The current economic crisis is of a cyclical nature and, for this very reason, it is believed that it is destined to resolve itself over time. With this belief, requests are being made to the government to protect and strengthen employment along the entire supply chain of the sector. The forecasts for 2025 are marked by stability, even if it is still premature to make definitive assessments. Carlo Capasa expressed this cautious optimism, speaking in a crowded Alessi room of Palazzo Marino, during the presentation of Milano Moda Donna, scheduled from February 25 to March 3.
This year's edition features a packed calendar with 153 confirmed events, including 56 in-person and 6 digital shows, as well as numerous presentations and special events, which could rise to 170 in the final version. Among the most anticipated moments, the debut of Lorenzo Serafini as creative director of Alberta Ferretti and that of David Koma for Blumarine. Also noteworthy are the co-ed shows dedicated to the anniversaries of major fashion houses: 100 years of Fendi, 30 years of Dsquared2 and 60 years of K-Way.
"We estimate an economic impact of around 185 million euros for the city of Milan," said Alessia Cappello, councilor for labor policies and economic development. The data for the fourth quarter of the fashion sector still highlight difficulties for the Italian industry: turnover fell by 4,2% compared to the same period in 2023, although the contraction was less marked than in previous quarters. Prices and retail sales in the clothing sector showed signs of recovery, but difficulties remain in core sectors, such as textiles, leather goods and footwear, which recorded a decline of 7,7%. On the contrary, segments such as beauty, eyewear, jewelry and costume jewelry have regained momentum, with the jewelry sector in particular standing out (+8,2% in the last quarter).
Based on current data, an overall drop in turnover of 2024% is expected for 5,3, with an estimated value of around 96 billion euros, of which 91 billion from exports (+2,5% compared to 2023). Capasa underlined the growing international appeal of Milan Fashion Week, capable of attracting both consolidated brands and new talents. «In 2024, 72 million people followed our fashion shows in streaming, with an increase of 30% compared to Paris».
In a spirit of synergy with the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the Fashion Hub of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana will host for the first time the presentation of Charles de Vilmorin, designer of the Showroom Sphere initiative of Paris Fashion Week. In turn, from March 5 to 11, Marco Rambaldi will participate in the Parisian events, thus strengthening the dialogue between the two fashion capitals.
