MIPEL to be held in March

07 Feb '09

3 min read

MIPEL opens early this year to exploit synergies with the system of fashion and accessories tradeshows scheduled in Milan from late February to mid March, with an off-site exhibition and international design contest.

These are some of the features of next year's MIPEL, international leather goods fair (handbags, travel bags, tote bags, wallets and a full range of leather accessories), which will be held March 4-7, 2009 alongside MICAM (footwear) and MIFUR (furs and leather garments). It will be an occasion to discover the latest in leather bags and accessories, which are increasingly important factors in the evolution of fashion. And it is also the event everyone has been waiting for to celebrate the creativity of artisans and industrialists from every corner of Italy and from many other countries in this vitally important market.

“While we are not currently in the most favorable of economic climates,” states Giorgio Cannara, AIMPES president, “the Association of Italian Leather Goods Manufacturers looks to the future with new proposals and initiatives to ensure the success of the 'Made in Italy' and all the associates, who represent the base of the entire leather products sector."

"Yes, it is a sector containing big names, but its worldwide success is driven mainly by a host of smaller companies. The sector, in any case, has always found a response to difficult, even extremely difficult, situations and we expect the same this time as well. Once we have made it through this momentary crisis, we are looking for a new surge in exports, which can once again become the main driving force for Italian-made leather goods.”

And we do not need to look exclusively to the colossi of fashion to find the quality and excellence of Italian leather goods. Brands of great artisanal value and excellent quality/price ratio with an ongoing commitment to investing in product development delight the tastes of consumers who do not want to spend a fortune to find finely made products in step with the times.

The major Italian cites feature mono- and multi-brand stores offering extremely beautiful, quality articles made 100% in Italy using traditional or innovative materials at reasonable prices. There are small leather goods ranging in price from 18 to 180 euros and classic or trendy bags from 60 to 500 euros—and you don't have to give up on quality leathers, fashion colors or the pleasure of buying a thing of beauty.

MIPEL will also celebrate its 95th edition with the MIPEL off-site exhibition in Milan: the temporary store “Sidecar” in Corso Garibaldi will be the pivot point for satellite events. Shoppers will be able to buy spring-summer 2009 bags and accessories made by MIPEL exhibitors at wholesale prices.

There is a dual benefit here: shoppers can acquire original Italian-made articles at bargain prices while contributing to the Soleterre project, a non-profit social welfare organization (ONLUS) which will receive all sales proceeds. The temporary store will stay open through March 8, and will thus be an ideal point on the itineraries of those looking for International Women's Day gifts. Furthermore, during the tradeshow, various Milanese nightspots will offer special discounts for those having a MIPEL entry pass.

Quality leather is not the only raw material used by businesses represented at MIPEL, there is also the precious and intangible creativity of the leather workers. Over 400 companies are expected in Fieramilano Pavilions 8, 12 and 16 and over 20,000 professionals.

Mipel International Leather Goods Show

More Textiles News - Italy...