The 66th edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres’ Exhibition, starts today at Fiera Milano Rho – Hall 24. 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, visitors and the press can discover the very highest quality yarns, fibres, materials, dyes, finishing processes and production at Filo, all intended for top-of-the-range products.
Filo66 takes place at Fiera Milano Rho, the European second-largest exhibition centre – a state-of-the-art venue distinguished by functionality and efficiency, making it able to perfectly meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors.
Filo66 continues to share dates and exhibition spaces with Lineapelle – an exhibition of leathers, accessories, components, synthetics, fabrics and patterns for footwear, leather goods, clothing and furnishings – in a synergy which makes these two sectors linked to the fashion industry to present themselves in the best and most integrated way to international markets.
The layout of Filo66 is designed to showcase exhibitors’ collections. For this reason, the Trends Area and the Quick Delivery Area are located at the entrance to the fair, allowing visitors to get an immediate overview of the products they will find at each booth.
Wide space is dedicated to the Research and Innovation Area, where the “Made in Filo” fabric collection is on display. This is a unique initiative on the international trade fair scene: ‘Made in Filo’ consists of a collection of fabrics entirely conceived and produced by Filo using materials supplied by the exhibitors, with particular emphasis on the technical aspects of both the yarns used and the manufacturing processes. The project involves Filo, the exhibitors and many partner companies. In this edition, it explores the three strands of ‘Botanica’, the theme underpinning Filo66’s product development proposals: ‘Spontaneous’, ‘Expanded’ and ‘Hybridised’.
Textile supply chain and its ability to reinvent itself and look to the future are at the core of Filo66 Opening Ceremony, entitled “Weaving the future: balance for a stronger, more competitive textile and fashion supply chain”, which officially inaugurates the 66th Filo edition and is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 September at 10.30 a.m.
The theme of an increasingly united, innovative and responsible sector is one of the key challenges for the future of textile and fashion industry. That’s why this will be discussed at the opening of a trade fair such as Filo, which presents itself as a showcase highlighting the high quality and variety of yarns and textile materials.
At Filo66, the path towards internationalisation continues and is being strengthened. As usual, Filo is hosting a delegation of foreign buyers organised in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade & Investments Agency. On this occasion, the delegation includes buyers from France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Turkey and India.
Internationalization lies at the heart of the collaboration between Filo and the Piedmont Region, developed within the framework of the Region’s “Textile” Integrated Supply Chain Project. Funded by the PR FESR 2021-2027 program, the initiative is implemented by Ceipiemonte, the agency dedicated to internationalization and investment attraction in the region. As part of the 66th edition of Filo, “Buyers’ Days” are scheduled; these events aim to connect top-tier Piedmontese textile companies exhibiting at the fair with international buyers – including a significant delegation from the United Kingdom, a country with a rich textile heritage and a market of particular interest to Italian businesses. Featuring a schedule of over 20 pre-arranged appointments, the initiative – which takes place on the 16th and 17th of September – offers a valuable opportunity to foster new business prospects. The B2B meetings will continue in the Biella area, aiming to provide international industry professionals with a deeper understanding of the district and its companies.
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!”
