LINEAPELLE: A source of inspiration for planning collections
The supply chain for the fashion industry is experiencing a challenging and critical economic period, which impacted the number of visitors to the Italian supplier trade fair. However, the organizers described the event as "an exhibition of the highest quality."
The 104th edition of LINEAPELLE was held from September 17 to 19 at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center in Milan.
The event featured over 45,000 square meters of exhibit space where trends for the Fall/Winter 2025-2026 season in leather, synthetic materials, textiles, components, and accessories were showcased by 1,261 exhibitors from 43 countries.
The fair welcomed 23,800 attendees, including 17,573 buyers, 43% of whom were international, representing 112 countries. While attendance from markets such as Spain, France, and Germany declined, there was a notable presence from Brazil, the United States, Mexico, India, China, and Poland.
Delegations from Germany, France, Türkiye, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States participated, including journalists, designers, industry members, and institutional representatives invited by the ICE Agency (Italian Trade Agency) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The season’s trends were introduced under the theme "An Intelligent Heart," summarizing materials, colors, and finishes showcased through seminars and sample displays in the Trend Areas.
The Fashion Show Area highlighted creative interventions in leather, featuring five runway events led by various designers.
The Science-Based Fashion Talks connected visitors with renowned international experts who discussed topics such as anti-deforestation regulations, decarbonization strategies, and the role of chemistry in sustainability.
Knowing that hides and skins are key highlights of this fair, the event served as an opportunity to showcase the tanning industry's significant efforts to make these raw materials and processes increasingly sustainable and less harmful to the ecosystem. On the other hand, shifting consumer habits toward casual and athletic footwear over formal products have reduced leather's prominence. In this regard, synthetic materials, supported by remarkable technological advancements, have become substitutes and, in some cases, even superior alternatives. This is one of the factors, alongside other situational challenges, that has slowed the leather business globally.
On another note, components such as soles, synthetics, insoles, and others showcased innovations in functionality, with increasing demands for sustainability and comfort features such as waterproofing, thermal regulation, ergonomics, and durability.
For ornamental accessories made of plastics and metals, customization and diverse designs stood out as key differentiators.
The 105th edition of LINEAPELLE will be held from Tuesday, February 25, to Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Fiera Milano Rho, presenting trends for Summer 2026.