The 66th edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres’ Exhibition, has opened today at Fiera Milano Rho, Hall 24, bringing together international exhibitors and buyers across premium yarns, fibres, materials, dyes, finishing processes and textile production.
Running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first day and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second day, Filo66 is presenting materials and production solutions aimed at the high-end textile and fashion markets.
Filo66 is being held at Fiera Milano Rho, one of Europe’s largest exhibition venues, with Hall 24 located at the entrance through Porta Ovest (West Gate). A shuttle service is available for visitors entering through Porta Est (East Gate).
The exhibition continues its collaboration with Lineapelle, which showcases leathers, accessories, components, synthetics, fabrics and patterns for footwear, leather goods, clothing and furnishings. Sharing dates and exhibition space enables the two exhibitions to create a more integrated presentation of sectors connected to the international fashion industry.
Filo66 Highlights Research and Innovation
The exhibition layout has been designed to provide visitors with an immediate overview of exhibitors’ collections. The Trends Area and Quick Delivery Area are positioned at the entrance, offering an introduction to the products presented across the exhibition.
A significant focus is placed on the Research and Innovation Area, featuring the “Made in Filo” fabric collection. The initiative brings together fabrics conceived and produced by Filo using materials supplied by exhibitors, with particular attention to the technical characteristics of the yarns and manufacturing processes.
For Filo66, the Made in Filo project explores three strands of “Botanica”, the theme guiding the edition’s product development proposals: “Spontaneous”, “Expanded” and “Hybridised”.
Filo66 Opening Ceremony Focuses on the Future of Textiles
The textile supply chain’s ability to reinvent itself and prepare for the future is at the centre of the Filo66 Opening Ceremony, titled “Weaving the future: balance for a stronger, more competitive textile and fashion supply chain”, scheduled for 15 September at 10.30 a.m.
The discussion focuses on the need for a more integrated, innovative and responsible textile and fashion sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in responding to future industry challenges.
Internationalisation Remains a Key Focus
Filo66 is also strengthening its international reach through a delegation of foreign buyers organised in collaboration with ITA, the Italian Trade & Investment Agency. Buyers from France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Turkey and India are participating in this edition.
The exhibition’s internationalisation efforts also extend to Filo’s collaboration with the Piedmont Region through the Region’s “Textile” Integrated Supply Chain Project. Funded by the PR FESR 2021-2027 programme, the initiative is implemented by Ceipiemonte, the agency focused on internationalisation and investment attraction in the region.
As part of Filo66, “Buyers’ Days” will take place on 16 and 17 September, connecting leading Piedmontese textile companies exhibiting at the fair with international buyers. The programme includes more than 20 pre-arranged appointments, including meetings with a significant UK delegation.
The B2B programme will continue in the Biella area, offering international industry professionals an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the region’s textile district and its companies.
Paolo Monfermoso, responsible of Filo, says: “As we open the 66th edition of Filo, we must thank those who have supported us in making it happen. Our first thanks, therefore, go to the companies that, year after year, renew their trust in Filo. We are striving to improve continuously and to work to offer them ever greater opportunities for growth. In this regard, our second thanks must go to ITA – the Agency for the Promotion and Internationalisation of Italian Companies abroad – as well as to the Piedmont Region and Ceipiemonte for the constant support they provide to our trade fair, which enables Filo to be a key point of reference for foreign buyers. Greater cohesion within the trade fair system also helps to strengthen the textile supply chain. For this reason, for the past few editions we have established a partnership with Lineapelle: the fact that the two fairs are held at the same venue and on the same dates allows us to offer visitors – especially foreign ones – a comprehensive overview of the excellence in production within the textile and fashion sector.”
Monfermoso continues stating that: “Data and experts’ forecasts indicate that the sector continues to proceed with caution against a backdrop of an international political landscape that remains complicated and critical. Therefore, there is a great deal of interest in the proposals from the companies exhibiting at the 66th edition of Filo, since the response to market uncertainties can only be a greater effort to enhance quality and innovation of products. From what we have seen in the preview, the companies exhibiting at Filo are at the forefront in this regard and will not disappoint buyers’ expectations. I wish everyone every success over the two days of Filo66!”
With its focus on premium textile materials, research, innovation and international business connections, Filo66 continues to position itself as a meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry while strengthening links across the wider textile and fashion supply chain.
