Held earlier this week, the MICAM show reported business as (a lot more) usual since the onset of the pandemic. The Milan, Italy-based event, along with its adjacent trade fairs, reported an upswing in demand among international buyers, mirroring a recovery in the footwear industry. More than 1,800 exhibitors met with 48,276 visitors—a 25 percent jump over the previous edition. About half of all buyers came from outside of Italy. The top European nations were Germany, France, UK, Greece, and Spain, though excellent results were also registered from such distant lands as the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan.
Italian government representatives cited the importance of working together as a system, including all the sectors represented at the trade fairs, the unique qualities of Made in Italy, and the central role of education and training in ensuring the nation’s competitiveness. In addition to showcasing the latest Fall/Winter ’23 collections, a variety of seminars addressed issues of importance to the industry, such as sustainability, innovation, and trends. The important role of education and training was the focus of the event entitled, “Training, orientation, certification of competences: Confindustria Moda, Rete TAM and Unioncamere for the growth of talent.” Part of a wider-ranging program focusing on education put in place the Confindustria Moda’s member trade associations, the event focused on the recognition of competences, training, and work experience for students.
On the note, plenty of event space was dedicated to young people who came from all over the world to present their work in ad hoc projects. It represents a new generation of designers demonstrating their talent, tracing a path of innovation, creativity, and technology that will characterize the future of the sectors showcased in the four fairs. Planning is already under way for MICAM Milano, Mipel and TheOneMilano, which is scheduled for Sept. 17-20, 2023.
