Milano Unica’s 43rd Edition Concludes with Record International Participation
Milano Unica has successfully wrapped up its 43rd edition, presenting the Fall-Winter 2027/28 collections of premium fabrics and accessories for the apparel sector while achieving a significant milestone in international attendance. For the first time in the exhibition’s history, overseas visitors represented nearly 50 per cent of total attendance, underlining the event’s growing influence within the global textile and fashion industry.
Held in Milan, the exhibition welcomed 737 participating companies, including 604 exhibitors featured across the Ideabiella, Moda In and Shirt Avenue showcases. Alongside the continued presence of 460 Italian exhibitors, the event recorded a notable 15.2 per cent increase in participation from European exhibitors, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for high-end textile sourcing.
International buyer attendance showed strong growth across several key markets. France recorded the highest increase at 25 per cent, followed by Korea at 22 per cent, Japan at 14 per cent, the United Kingdom at 10 per cent and the United States at 8 per cent. Attendance from China and Germany remained stable. While Italian visitor numbers experienced a slight decline, organisers attributed this partly to transport-related disruptions during the event period.
European Manufacturing Remains a Global Benchmark
The exhibition highlighted the resilience and competitiveness of the European textiles and accessories sector, with a strong emphasis on quality, innovation, research and manufacturing expertise. Against a backdrop of ongoing global economic uncertainty, Milano Unica once again served as a platform for business development, networking and industry dialogue.
The event opened with the theme “From Roots to the Future: The Path of Innovation in Textiles and Fashion,” focusing on how innovation can be driven by a combination of heritage, technical knowledge, craftsmanship and technological advancement.
According to Simone Canclini, President of Milano Unica, the results demonstrate not only the exhibition’s continued growth but also the strength of European manufacturing when investments are directed towards research, quality, innovation and people. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between businesses and institutions in advancing sustainability goals, particularly in developing an integrated textile recycling supply chain.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Throughout the three-day exhibition, attendees participated in panel discussions, networking sessions and industry meetings involving exhibitors, buyers, institutions, media representatives and professionals from leading international markets.
Special Areas, along with the Japan and Korea Observatories, showcased developments in innovation, sustainability and textile research. These curated spaces provided industry stakeholders with insights into emerging trends and practical solutions designed to strengthen competitiveness in global markets.
During her visit, Alessia Cappello, Councillor for Economic Development and Labour Policies of the Municipality of Milan, emphasised that the exhibition reflects the vitality of the textile and fashion supply chain, highlighting its role in fostering innovation, business growth and employment while reinforcing Milan’s standing as a global fashion capital.
Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica, credited the exhibition’s success to the collective efforts of exhibitors, industry partners and institutions. He also acknowledged the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in strengthening international buyer participation and facilitating connections between Italian textile manufacturers and global markets.
As global demand for premium textiles continues to evolve, the latest edition of Milano Unica reaffirmed its role as a strategic meeting point for the international fashion and textile community, providing a platform where innovation, sustainability and manufacturing excellence converge.
