Arsutoria Studio
Arsutoria Magazine

Antoniana Minuterie: tailor-made innovation for footwear

For almost fifty years, Antoniana Minuterie has been interpreting this role with competence, creativity and vision. The Padua-based company specialises in the design and manufacture of small metal parts – buckles, laces, hooks, eyelets and rivets – for brands seeking reliable solutions that are consistent with their aesthetics.

Founded as an artisan workshop in the 1970s, Antoniana has evolved into a modern industrial reality, integrating automation, printing and cutting-edge finishes. Yet its heart remains tied to the culture of “know-how”, preserved in a historical archive rich in original moulds, pantographs and prototypes, which today are a valuable source of inspiration for designers and style offices.

Technology, precision and customisation are the keywords for the future of small parts. Looking at specific products, Antoniana has integrated advanced design elements into some items to make them more aesthetically appealing, without ever losing sight of functionality and safety. The GB247 lace lock is emblematic of this: inspired by Nordic design, it features internal tabs for quick lace sliding and rear tabs for exceptional hold, with high performance and clean aesthetics.

The GA400, the result of a refined transformation of the GA100 ‘workhorse’, with its understated but distinctive knurling, is ideal for a wide range of applications, thanks to its modern and elegant lines that express a new sensibility in the design of small technical parts.

Antoniana also stands out for its ability to respond quickly and flexibly to market needs, thanks to an in-house machine park that allows it to follow every stage – from prototyping to production – with timeliness and rigour. The company does not just supply components, but acts as a strategic partner for established and emerging brands, offering technical solutions that combine aesthetics, resistance and compatibility with the most advanced industrial processes.

In a constantly evolving sector, where sustainability and customisation are increasingly central, Antoniana Minuterie confirms its position as a benchmark for those who see detail not only as a finish, but as a hallmark of quality and vision.


Vibram leads the evolution of Work & Safety

Born out of tragedy and grown thanks to a pioneering vision, the Italian company – now a leader in the production of high-performance rubber soles – has been able to transform a technical intuition into global industrial leadership, providing footwear for athletes, mountaineers, professionals and workers all over the world. Founded in 1937 by Vitale Bramani, a mountaineer and visionary entrepreneur, Vibram revolutionised the world of technical footwear forever with an invention that changed history: the lugged design, still one of the most iconic and best-selling sole models in the world today.

Almost ninety years later, the visionary approach remains unchanged: innovation, research, testing and improvement are the pillars that have made and continue to make Vibram a global company, present in over 120 countries and active in numerous market segments: outdoor, sports, fashion, lifestyle, military and, with an increasingly strategic focus, in the world of Work & Safety.

Workplace safety has become a global priority, and there is growing attention on personal protective equipment, starting with footwear. In this context, the sole is not just a component, but a real prevention tool.

Technologies such as Vibram Litebase, which allows for a drastic reduction in weight without compromising performance, or Vibram Traction Lug, which increases traction by up to 25% thanks to an innovative design, represent concrete responses to real needs. Behind every product is a continuous cycle of testing and development that starts in the laboratory, passes through the test park (with simulations in extreme conditions) and is completed in the field, with specialised operators testing the soles in real-life contexts.

More and more workers – from rope workers to forestry operators, from offshore platform technicians to chefs and catering professionals – are choosing footwear with Vibram soles to cope with long days, difficult environments and treacherous surfaces. Because when safety is essential, the difference can be seen in one very specific detail: the yellow octagon.

‘The Work&Safety sector is growing rapidly,’ explains Annalaura Gatto, EMEA Marketing Manager at Vibram. ‘We are constantly seeking real, measurable performance, with the aim of consistently exceeding our targets. We study every context, surface and movement requirement. For us, innovation means providing a concrete response to a real need, and we do this through technical precision, listening and co-design with our partners.’

Annalaura Gatto, Marketing Manager EMEA – Vibram

FASHION LINK MILANO: 5 trade fairs, one goal and a shared vision

FASHION LINK MILANO is a unified project that brings together the main Italian events dedicated to fashion and lifestyle, offering buyers from all over the world an integrated and comprehensive experience. Starting in February 2026, the five events will take place simultaneously at Fiera Milano (Rho), offering companies a unique opportunity for strategic development thanks to the creation of a structured platform that stimulates synergies between the various players in the sector, while allowing international buyers to explore, in just a few days, a diverse range of products including footwear, leather goods, jewellery, accessories, clothing, bridalwear, eveningwear and outerwear.

FASHION LINK MILANO is a programme that aims to provide a comprehensive, unified and global overview of fashion, from start to finish. From September 2026, it will be further enriched with the addition of the Lineapelle and Simac Tanning Tech trade fairs, offering a complete overview of the entire fashion supply chain – from raw materials through manufacturing with production technologies to the finished product.  The aim is to create a unique, efficient and functional destination that can meet the needs of global fashion, optimising time and resources and presenting an up-to-date overview of the Italian and international fashion system, as well as promoting new cross-selling opportunities. At the heart of it all remain the quality and craftsmanship of Made in Italy, a symbol of innovation, tradition and stylistic research with a strong international vocation.

ABC Fashion Event is born 

The new biannual event, designed to become a benchmark in the sector, will debut next October in the heart of Italian footwear production. The initiative is supported by the Region and the Marche Chamber of Commerce and involves local business and trade associations as well as trade fairs such as Micam and Expo riva Schuh & Gardabags. The aim is to offer companies in the supply chain a strategic platform for producers, distributors, buyers and style offices to meet, present new products and strengthen commercial contacts.

It is a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends, technological innovations and excellence in the region, further strengthening the position of the Fermo-Macerata district, which, with around 3,000 companies and over 20,000 employees, is one of the world’s most important centres for high-quality production in the footwear and accessories sector.

ABC Accessori Borse Calzature Fashion Event takes place in a context of great challenges for the entire footwear sector, which is grappling with the economic situation, trade tensions and supply difficulties. ‘We are trying to bring buyers closer to local companies, which have shown interest so far, but the audience will also have to include footwear and handbag manufacturers from our region and neighbouring regions,’ said Valentino Fenni, president of ‘Abc fashion event’.

In 2024, footwear production recovered, but export value declined

In 2024, global footwear production recovered, increasing by 6.9% and recovering the 1.5 billion pairs lost in 2023. This recovery was driven by increased consumption in key markets, including the United States (+168 million pairs), China (+469 million pairs) and the European Union (+121 million pairs). Footwear exports also improved in volume, increasing by 4.6% compared to the previous year. However, the total value of exports remained virtually unchanged, with growth of 0.1%. These are some of the main conclusions of the data published in the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, published by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association.  The footwear industry remains heavily concentrated in Asia, where almost 9 out of 10 pairs of shoes are produced, accounting for 88% of global production. China continues to be the world’s largest footwear producer, with 13 billion pairs produced in 2024 and just over 54% of the global market share. India has further increased its share, now accounting for 12.5% of global production. Vietnam ranks third, with a 6.5% share.


GROWTH IN ASIAN FOOTWEAR CONSUMPTION ENDURES

In 2024, Asia’s footwear consumption accounted for more than half of the global total (55.5%), reflecting an increase over the previous year. North America and Europe followed, with shares of 13.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Per capita footwear consumption varies significantly across regions — from just 1.4 pairs in Africa to 4.8 pairs in North America. China remains the world’s leading consumer of footwear, having strengthened its share to 18.6% of global consumption. India follows with 13.3%, while the United States maintains its position in third place with a stable share of 9.8%.The European Union, considered as a single region, ranks fourth, with 2 069 million pairs consumed in 2024. 
 GLOBAL FOOTWEAR EXPORTS INCREASE IN 2024; CHINA CONTINUES TO LOSE SHARE

In 2024, global footwear exports increased by 4.6% in volume compared to the previous year, signalling a steady recovery in international trade. Asiaremained the dominant player, accounting for 85.1% of total exports — slightly above the 84.5% share recorded a decade earlier.Between 2015 and 2024, global footwear exports grew modestly in volume – up by 1.2% – but surged by 31.4% in value, rising from $129.2 billion to nearly $170 billion.Asian countries consolidated their dominance in the global footwear trade, with their collective share increasing from 84.6% in 2023 to 85.1% in 2024. Conversely, Europe’s share declined slightly to 12.6%.China remains the leading exporter, accounting for 62.2% of total exports, although its share continues to decline (down from 63.8% in 2023). Vietnamranks a distant second with 10.7%, followed by Indonesia at 4.1%. Together, these three countries account for more than three-quarters of global footwear exports. 
 AFTER A DECADE OF STEADY GROWTH, THE AVERAGE EXPORT PRICE OF FOOTWEAR DIPPED TO $11.47
 Over the past decade, the average export price of footwear rose significantly — from $8.83 per pair in 2015 to a peak of $11.98 in 2023 — marking a 36% increase. This upward trend reflected rising production costs, a shift toward higher-value products, and inflationary pressures across global supply chains. However, in 2024, this trend saw its first notable reversal, with the average price dipping to $11.47. This decline may indicate an adjustment in product mix or pricing strategies following two years of sharp value growth.  


MIPEL 128 at the starting blocks

From 7 to 9 September 2025, the leading international event for leather goods and accessories fashion previews returns to Pavilions 1 and 3 of Fiera Milano-Rho, in conjunction with MICAM Milano.

The 128th edition of MIPEL will exceptionally bring forward its dates, breaking with the traditional overlap with other fashion system trade fairs (Milano Fashion&Jewels, Lineapelle and TheOne Milano), due to the work that will be carried out on the exhibition centre in view of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

With a highly qualified audience and over 200 brands presenting their spring-summer 2026 collections, MIPEL is a crossroads of trends, inspiration and unmissable business opportunities for professionals. Thanks to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) – through its international buyer incoming project – 23 selected professionals from 10 countries will be present.

The fair will be enriched by special projects and areas such as Drink & Deals, informal networking opportunities designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and business opportunities in a convivial atmosphere. MIPEL Factory will also be back in Hall 3, a veritable interactive laboratory where artisan excellence dialogues with the most advanced technological innovations, created in collaboration with Arsutoria and some of the leading companies in leather goods technology and supplies.

Also in Hall 3 will be the Trend Area, dedicated to the key trends for the SS2026 season, through a selection of bags and accessories that fully represent their essence.  The Italian Startup Project is also back, a space dedicated to a selection of promising young Italian brands that have distinguished themselves for their creativity, contemporary vision and ability to create products that meet market needs.  Finally, Showcase Milano will be back, the space where design meets research and craftsmanship.

The international vocation of the event is also expressed through its partnership with VIAMADEINITALY, the digital platform that connects over 24,000 buyers with Italian producers of excellence, offering Italian companies present at MIPEL an exclusive showcase and cutting-edge digital tools.

Finally, another sign of openness to the world comes from The Eastern Edge, the area inside Pavilions 3 and 5 dedicated to companies from emerging markets such as India, China and Pakistan, which – together with exhibitors from over 18 countries – contribute to making the fair a privileged observatory on global trends and developments in the sector.

Key changes in TFL´s leadership team

TFL announces important leadership updates that will further strengthen the company’s position and support its long-term growth strategy.  

Effective September 1, 2025, Samer Al Jabi will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Samer Al Jabi, CCO

Samer has been with TFL since March 2025 and has been instrumental in leading TFL’s five-year strategic plan. In his new role, he will drive the company’s growth through commercial excellence and strategic initiatives. With his extensive experience in the chemical industry, Samer has successfully led global businesses, built high-performing teams, and executed transformative acquisitions. His leadership and vision will be key as we enter this next phase of growth. 

 

Kaija Korolainen, CPO

Effective July 1, 2025, Kaija Korolainen was appointed Group Chief People Officer (CPO). Kaija has a strong track record of strategic HR leadership across multiple industries and geographies. At TFL, she is responsible for leading the people strategy, with a focus on building an inclusive, high-performing culture and driving organizational excellence to enable the successful execution of TFL’s strategy. 

One final update concerns “Our valued COO, Henrik Pedersen has decided to retire on January 1, 2026, after nearly 21 years with TFL in various key roles. We have launched a search to find a successor for him”. 

 “These leadership appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening TFL’s strategic and people agenda while ensuring continuity in our operations, all with the goal to deliver the best value to our customers” said André Lanning, CEO. “We warmly welcome Samer and Kaija to their new roles and extend our sincere thanks to Henrik for his outstanding service at TFL.”

 

Over 11,000 trade visitors at SHOES & LEATHER – VIETNAM

The 25th edition of SHOES & LEATHER – VIETNAM, the International Footwear and Leather Fair – which includes the 25th edition of the IFLE International Footwear and Leather Products Fair – welcomed 569 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions last July, covering an area of 20,000 square metres. The event showcased the entire supply chain – from materials, machinery and smart technologies to finished footwear, bags and luggage – making it a dynamic and comprehensive platform for industry professionals to explore the latest developments, products and technologies in the footwear and leather sectors. In terms of visitors, it attracted 11,583 professionals from 63 countries and regions. With a wide range of innovative products and solutions, the event provided a comprehensive platform for networking, sourcing and industry knowledge exchange, reinforcing its role as a benchmark for the global footwear and leather community.

The next edition of the event is scheduled for 8-10 July 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC).


Stahl unveils Premium Leather Design Collection Autumn & Winter 2027

Stahl, the global leader in speciality coatings for flexible materials, announces today the launch of its Premium Leather Design Collection for Autumn & Winter 2027, a dynamic 70‑page catalogue designed for experts in automotive, apparel & accessories, and interior design industries.

A sensory journey in print

Featuring real, touchable leather swatches, the Autumn & Winter 2027 Collection Book is more than a source of inspiration – it’s a tangible showcase of Stahl’s expertise in specialty coatings for flexible materials.

“The Design Collection Book reveals how our invisible innovations enhance the durability, feel, and aesthetic of the materials people touch every day. From automotive interiors and fashion accessories to luxury goods, our coatings protect and elevate products – creating truly sensational experiences. When people touch our products, we touch their lives. This is the perceivable impact we have on the consumer experience, and it’s the essence of our purpose: Touching lives, for a better world” reads the presentation note.

The Autumn & Winter 2027 Collection explores four distinct trend universes – Nexus, Tribu, Pomp, and Anomaly – each built around emotion, experience, and bold creative expression.

The comprehensive catalogue offers:

* Over 70 pages of premium leather designs and palette inspirations

* Real leather samples to experience texture and finish firsthand

* Insightful Pantone-aligned colour stories and trend forecasting

* Sustainable product solutions tailored to diverse application

How to access the collection

Designers and product developers are invited to DOWNLOAD the catalogue via Stahl’s dedicated webpage and explore premium finishes and trend insights. For direct sample handling, book a meeting with Stahl to explore real-leather swatchbooks tailored to project needs.

Italian footwear industry: ‘from vulnerable sector to strategic sector’

According to the study, the Italian sector has gone through alternating phases: after growing by +0.4% in the period 2019-2023, it recorded a significant contraction of -9.4% in 2023-2024. However, historical analysis of the last 160 years (1861-2022) shows the extraordinary resilience of Made in Italy, which has been able to overcome global crises and momentous economic transformations.

The survey highlights a fundamental paradigm shift: uncertainty should not be seen as a limitation, but as a competitive advantage. According to the analysis, it becomes a limitation when a company is too dependent on a single market, lacks risk plans or diversified supply chains, or when human capital is unable to recognise the signs of change.

It becomes an advantage when the company invests in resilience through diversified markets and smart inventories, exploits flexibility and creativity, distinctive features of the Italian model, and uses uncertainty to enhance the reliability of Made in Italy compared to suppliers more exposed to geopolitical risks.

The analysis also highlighted the importance of the Italy 2030 Plan, a strategic project based on a cultural transformation that moves ‘From Resistance to Vision, From Resilience to Ambition’, structured around four pillars: Vision, Challenges, Game Changers and Priorities.  In particular, the strategy is divided into six concrete actions, defined as “reasons for future success”: acting and planning with a systemic approach, not alone; leveraging new technologies; rethinking organisational models; growing by exporting value; promoting Made in Italy; innovating the business model.

These actions must be viewed in a context where Italy is the world’s third largest exporter of footwear, with particular strength in high value-added segments. The geographical diversification of exports to EU countries4 underlines the strength of European trade relations, while growth in emerging markets opens up new opportunities.

The study concludes with a key message: ‘Improving the lives of those who choose Made in Italy’. An approach focused on value and quality of life for consumers is therefore the key to transforming the current difficult period into a springboard for the future.