Italian firms form cohesive front to promote 'made in Italy'

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Oct 18, 2016

As previously reported by Fashion Network last month, Italy will host a new, conjoined schedule for its women's fashion week and apparel and accessories tradeshows. Starting in 2017, all eyes will be on Milan for ten days, with the first revised edition taking place September 17 to 26. 

The goal is to make Milan the "place to be" for experiencing the very best in Made in Italy goods. Longtime discussed, the common front for Made in Italy has been finally consecrated, via a memorandum of understanding. 

The document was signed in Rome by the Ministry of Economic Development at a meeting held by the Fashion Committee, a group formed at the end of 2015 by the Ministry itself to define a common strategic action between all parties involved; from fashion brands and accessories lines, Made in Italy. The Milan council and ICE, the Italian Agency for Foreign Trade were also involved.

In this view, theMicam - a footwear trade show, and global leather and accessories trade show, Mipel, have had their dates changed. Each will take place from early September to the 17th, opening three days before the start of fashion week in Milan, in which they will overlap in their closing days.

Other trade shows will also be affected including sunglass fair, le Mido, which will take place during fashion week. 

"We have taken an unprecedented step toward a large and articulated productive reality, which is also a powerful identity factor for the Italian fashion world," declared deputy secretary for Economic Development, Ivan Scalfarottodéclaré, in a statement.

"The fashion sector in all its facets represents 14% of our total exports, which experienced 3% growth in 2015. Italy is the only country in the world to host the fashion industry as a whole, from yarns to fabrics to the making of accessories," he added. 

To support the textile and fashion industry, the italian government is also working on a large financing plan, which should amount to 130 million euros.