From 13 to 15 September 2026, MICAM Milano returned to Fiera Milano Rho, Italy, with an edition that placed Italian manufacturing heritage at center stage.
The opening of the 102nd edition highlighted the cultural depth of Italy’s production system, an ecosystem built on skills, knowledge, territories and the transmission of expertise across generations. This heritage, deeply rooted yet constantly evolving, remains one of Italy’s most distinctive strengths as global markets shift and new scenarios emerge.
The fair opened under the umbrella of Fashion Link Milano, the coordinated project that brings together MICAM Milano, MIPEL, Milano Fashion&Jewels, TheOneMilano and SIMAC Tanning Tech. The initiative underscores the synergy between complementary sectors and supply chains, reinforcing the role of trade fairs as vital meeting points where manufacturing culture, industrial capabilities and internationalization converge.
A defining moment of the ceremony was the announcement that Giovanni Bozzetti, President of Fondazione Fiera Milano, has officially assumed the presidency of the Supporters’ Committee for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidacy of Italian Footwear Art. The candidacy, promoted by Assocalzaturifici and its President Giovanna Ceolini, aims to safeguard not only the finished shoe but the body of knowledge, skills, practices and traditions that make its creation possible. Bozzetti described the initiative as a national project to protect one of the most authentic expressions of Italian know-how, ensuring that this heritage continues to thrive and evolve for future generations.
Giovanna Ceolini: Education, Global Vision and Sustainable Pragmatism
In an interview during the fair, Giovanna Ceolini, President of MICAM and Assocalzaturifici, expanded on the pillars shaping the future of the Italian footwear industry. For her, strengthening the connection between schools and industry is now essential. Skills, she emphasized, are the foundation of competitiveness, and young people must be able to understand the professional opportunities within the supply chain. Training, she noted, is an investment not only in the footwear sector but in the entire Italian manufacturing system.
Ceolini also highlighted the importance of expanding internationally. While European markets, especially Spain and France, remain crucial, she pointed to North America and Asia as strategic regions where demand for high-quality, design-driven products continues to grow. Sustainability, another cornerstone of MICAM’s vision, is being integrated through concrete tools and partnerships such as Retex.Green, which supports companies in approaching circular economy models and navigating new regulatory frameworks. Her approach is pragmatic: accompany companies, build knowledge, and transform necessary adjustments into opportunities for innovation.
As a woman leading one of the most influential trade fairs in the world, Ceolini reflected on the values that have shaped her leadership: listening, concreteness and teamwork. Her message to young women entering traditional sectors is clear trust your skills, embrace responsibility and bring your own perspective. New energies and ideas, she believes, are what allow industries to evolve.
Emerging Designers: A Global Laboratory of Ideas
MICAM’s ninth edition of the Emerging Designers initiative reaffirmed the fair’s commitment to nurturing new talent. Developed with Honegger and curated by a jury of international experts led by Ernesto Esposito—alongside Sabrina Donadel, Ada Kokosar, Americo Cacciapuoti, Bojan Kostic, Sergio Zambon, and MICAM’s own Giovanna Ceolini and CEO Giorgio Possagno the project offers a refined snapshot of the next generation of footwear creators.
The designers selected for the September 2026 and February 2027 editions reflect a landscape where craftsmanship heritage meets research, new technologies and contemporary reinterpretations of classic models. Rather than pointing to a single dominant trend, the initiative reveals an attitude defined by experimentation, creativity and design rigor.
Designer Spotlight: Nalebe
Among the twelve selected designers, Nalebe, founded by Amina Means, stood out for its fusion of African heritage and Italian craftsmanship. Means sees her shoes as storytelling objects, each one carrying memories and cultural narratives. Her work combines handmade techniques, unique materials and technical precision, including padded insoles designed for stability and comfort. Nalebe’s presence at MICAM marks a significant milestone for the brand, which continues to expand internationally while maintaining intentional, curated distribution.
MIPEL Highlight: Biagini’s Artisanal Legacy
Within Fashion Link Milano, the MIPEL fair offered its own standout moment through Biagini, a family-run brand from Modena founded in 1968. Their Spring/Summer collection, L’estati Bambini, evokes childhood summers through vibrant colors and floral motifs. Biagini is known for its mastery of luxury materials, including crocodile, python, hand-painted python and eel (anguilla), as well as its signature striped patterns crafted across leather and canvas.
One of the brand’s most iconic creations is the heart bag, a solid brass piece combined with hand-painted python, often exhibited in art galleries. For Biagini, every bag is a piece of art unique, collectible and deeply rooted in Italian craftsmanship.
SS27 Trends: A Season of Softness, Expression and Joy
The SS27 season, presented by LIVETREND’s Julia Stratmann, signals a shift away from restraint and quiet luxury toward a more expressive, joyful aesthetic. Richer textures, deeper colors and more personalized details define the season. Constructions move away from chunky silhouettes toward soft, unconstructed shapes crafted in buttery leathers and gathered techniques. Slimmer, glove-like forms adapt to anatomical features, while pops of color orange, pink and border shades—layer over neutrals for curated vibrancy.
Canvas twills make a notable return in sneakers, echoing classic styles like Vans and Converse, while jelly materials add playful edge. Across categories, the flip-flop emerges as an unexpected star, transitioning from beachwear to city dressing.
A New Chapter for Italian Footwear
MICAM Milano’s September 2026 edition shows an industry confidently moving forward. Heritage, innovation and emerging talent converged in Milan, revealing a sector that honors its cultural roots while embracing new ideas, new markets and new creators. From the UNESCO candidacy to the expressive SS27 trends and the fresh voices within the Emerging Designers initiative, MICAM demonstrated that Italian footwear is not only preserving its legacy it is actively shaping its future.
