The 10th edition of Milano Unica, the Italian Textile Fair, promoted and organized by the most prestigious representatives of ‘Made in Italy’ (Ideacomo, Ideabiella, Moda In, Shirt Avenue), ended on an optimistic note for both Italian and European exhibitors. During the three Milan fair days, 12.500 firms were present, a confirmation of the IX edition figures.

Consequently, all worries regarding attendance, due to the European textile fair calenders, due to disappointing firm budgets after a dramatic 2009, were dissipated.

The 10th edition, presenting fabric collections for Spring/Summer 2011, relied once again on the collaboration of the Italian Trade Commission (ICE), which organized the participation of various delegations of buyers and journalists from Japan, Germany, Great Britain and the United States.

“Judging from the attendance and the orders placed - declared Pier Luigi Loro Piana, President of Milano Unica and Ideabiella, the most prestigious international appointment dedicated to the finest classic/traditional top-end menswear fabrics – we have noticed important signals for quality Italian and European textiles, after a dramatic 2009. Important come backs of buyers, in particular from northern Europe, have been registered . These signals also confirm the validity of Milano Unica as a commercial and marketing device for Made in Italy and emphasize the importance of a compatible network, especially when the challenges become more complicated. In addition, the events organized were greatly appreciated, beginning with the benefit performance at Teatro alla Scala. This is what makes our textile fair unique. Therefore, we hope the Italian government realizes the strategic importance of our sector and takes the necessary steps to finance research programs, and tax credit on sample collections”.

This opinion is also shared by Silvio Albini, President of Shirt Avenue, presenting classic and sporty shirting fabrics, by Alberto Jelmini, President of Moda In, a trade fair dedicated to women's wear fabrics and accessories, and Beppe Pisani, President of Ideacomo, the textile fair specializing in silk and silk blend fabrics. All of them, after meeting with their respective exhibitors, agreed on the quality level of the visitors and the business transactions that took place during the three days in Milan, beginning with requests for sample collections, a positive sign for any trade fair. “On Tuesday we had hope but now we have certainty – this was the common feeling – that we can overcome the crisis, in the interest of our firms, our thousands of employees, our industrial areas and the national economy. However, we need a commitment from our government, both on a national and local level, to allow us to continue to successfully compete with a global market that is constantly evolving”.

Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica: “it was a very positive edition from an organizational point of view and from comments from exhibitors and clients. The events proposed, which focus on the finest textile-accessories production in a unique and buyer-friendly atmosphere, were highly acclaimed by all: from the original trend presentation by Li Edelkoort, to the new trend areas, from the renewed hits areas to the splendid evening at Teatro alla Scala. The collections that presented the latest innovations and research were greatly appreciated. The successful conclusion of this edition makes us look towards the future with greater confidence and motivates us to do our best. The 11th edition of Milano Unica will take place at the Portello - Fieramilanocity on September 8 -10, 2010, presenting the Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collections ”.