Arsutoria Studio
Arsutoria Studio

White: two new outlets and a 24% increase in brand growth

From 24 to 27 September, WHITE brought the entire Tortona Fashion District to life, reaffirming its status as the beating heart of the fashion community during Milan Fashion Week thanks to a rich and varied programme of talks, workshops, podcasts, pop-ups and networking events that kept the venues buzzing even beyond traditional exhibition hours. This burst of energy has consolidated the district’s identity as a contemporary and international hub, attracting brands, industry professionals, buyers, creatives and the general public, not least through an innovative business model that combines B2B dynamics with B2C openings, alongside a programme of events open to the city that has further enhanced the appeal of Via Tortona.

This period of strong growth has seen the launch of a new and strategic partnership with BolognaFiere-Cosmoprof, aimed at supporting the fair both in its internationalisation and in future projects targeting end consumers within the area.

The fair thus recorded extraordinary growth, reaching a total of 450 brands – a 24 per cent increase on the previous edition – and this significant milestone was underpinned by the opening of two new venues: T31, dedicated to lifestyle, accessories and beauty, and T35, focused on resortwear, which joined the long-standing venues of T27 and T54, alongside the debut of the special areas ‘Nuvola’ for accessories and ‘Box’ for streetwear, urban fashion and denim. This significant expansion in both structure and content has substantially enhanced the show’s international appeal, leading to an excellent increase in attendance, with Italian buyers up by 10 per cent and international buyers up by 15 per cent.


The latest from Fainplast. Circularity for EVAtech, injector efficiency with Screwshine 101

At the heart of the new products presented by Fainplast during SIMAC in September 2026 is the cutting-edge EVAtech range, based on cross-linked expanded EVA. To meet the growing demand for materials with a reduced environmental impact, the Marche-based company has invested 3 million euros in the installation of two new dedicated production lines and in the modernisation of its renewable energy systems. The new BIO materials in the EVAtech range replace fossil-based components with bio-based EVA. The result is an extremely lightweight, elastic and durable end product, capable of incorporating – in some cases – up to 20% recycled material, thereby directly utilising customers’ production waste in line with the circular economy. Designed for the injection moulding of expanded and cross-linked products, these compounds combine low density with excellent physical and mechanical properties and a pleasant feel. They are perfect for outsoles and midsoles, slippers and boots, bags and technical items. Each solution offers a high degree of customisation in terms of hardness, density and colour.

Sole made from EVATECH regenerated from manufacturing waste
A close-up of the EVATECH granulation process


Rounding off Fainplast’s new products is Screwshine 101, an innovative, ultra-high-performance compound presented exclusively at SIMAC 2026. Specifically formulated for the rapid, thorough and efficient cleaning of injection moulding nozzles, it is optimised for both EVA and TPU, meeting the needs of manufacturers whose core business involves the use of both materials. Benefits: a drastic reduction in waste, elimination of flash, reliable cycle stops, and economic and environmental efficiency.

Over 100 Italian brands at the Almaty trade fair

With 81 Italian footwear, clothing and accessories companies representing over 100 brands that epitomise the nation’s manufacturing excellence, the Almaty trade fair reaffirms its status as a strategic event for the internationalisation of Italian businesses in Central Asia. The exhibition also featured collective stands from the Marche and Campania regions, confirming the strong involvement of the sector’s main manufacturing hubs.

Organised by Assocalzaturifici in collaboration with EMI – Ente Moda Italia, with the support of ICE Agenzia and industry associations, the event proved to be a truly sector-wide initiative capable of showcasing Italian fashion in a region that serves as a key commercial and logistical hub for the whole of Central Asia.

One of the initiative’s key strengths was the buyer invitation programme coordinated by ICE Agenzia, which brought over 100 buyers to Almaty not only from Kazakhstan but also from neighbouring regions and countries, making La Moda Italiana@Almaty one of the most significant initiatives organised by ICE to engage industry professionals in the region.

“La Moda Italiana@Almaty is one of the most effective examples of synergy within the Italian fashion industry and an essential tool for enabling our SMEs to establish a presence in markets that are complex yet rich in opportunities,” says Giovanna Ceolini, President of Assocalzaturifici. “Despite the downturn recorded in recent months, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan continue to represent an area of great interest for ‘Made in Italy’ products. The figures show that the value of our exports remains well above pre-Covid levels, a sign of appreciation for the quality, creativity and manufacturing expertise of Italian products.

“EMI’s presence in Kazakhstan has become firmly established over the years, confirming Almaty as a strategic event for Italian companies looking to Central Asian markets,” affirmed Alberto Scaccioni, Chief Executive of Ente Moda Italia. “This edition, featuring a total of 81 companies and over 100 Italian brands, confirms the strong interest of our businesses in a region that represents a key commercial crossroads.”

“La Moda Italiana@Almaty comes at a time of unprecedented geopolitical significance for this region,” said Ambassador Antonello De Riu of the Italian Embassy in Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan is now a strategic partner, an indispensable link between Europe and Asia, and Italy is investing there with conviction.”

Filippo Covino, Director of ICE Almaty: “Moda Italiana@Almaty has made its mark on the Central Asian market, as evidenced by the figures – in terms of both participation and visitor numbers – consolidating significant growth. It now stands as a prime example of collaboration between Confindustria associations within the fashion sector, the ICE Agency and the regions hosting manufacturing districts, such as Marche and Campania”.

TFL: Spring/Summer 2028 color trends

TFL has released its new catalogue for Spring Summer 2028, presenting the latest colour trends for leather garments, footwear, accessories and for the upholstery industry.

The trends are divided into “Wearing” and “Living”.
“Wearing” comprises inspirations and colour trends for garments, footwear and accessories.
Here leather embraces a vibrant palette of brilliant yellows and greens, floral and coral hues, and warm shades inspired by sunsets and terracotta. These expressive colours bring fresh energy to garments, footwear and accessories. Splits, soft nubuck, lightweight lambskin and calfskin meet natural vegetable-tanned leather, combining tactile appeal with performance and versatility.

“Living” features all colours that will decorate the season’s interior designs.
In this section, butter tones and warm neutrals create a soft, reassuring atmosphere, enriched by emerald blues inspired by the ocean depths. The palette brings warmth, elegance and a sense of immersive calm to contemporary interiors. Brushed calfskin, full grain cowhide, tumbled nubuck and soft nappa interact with travertine, light woods and metallic surfaces to create refined, welcoming spaces.

TFL Colour Trends Spring Summer 2028 invite designers to explore a season in which colour, tactility and technical performance come together, balancing authentic materials with contemporary lifestyles and a renewed desire for comfort, versatility and self-expression.

  For more details, please visit www.tfl.com

Italian leather goods sector: first half of 2026 still in decline

Sales volumes are down, but each item is worth more. In the first five months of 2026, Italian leather goods exports fell by 11.1 per cent in volume and by just 3.4 per cent in value, totalling 3.93 billion euros: the average price rose to 161.33 euros per kilo (+8.7 per cent). Is this a sign that the sector’s position is holding firm? To some extent. But the bottom line is determined by turnover, not by price per kilo.

And turnover, according to a report by the Confindustria Fashion Accessories Research Centre on behalf of Assopellettieri, fell by 2.5 per cent in the first half of the year, whilst the National Institute of Statistics (Istat) production index stood at -4.6 per cent. For a sector that generates 85 per cent of its revenue abroad (€11.39 billion in 2025), geography is a crucial factor. The European Union held steady (+1.9 per cent, France +2.8 per cent), the United States grew by 3.3 per cent despite tariffs, and Switzerland rebounded by 10.3 per cent. Outside the EU, however, sales fell by 6.4 per cent: the Middle East slumped by 48 per cent, with the United Arab Emirates down 46.5 per cent, and the former Soviet bloc region declined by 15.9 per cent.

Even within the sector, trends diverged. Handbags account for almost 72 per cent of exports and are the only category above 2019 levels (+7.5 per cent). Items made from alternative materials to leather grew by 3.5 per cent in value, whilst leather goods fell by 6.2 per cent. Small leather goods and belts saw double-digit declines.

The heaviest blow comes from the factories. At the end of June, there were 45,514 employees: 1,884 jobs were lost in six months, more than the 1,316 lost in the whole of 2025. There are 4,189 companies, 108 fewer than before. The number of hours of furlough in the leather sector authorised by the National Social Security Institute (INPS) fell by 24.1 per cent, but rose again in the second quarter (+3 per cent) and remain more than triple the 2019 figure. The war is weighing on costs: 38 per cent of companies report logistics cost increases of over 10 per cent.

The outlook does not appear any brighter than the figures just cited. Only 8 per cent of leather goods manufacturers expect a better third quarter, whilst 58 per cent fear they will end the year with lower revenues than in 2025. 2026 is therefore heading towards a new downturn, moderate but real: prices are holding up, but volumes are not, and it is primarily the labour sector and the areas most exposed to conflict that are bearing the brunt.

Fashion Link Milan, 37,000 visitors and a new experience for buyers

Milan, 15 September 2026. Shoes and bags pack their bags, whilst the technologies and machinery for production and tanning remain on display. It is a snapshot of the supply chain: the finished product on one side, the technology that processes leather on the other, all under one roof.

This is the rationale behind Fashion Link Milano, the project that has brought the events together with the aim of enhancing the strengths of each through a systemic vision. For footwear and leather goods manufacturers, the benefit is clear: in just a few days and within a single exhibition centre, they can view the collections at MICAM, the bags at MIPEL and the technologies at SIMAC Tanning Tech, as well as the materials at Lineapelle – even though the latter is not included in the visitor figures.

The overall figures show 37,000 professionals across seven halls. From Europe, visitors came from Spain, Germany, France, Turkey, Greece and Poland; from outside the European Union, they came from China, the United States, Japan, Nigeria and South Africa.

How does a buyer arrive at the trade fair these days? Usually with their work already planned out: digital research, selection of collections, and a schedule of meetings. The organisers have sought to support the entire process with digital tools, matchmaking platforms, in-depth content, training sessions and fashion shows, all tailored to each specific trade fair. The ultimate destination, however, remains the exhibition hall: it is there that discussions take place, choices are made and business relationships are forged.

After all, the supply chain operates in much the same way outside the trade fair too. The tanner needs to know where the footwear manufacturer is heading, whilst the leather goods maker needs to understand which innovative machines can improve efficiency and quality. Bringing MICAM, MIPEL and SIMAC Tanning Tech together on the same platform means representing a broad and strategic part of the fashion system, alongside the supply chains that sustain it.

The next showcase for shoes and bags is set: MICAM and MIPEL return to Fiera Milano from 21 to 23 February 2027.

Artificial intelligence, sustainability and resilience: UITIC in Jakarta in 2027

From 2 to 4 August 2027, Jakarta will become the meeting point for footwear technicians from across the globe. The Indonesian capital, one of the country’s main economic hubs, will host the 23rd International Congress of the UITIC (International Union of Footwear Industry Technicians), organised in collaboration with KRISTA Exhibitions and APRISINDO.

The chosen title, “Shaping the Future of the Footwear Industry”, is a clear and concise one. The overarching theme is more complex: advanced technologies, sustainable production and resilience in a changing global landscape. These three concepts will be explored from various angles: artificial intelligence applied to product design, right through to Physical AI on the shop floor; sustainability viewed as a potential competitive advantage; the ability of companies to become more agile in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Each day will have a different format. 2 August is dedicated to the industry, with visits to footwear manufacturers in the Jakarta area: a close-up look at the Indonesian ecosystem. 3 August is conference day, featuring keynote speeches, technical sessions and expert panels. On 4 August, the Congress will take place alongside ILF – Indo Leather & Footwear Expo and IGT – Indo Garment & Textile Expo: the trade fairs’ opening ceremony, a joint panel programme and a tour of the exhibition with delegates.

The Innovation Showcase is also back – the format introduced in 2023 that opens up further opportunities for content and contributions. There will be no shortage of networking opportunities in the traditional UITIC style: the welcome cocktail reception and the gala dinner.

Founded in 1972, the association has a history spanning more than 50 years and places technology, innovation, sustainability and the ability to anticipate change at the heart of the Congress. In Jakarta, therefore, the future of footwear is being shaped, starting from the factory floor. For further information: www.uitic.org

Germany: a stagnant market and an uphill struggle

Almost one in five Italian leather bags failed to cross the German border this year. In the first half of 2026, Germany imported 372,000, compared with 456,000 the previous year (-18.5 per cent). Yet the value fell by just 3.7 per cent, to 112.2 million euros. Fewer items, higher average price. Good news? It depends on which side of the counter you’re looking from.

The picture is painted by the Federal Association of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L). Following the sharp decline between 2024 and 2025, turnover for German footwear manufacturers fell a further 2.4 per cent, from 1.17 to 1.14 billion euros. The domestic market fell by 2.8 per cent (903 million), whilst exports held steady at 242 million. The leather goods sector fell by 1.1 per cent. Stability, yes, but only at ground level. The number of employees at footwear companies with at least 50 staff fell to 8,943 (-3 per cent). In the leather processing sector, the decline was 11.1 per cent.

And what about Italy? German footwear exports to Italy fell by 23.6 per cent (11.9 million pairs). Imports from Italy fell by 17.5 per cent (10.2 million), dragged down by city shoes with leather uppers (-16.8 per cent). In leather goods, however, Italy remains Germany’s second-largest supplier and grew by 1.7 per cent, to 271.9 million euros. Only China ranks ahead, though its share of the total import value slipped from 44.2 per cent to 42 per cent. Meanwhile, German footwear exports to the United States rose by 22.6 per cent (re-exports?).

There is no shortage of clouds on the horizon. The war with Iran is driving up transport, energy and raw material costs, whilst price rises from Asian factories are being passed up the value chain. Then there is the bureaucracy. The forthcoming German textiles law, which transposes the EU Waste Framework Directive, will extend producer responsibility to footwear, imposing obligations regarding the collection and management of used products. The association supports the goal of circularity but calls for harmonised rules free from bureaucratic red tape. Also on the table is the EU–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which must be ratified in time for it to come into force in 2027.

‘German footwear and leather goods enjoy an excellent reputation abroad: we must promote this and strengthen our international contacts,’ says Torben Schütz, Director General of HDS/L. Demand, therefore, has not disappeared. Price-conscious consumers continue to favour products that combine functionality, quality, design and durability.


Italian footwear: exports fall but the trade balance rises to 2.16 billion

A barometer with two hands moving in opposite directions. This is the picture painted by the data released on 14 September 2026 by Assocalzaturifici on the Italian footwear sector: turnover for the first half of the year fell by 2.3 per cent, exports for the first five months dropped by 2.4 per cent, yet the trade balance grew by 9.6 per cent to reach 2.16 billion euros.

According to analyses by the Confindustria Fashion Accessories Research Centre for Assocalzaturifici, between January and May 2026 exports totalled 4.77 billion euros, with a more pronounced decline in volume (-5.8 per cent). Regions affected by geopolitical tensions weighed heavily on the figures: Russia -24.6 per cent, the Middle East -34 per cent, and the United States -5.2 per cent. The Far East is slowing further (-1.6%) following the sharp contraction of 2025. The European Union bucked the trend (+2%), driven by France (+4.3%), the leading destination market accounting for over a fifth of the sector’s exports.

The most unexpected news comes from home. After three years of decline, Italian households’ footwear purchases have grown by around 2 per cent in both volume and value. Women’s footwear rose by 4 per cent, whilst sports shoes and trainers increased by 1.5 per cent: the latter now account for over 42 per cent of spending.

The flip side of the coin lies in the supply chain. The production index from the National Institute of Statistics (Istat) stands at -6.7 per cent. In six months, 151 active businesses closed down (-4.7 per cent) and 3,065 jobs were lost (-4.5 per cent) across industry and the craft sector: the number of footwear factories fell to 3,045, whilst the number of employees dropped to 65,279. The only silver lining on the employment front is that the number of hours of authorised short-time working in the leather supply chain fell by 24.1 per cent compared with 2025, to 12.9 million.

Giovanna Ceolini, president of Assocalzaturifici, describes companies grappling with geopolitical tensions, slowing demand and rising costs, and sees the trade balance as proof that ‘Made in Italy’ manages to create value even in difficult times. The call is clear: measures to strengthen competitiveness, investment and employment.

The figures therefore paint a picture of a sector that is holding its own in terms of value and in neighbouring markets, whilst its production base is shrinking. A growing trade balance is a positive sign, but on its own it cannot rebuild a supply chain that is losing companies and workers.

Footwear: global production remains at 2024 levels but export value rises

Zero point one. That is the margin separating 2025 from the previous year in global footwear production: 24.6 billion pairs, a step forward so small as to resemble stagnation. This snapshot comes from the World Footwear Yearbook 2026, the sixteenth edition of the yearbook published by the Portuguese Footwear Association (APICCAPS), launched in 2011. The figure follows a revised estimate for 2024, which now indicates growth of close to 10 per cent for that year.

Stagnant, however, does not mean unchanged. Export volumes fell by 0.1 per cent, whilst the value of trade rose by 1.6 per cent to reach 172 billion dollars. Fewer pairs exported, more dollars earned. Driving the value is the recovery in the average export price, which has risen to $11.65 per pair following the decline in 2024: it stood at $8.87 in 2016 and remains below the record high of $11.96 set in 2023. There is a marked difference between regions: $34.76 per pair in Europe, compared with $8.02 in Asia, reflecting very different market structures, production profiles and market positioning.

Asia remains the centre of gravity, whichever way you look at it: it produces 88.7 per cent of the world’s footwear and consumes 56 per cent of it. China produces 13.7 billion pairs, accounting for 55.6 per cent of the total, followed by India with 3 billion (12.2 per cent) and Vietnam with 1.7 billion (6.7 per cent). Outside Asia, only Brazil (3.4 per cent) and Mexico (0.9 per cent) feature among the top ten producers.

2025 World Footwear Consumption

Anyone who imagines China’s dominance to be unchanging needs to think again. China exports 9 billion pairs, but its share of global exports has fallen to 61.2 per cent, down from 69.1 per cent ten years ago. Vietnam has benefited most of all, rising to 11.2 per cent. In Europe, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands act as logistics and re-export hubs, and Germany ranks fourth in the world in terms of export volumes.

In terms of consumption, the disparities between regions are stark. In North America, an average of 4.6 pairs per person are purchased, compared with 4.1 in Europe and 1.6 in Africa. China is the leading market with 4.8 billion pairs, ahead of India (2.8 billion) and the United States (1.95 billion).

The outlook for 2025, therefore, points to a market that is growing not in volume but in value, with its centre of gravity increasingly defined by Asian consumers.

For further information: www.worldfootwear.com

Top 10 Footwear Producers (Quantity) 2025