It was a special edition, the 107th Lineapelle, which took place last week (February 11-13) at Fiera Milano Rho. There was a crisis that has been suffocating the entire fashion, luxury, and leather supply chain for more than two years. There were some changing dates, given the coincidence with the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, which generated considerable logistical difficulties (for example, hotel prices that were completely out of control). Ultimately, the most important factor was undoubtedly the need to give substance to the market indications of recent weeks: relating to some minimally positive signs. Something that, as many have pointed out, is in the order of ‘less bad’. Some defined it as, thanks to the interaction at the fair of what Lineapelle, in a note, “the best expression of the global fashion community”.
The best expression of the supply chain
“It’s an energetic, aware, and highly interested community that, from February 11 to 13, 2026”, writes Lineapelle, “demonstrated an incredible desire to build new horizons. And to react to the complexities of a market that’s been experiencing repeated critical conditions for over two years. And yet, one that is beginning to show some signs of a possible reversal of the trend”. It’s a community that, at the fair, reacted “to the current challenges of the market, proving itself stronger than many adverse factors”. 848 exhibitors (436 tanneries, 290 accessory manufacturers, 95 synthetic manufacturers, 27 others) from 33 countries.
“The forced postponement of the dates”, continues Lineapelle, “due to the presence of some of the competition venues for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center, caused an expected and conscious reduction in the number of professional operators (approximately 16,000) who came from 99 countries”. Operators who, “by adapting their flow models at the fair, expressed a reassuring energy and a vision very focused on the product, quality, and, above all, service”.
New ways to interact
That’s what exhibitors say: “The composition of the audience has changed”, says Dino De Maio of DMD Solofra. “But in favor of the quality of contacts. We met more attentive visitors. There were fewer curious people, who might crowd the stand, but don’t bring money. We noticed greater interest into leather processing. Even simple items, but with an added factor. It’s a trend that can lead to positive developments”. Lineapelle emphasizes that naturalness, together with innovation, is “the most important keystone for the near future for the entire supply chain. And it’s on these elements that the interest of buyers and visitors has focused”.
As Lorenzo Meschini of Conceria Opera explains: “We have an international vocation and that is where we will continue to look, to go beyond luxury brands, because the high-spending end customer wants something else. And in the end, we will have to return to real leather, in its true essence and with authentic Italian craftsmanship”.
Next stop, September 2026
The next Lineapelle will take place from September 15 to 17 2026, again at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center. Now in its 108th edition, it will once again activate its usual synergy with the finished product fairs. Micam, Mipel, and TheOne, to be held from September 13 to 15, sharing their last day of exhibition with the first day of Lineapelle. Speaking of synergies, Lineapelle concludes that the one activated with Filo, the leading trade fair for the yarn and fiber sector, was very positive. Filo “was hosted for the first time within Lineapelle, reflecting an increasingly concrete effort to promote Made in Italy”. A good start, then.
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