Within a complex international scenario, MICAM demonstrated its power of attraction
From February 18th to 21st, the most important international footwear fair in the world took place at the Milano Rho venue in Milan, Italy. MICAM MILANO had the participation of 1,000 exhibitors from different origins, with 50% coming from abroad, and the rest from Italy. The number of visitors was 40,821, with 46% being international from 150 countries and 54% local.
The event was enhanced by the synergy generated by the simultaneous holding with other related exhibitions, such as LINEAPELLE (leather, materials, and components); MIPEL (handbags and leather goods); The One Milano (fashion clothing); and the Milano Fashion and Jewels (jewelry and accessories).
The set of fairs, held on the same date and place, represents a unique opportunity for national and international buyers, who acquire a comprehensive view of the sector and enable them to place their usual orders.
The 7 occupied pavilions featured exhibitors categorized by different product lines. Pavilion 1, which hosted Premium brands, was one of the most visited, followed by Pavilions 2 and 4 with a good number of visitors. The other pavilions had exhibitors from different countries and relevant brands.
Among the main participants, Spain contributed 100 companies, Türkiye 70, Brazil 60, and Portugal 35.
According to most exhibitors, the buying attitude was very cautious, with smaller orders for some and more generous ones for others. However, despite the disparity in results, this edition of MICAM was considered positive for all participants, considering the socio-economic-political context, which fosters a situation of widespread uncertainty due to global geopolitics, including war conflicts, access to and increases in raw materials, decreased purchasing power, and recessive demand affecting production and consumption.
According to industrial media, forecasts predict a slowdown in the first half of 2024 due to the international scenario, with an incipient recovery expected by early 2025.
In addition to Italians, nearly 50% of international buyers came from Germany, France, Greece, and the United Kingdom, in fewer numbers than in previous editions. The absence of operators from other European countries was notable. However, it was interesting to see representatives from Japan, China, Kazakhstan, and emerging markets such as Israel, from Asia and the Middle East, and Latin America.
Considering that the offer was aimed at the Fall-Winter 2024/25 season, flat lines predominated, with highlights such as moccasins, ballerinas, and casual and retro sports shoes, accompanied by a wide variety of knee-high booties and boots. In terms of materials, preferences were divided between matte finishes -suedes- and shiny ones -metallics, patent leathers, and satins-, fur and skins, and the majority use of textiles -handcrafted and technical fabrics- and synthetics. In terms of trend, minimalist and retro designs set the tone, with frequent influences from outdoor, snow, and futuristic styles. The soles maintain good thickness and add technology. Colors opt for natural tones, warm and deep browns and reds, as well as olive greens, complemented by soft and pastel beige, gray, green, and light blues. Worth noting is the intense use of buckles and rhinestones.
Innovation marked the difference among the exhibited collections. Many of them showcased sustainable products, developed and based on digitization processes and advanced technologies.
"Emerging Designers" was the space where creative from different countries and regions exhibited proposals for new footwear, showing the cultural plurality in the development of exclusive, artisanal, and sustainable models.
As usual, MICAM allocates various conceptual and of content spaces in its editions, related to fashion trends, market research, developments in new technologies and products, and particularly those dedicated to sustainability, which with great force and irreversible character imposes itself on the entire manufacturing industry.
A program on innovations, retail evolution, training workshops, conferences, and roundtable discussions attracted a lot of public, interested in more knowledge and updates.
Although the next edition of MICAM MILANO has been scheduled from September 15th to 18th, 2024, the request of many footwear manufacturers to reduce the fair's duration from 4 to 3 days remained on the agenda of its organizers. It will surely be addressed shortly to inform about its respective decision.
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