Milano Unica and International Lab of Mittelmoda – The Fashion Award
Where trends take shape, talents shine
The presentation of Milano Unica Tendenze for Spring/Summer 2027 at Garage 21 was followed by the Fashion Award by International Lab of Mittelmoda, celebrating creativity and innovation in fashion. The biannual event, preceding each edition of Milano Unica, brought together exhibitors, buyers, and members of the international press.
Creative Exchange Between Industry and Education
After an insightful discussion on MU COSMETIC: Textile Sensations — curated by the Milano Unica Style Commission and presented by Simone Marchetti (Vanity Fair) and Antonio Mancinelli (QN Group) — the spotlight shifted to 26 emerging designers competing in the 31st edition of International Lab of Mittelmoda.
The show and awards underlined the deep connection between the textile industry and education. This collaboration continues to promote shared values such as quality, sustainability, and design culture — all essential to a responsible and creative fashion future.
A Partnership Fostering Innovation and Responsibility
Milano Unica, the leading trade fair for premium textiles and fashion accessories, serves as a hub for emerging trends. Through projects like MU Cosmetic, it explores the connection between body and material using sensory and sustainable approaches.
Meanwhile, International Lab of Mittelmoda has been discovering and supporting global fashion students for over three decades. Together, these platforms nurture dialogue between creativity, craftsmanship, and responsible production.
“As President of Milano Unica, I strongly believe in our responsibility to remain the benchmark for Italy’s textile and accessories industry,” said Simone Canclini, President of Milano Unica and Fondazione del Tessile Italiano. “Through initiatives like MU Cosmetic, we push creative boundaries and foster collaboration between education, research, and industry — ensuring the continuity of Made in Italy in an evolving global landscape.”
Echoing this sentiment, Matteo Marzotto, President of International Lab of Mittelmoda, added, “Quality, innovation, and sustainability define our industry. The synergy with Milano Unica bridges industrial expertise and new talent, preparing a more responsible and competitive future for Italian fashion.”
Recognizing Global Fashion Excellence
The event reaffirmed Milano Unica’s role as both a cultural and professional platform, merging research, education, and creativity. It provided young designers with opportunities to shape the future of fashion through innovation and sustainability.
Winners of the 31st International Lab of Mittelmoda – The Fashion Award
Absolute Prize Innovation
Offered by Fondazione del Tessile Italiano & International Lab of Mittelmoda
Inbal Heffer – Israel, Shenkar. Engineering. Design. Art.
Absolute Prize Creativity
Offered by Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana
Ása Bríet Brattaberg – Iceland, Institut Français de la Mode
Press Special Award
Offered by Fondazione del Tessile Italiano & International Lab of Mittelmoda
Alexia Popa – Romania, AMFI – Amsterdam Fashion Institute
Menswear / Womenswear Award
Offered by Confindustria Moda – Federazione Tessile e Moda
Valentina Rinaldi – Italy, Istituto Marangoni
Shoes Award
Offered by MICAM
Dilara Óvet – Turkey, NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
Bag Award
Offered by MIPEL
Sara Jacqueline Morandini – Italy, Accademia di Costume & Moda
The One Seasonless Award
Offered by TheOneMilano
Inbal Heffer – Israel, Shenkar. Engineering. Design. Art.
Italian Leather Award: Creativity & Sustainability
Offered by LINEAPELLE
Ariel Berka – Israel, Shenkar. Engineering. Design. Art.
Accessories (Eyewear) Award
Offered by MIDO
Daniele De Simone – Italy, ITS Cosmo Fashion Academy
Textile & Materials Award
Offered by Milano Unica
Luca Di Giacomantonio – Italy, Accademia Costume e Moda
Prato Circular & Sustainability Award
Offered by Confindustria Toscana Nord
Ása Bríet Brattaberg – Iceland, Institut Français de la Mode
Como Award
Offered by Confindustria Como
Paulina Romero – USA, Accademia Costume e Moda
IdeaBiella Young Creativeness Award
Offered by IdeaBiella
Peian Jack Zhan – Italy, Parsons Paris
Linen Award
Offered by Confindustria Moda – Sezione Lino
Dorka Szabo – Hungary, ArtEZ University of the Arts
