Great Britain (+30%), South Korea (+20%), Japan (+16%), and the USA (+14%). For the first time, 22 companies from the United Arab Emirates were present.
The growing international success of the event was confirmed, providing a strong boost of confidence in the Made in Italy textiles and accessories industry despite the year's initial challenges.
Simone Canclini, President of Milano Unica, emphasized the strong growth in participation requests from new, highly selected exhibitors, leading to a doubling of European companies' presence and a 20% increase in exhibition space. "These figures confirm the importance of continuing to strengthen teamwork by rigorously investing in quality and selectivity criteria, aiming to engage the few targeted European companies that have not yet joined. What we want to ensure, in all respects, is the concept of Made in Europe," stated Canclini.
Matteo Zoppas, President of ICE Agenzia, took the opportunity to remind everyone that "ICE works closely with all the actors of the National System, including SACE, SIMEST, and CDP, to contribute to the international market expansion of Italian SMEs and grow our exports by operating on two fronts: promoting Made in Italy worldwide and developing business matching opportunities between Italian companies and foreign buyers. After the pandemic period, when they were called into question, trade fairs have proven to be crucial moments for business development by meeting foreign buyers and as a first step toward growth in international markets. At Milano Unica, ICE Agenzia brings 161 operators, including 153 buyers and the rest influencers and journalists, to facilitate meetings with over 600 exhibitors."
The event also enriches itself each season with special areas and content projects, on a journey that narrates Italian and European excellence.
The Trends and Sustainability and Innovation Areas continue to express Milano Unica's strong sensitivity to sustainability, and process and product innovation themes. Among the special projects, MarediModa, with previews for the 2026 beachwear collections, and Velvet Mi Amor, which celebrates the history of velvet, highlight the value to which Milano Unica is closely linked: representing the point of reference for professionals who understand the essence of luxury; there is no fashion without fabric, no refinement without an accessory.
"It is a great honor to witness the evolution of our trade fair event, which materializes thanks to the dedication of a passionate team and the solid support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ICE Agenzia for the Promotion Abroad and Internationalization of Italian Enterprises, demonstrating the effectiveness of knowing how to create a system," says Massimo Mosiello, General Director of Milano Unica. "To testify to a message we wish to share with our audience, this season we wanted to bring Milano Unica to discover some corners of a Milan rich in history, art, and culture. The evening event at the Diocesan Museum represented a link between the desire for sharing and the highest expression of a truly Unique Milan," concludes Mosiello.