Filo66 Opens at Fiera Milano Rho with Focus on Textile Innovation and Internationalisation
The 66th edition showcases high-quality yarns, fibres and textile materials while strengthening international buyer engagement
The 66th edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres’ Exhibition, opened today at Fiera Milano Rho – Hall 24, bringing together exhibitors showcasing yarns, fibres, materials, dyes, finishing processes and production technologies for high-end textile products.
Filo66 is also strengthening its focus on textile innovation, internationalisation and collaboration across the fashion supply chain, with dedicated research initiatives, international buyer delegations and a joint presence with Lineapelle.
Filo66 Opens at Fiera Milano Rho
Filo66 is being held at Fiera Milano Rho, with the exhibition open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first day and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second day.
Hall 24 is the first hall visitors reach through Porta Ovest (West Gate), while a shuttle service is available for visitors entering through Porta Est (East Gate).
The exhibition shares its dates and exhibition space with Lineapelle, which presents leathers, accessories, components, synthetics, fabrics and patterns for footwear, leather goods, clothing and furnishings. The co-location creates a connection between the yarn and fibre sector and other areas of the fashion industry.
Trends and Research Areas Highlight Textile Development
The Filo66 layout has been designed to provide visitors with an immediate overview of exhibitors’ collections. The Trends Area and Quick Delivery Area are positioned at the entrance to the exhibition.
A significant area is also dedicated to the Research and Innovation Area, where the latest edition of the “Made in Filo” fabric collection is presented.
The initiative brings together fabrics entirely conceived and produced by Filo using materials supplied by exhibitors. It places particular emphasis on the technical characteristics of the yarns and the manufacturing processes used.
For Filo66, the project explores three strands of “Botanica”, the theme guiding the exhibition’s product development proposals:
- Spontaneous
- Expanded
- Hybridised
The project involves Filo, its exhibitors and several partner companies.
Opening Ceremony Focuses on the Future of the Textile Supply Chain
The Filo66 Opening Ceremony, titled “Weaving the future: balance for a stronger, more competitive textile and fashion supply chain”, is scheduled for 15 September at 10.30 a.m.
The session will address the textile supply chain’s ability to reinvent itself and respond to future challenges. Greater integration, innovation and responsibility within the textile and fashion sectors are among the issues at the centre of the discussion.
Filo positions the opening ceremony as an opportunity to examine these challenges within a trade fair that showcases the variety and quality of yarns and textile materials.
International Buyer Programme Expands
Filo66 continues its internationalisation programme by hosting a delegation of foreign buyers organised in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade & Investment Agency.
The delegation includes buyers from:
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Turkey
- India
Internationalisation is also a key element of Filo’s collaboration with the Piedmont Region through the Region’s “Textile” Integrated Supply Chain Project.
The initiative is funded by the PR FESR 2021–2027 programme and implemented by Ceipiemonte, the agency focused on internationalisation and investment attraction in the region.
Buyers’ Days Connect Piedmontese Companies with International Markets
As part of Filo66, “Buyers’ Days” will connect leading Piedmontese textile companies exhibiting at the fair with international buyers.
The initiative includes a significant delegation from the United Kingdom, a market with a strong textile heritage and particular interest for Italian companies.
More than 20 pre-arranged B2B appointments are scheduled for 16 and 17 September, providing opportunities to develop new business relationships.
The programme will also continue in the Biella area, where international industry professionals will have the opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the textile district and its companies.
Filo Highlights Quality and Innovation Amid Market Uncertainty
Paolo Monfermoso, responsible of Filo, says:
“As we open the 66th edition of Filo, we must thank those who have supported us in making it happen. Our first thanks, therefore, go to the companies that, year after year, renew their trust in Filo. We are striving to improve continuously and to work to offer them ever greater opportunities for growth. In this regard, our second thanks must go to ITA – the Agency for the Promotion and Internationalisation of Italian Companies abroad – as well as to the Piedmont Region and Ceipiemonte for the constant support they provide to our trade fair, which enables Filo to be a key point of reference for foreign buyers. Greater cohesion within the trade fair system also helps to strengthen the textile supply chain. For this reason, for the past few editions we have established a partnership with Lineapelle: the fact that the two fairs are held at the same venue and on the same dates allows us to offer visitors – especially foreign ones – a comprehensive overview of the excellence in production within the textile and fashion sector.”
Monfermoso continues stating that:
“Data and experts’ forecasts indicate that the sector continues to proceed with caution against a backdrop of an international political landscape that remains complicated and critical. Therefore, there is a great deal of interest in the proposals from the companies exhibiting at the 66th edition of Filo, since the response to market uncertainties can only be a greater effort to enhance quality and innovation of products. From what we have seen in the preview, the companies exhibiting at Filo are at the forefront in this regard and will not disappoint buyers’ expectations. I wish everyone every success over the two days of Filo66!”