The 66th edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres’ Exhibition, opens today at Fiera Milano Rho – Hall 24, bringing together exhibitors, international buyers, visitors and press to explore yarns, fibres, materials, dyes, finishing processes and production for high-end textile products.
Filo66 is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 15 September and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 16 September. The exhibition is being held at Fiera Milano Rho, described by the organisers as Europe’s second-largest exhibition centre.
Hall 24 is the first hall upon entering through Porta Ovest (West Gate). A shuttle service is also available for visitors entering through Porta Est (East Gate).
Filo66 is once again sharing its dates and exhibition spaces with Lineapelle, which presents leathers, accessories, components, synthetics, fabrics and patterns for footwear, leather goods, clothing and furnishings. The co-location is intended to provide international visitors with an integrated view of sectors connected to the fashion industry.
Filo66 Showcases Textile Collections and Innovation
The exhibition layout has been designed to provide visitors with an overview of exhibitors’ collections. The Trends Area and Quick Delivery Area are positioned at the entrance, offering visitors an immediate view of the products presented across the exhibition.
The Research and Innovation Area also occupies a prominent position, featuring the “Made in Filo” fabric collection.
The Made in Filo project brings together fabrics conceived and produced by Filo using materials supplied by exhibitors. Particular attention is given to the technical characteristics of the yarns and manufacturing processes involved.
The project involves Filo, exhibitors and partner companies. At the 66th edition, the collection explores three strands of “Botanica”, the theme underpinning Filo66’s product development proposals: “Spontaneous”, “Expanded” and “Hybridised”.
Filo66 Opening Ceremony Focuses on Textile Supply Chain
The textile supply chain and its capacity to reinvent itself and prepare for future market requirements are central to the Filo66 Opening Ceremony.
Titled “Weaving the future: balance for a stronger, more competitive textile and fashion supply chain”, the ceremony officially inaugurates the 66th edition of Filo and is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 September at 10.30 a.m.
The event focuses on the development of a more united, innovative and responsible textile and fashion sector, addressing challenges facing the industry and the importance of quality and innovation across the textile supply chain.
International Buyers and Business Meetings
Filo66 is continuing its internationalisation programme with a delegation of foreign buyers organised in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade & Investments Agency.
The delegation includes buyers from France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Turkey and India.
Filo is also continuing its collaboration with the Piedmont Region through the Region’s “Textile” Integrated Supply Chain Project. Funded by the PR FESR 2021-2027 programme, the initiative is implemented by Ceipiemonte, the agency focused on internationalisation and investment attraction in the region.
As part of Filo66, “Buyers’ Days” are scheduled to connect Piedmontese textile companies exhibiting at the fair with international buyers. The programme includes a significant delegation from the United Kingdom, a market of interest to Italian textile businesses.
More than 20 pre-arranged appointments are scheduled for 16 and 17 September, providing opportunities for business discussions between exhibiting companies and international buyers. The B2B meetings will continue in the Biella area, giving international industry professionals an opportunity to learn more about the textile district and its companies.
Filo Highlights Quality and Innovation Amid Market Uncertainty
Paolo Monfermoso, responsible of Filo, said that the organisers’ focus remains on supporting exhibiting companies and creating opportunities for business development. He also highlighted the support of ITA, the Piedmont Region and Ceipiemonte in strengthening Filo’s role among international buyers.
Monfermoso also pointed to the partnership with Lineapelle, noting that holding the two exhibitions at the same venue and on the same dates provides visitors, particularly international buyers, with a broader view of production across the textile and fashion sectors.
According to Monfermoso, data and expert forecasts indicate that the textile and fashion sector continues to move cautiously amid a complicated international political environment.
He said the market situation has increased interest in the products presented by Filo exhibitors, with quality and innovation remaining important responses to market uncertainty.
Filo66 therefore brings together its exhibition programme, research and innovation initiatives, international buyer activities and business meetings around the wider objective of strengthening connections across the textile and fashion supply chain.