Milano Unica: a transitional edition starts on Tuesday

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Feb 5, 2016

On Tuesday, the Milano Unica trade show is set to begin its 22nd edition, heralded as a transitional one.  The organisers for the time being do not wish to reveal anything about their future projects. However, major changes are expected from next season, among them Milano Unica's move from the current city-centre Fieramilanocity location, part of the old Milan trade fair area, to the new Fiera Milano exhibition hub in Rho, on the outskirts of the Lombardy capital.

Another change that may be announced is the discontinuation of the 'On Stage' fashion show, which gave the opportunity to a few young, emerging designers to produce a collection with the support of a series of Italian manufacturers, and to present it at a major show in Milan. The latest edition, in September, took place in the prestigious Via Montenapoleone, Milan's haute couture street.

The trade show's links with the city are still strong though, since it will open on Tuesday in the presence of Milan's mayor, Giuliano Pisapia. Also, the organisers are launching a new initiative called 'Bites of Milano Unica'.

During February, fabrics featured at the show will 'outfit' the tables of four top Milanese restaurants with tablecloths, napkins, centrepieces etc. There will also be a small 'fabric menu' explaining the initiative to clients, who will be able to handle samples and familiarise themselves with different types of fabrics, while posting their comments on social media via the hashtag #bitesofmilanounica.                                                                                                                                                                      
The show is dedicated to fabrics and accessories collections for the Spring-Summer 2017 season. It will take place from 9th to 11th February in Milan and expects to host 371 exhibitors, 72 from outside Italy, as opposed to 361, 64 of which from abroad, in February 2015.

In addition, 40 Japanese companies will be featured in the 'Japan Observatory' area, dedicated to Japanese manufacturing excellence. The show will also open a window on South Korea, presenting 13 exhibitors.

Thanks to these two dedicated areas, the Italian show will see its total exhibitor numbers rise to 424, compared to 399 a year earlier.  

The show's first day will end with a great evening event, starring Gloria Gaynor, reserved to the show's exhibitors and guests.