Mipel: fresh ideas to support leathergoods manufacturers
Italy-based leathergoods fair Mipel has concluded in Milan (February 23 to 25), with 200 companies displaying collections for autumn-winter 2025.
The event has again been held concurrently, or partially overlapping, shoe fair Micam Milano, Milano Fashion&Jewels and leather fair Lineapelle, allowing buyers to access a range of manufacturers and suppliers.
The show is organised by Italian leathergoods manufacturers’ association Assopellettieri, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the ITA-Italian Trade Agency – which invites “VIP” overseas buyers, and places emphasis on the Made in Italy heritage.
Novelties at this show include the Mipel Factory, where visitors watched leather keyrings being cut using machinery that recognises objects and autonomously programmes its work paths. The project, in collaboration with the Arsutoria school, highlights the increasingly central role of technology in preserving Italian craftsmanship excellence.
Embracing the digital and youth-driven marketplace, Italian fashion influencers were invited to the event before visitors, offering their followers style tips and insights into the collections.
Similarly, live streamers from Taiwan and Singapore operated from stations within the fair, selling products live on their own social channels.
The show’s digital partner, ViaMadeInItaly, helped companies digitise their products, offering an online catalogue to a reported 24,000 buyers.
A new section, The Eastern Edge, featured companies from India and Pakistan.
Claudia Sequi, president of Mipel and Assopellettieri, said: "There is a lot of commitment and determination to face the challenges of the international market. We support companies in their digital transformation and internationalisation processes. The exhibition, today more than ever, represents a great business opportunity where global operators, observers and players converge.”
