Mipel closes with positive results and rewards

the best that the leather industry has to offer

 16,163 buyers crowded the 4-day event, a 5.6% increase compared to March 2009, and a 13.4% increase compared to

the September edition. 427 exhibitors (169 foreign)

The 97^th edition of Mipel the bagshow concluded on Saturday, March 6, in Fieramilano in an atmosphere of widespread optimism. There were 16,163 buyers attending, including 8,148 from abroad. This was a 5.6% increase (+2% Italian buyers; +9.3 foreign buyers) compared to March 2009 (15,304 buyers) and an impressive 13.4% increase compared to the last September 2009 edition.

“Although has still not ended,” said Giorgio Cannara, Aimpes/Mipel President, “attendance figures show signs of recovery, which were even more evident in the business dealings taking place in the stands.”

Russia is back. Spain and Germany are stable. Japan does quite well.

Mipel 97 also achieved another important goal: the return of Russian buyers. Attendance grew by 14.2% compared to March 2009. Russia and Japan (+8.8%) are the two most important outlet markets for Italian leather products. The USA market continues to suffer (a 4.3% decrease, approximately 500 buyers). Spain and Germany remain the most significant European markets (for number of buyers attending), and the United Kingdom comes in third (+5.6%).

“Mipel has no competitors,” said President Cannara. “It is the only international show that attracts top foreign buyers. Italian buyers also come to Milan because they consider the four-day expo to be an event not to be missed. The creativity of the products on display and the high level of quality are elements that allow leather goods manufacturers to be successful on the domestic market in Italy as well.”

This is also one of the reasons that the next edition of Mipel will be held from Sunday, September 19, to Wednesday, September 22, so that Italian retailers can take advantage of the day that they are closed to visit the show.

Four contests rewarded the best that Mipel has to offer: the best visual display award went to Tintamar. Three Italian companies won the Mipel…issima competition: Product Image went to Desmo; Product Innovation went to Volpi; and Best Quality went to Tavecchi. The Accessories contest was won by Facopel Produzione. Winners of Fantasy, the new competition of the 97^th edition, were Savini Bettina (Jury Prize) and Ripani (Buyer Prize). The Mipel President’s Special Prize went to Sapaf for its technological innovation and to Renato Angi for stand image.

The positive result of the Accessories Week that just closed is the result of the synergy established between the four exhibitions – Mipel, Micam, Mifur, and Mido – that are the natural complement of fashion.

Milan, March 8, 2010

Fiera Milano Press Office

Rosi Mazzanti – Simone Zavettieri

Tel + 39 02 4997.7457

rosy.mazzanti@fieramilano.it – simone.zavettieri@fieramilano.it

Events, special projects, contests, relaxing moments and delicious food: you’ll find all this and more at the 97^th edition of Mipel, which turns exhibitors and visitors into the real protagonists of this four-day happening in Milan dedicated to the world of leather goods.

Mipel at Micam

Mipel is not an isolated event. From March 2 to 5, the International Showcase of Leather Goods and Accessories also enters Micam, the footwear exhibition held in the same place and on the same dates as Mipel. And it does so with an original exhibit set up in Pavilion 6 (Stand G05), a special place for the finest Italian products that Mipel’s exhibitors have to offer. The area, created in cooperation with Aimpes (Italian Association of Leather Goods Manufacturers) and Anci (Italian Association of Footwear Producers), was designed by Fausto Caletti. The exhibit inspired by a museum, in elegant shades of black and white, has picture frames displaying the handbags/works of art and runners on the floor marking the itinerary.

Mipel at Mifur

Mifur, the fur show, is held at Fieramilano in Rho at the same time as Mipel. Here, too, thanks to Mipel, fine Italian leather goods will accompany fabulous furs in two special moments. The first event will be the REMIX fashion show held at VISIONNAIRE, a famous Milanese space on Piazza Cavour. On the catwalk, furs designed by young stylists from around the world will be accessorized with the most elegant and precious bags in crocodile, python and diamonds. The second moment will be a special area set up in Pavilion 18 with a jungle/natural theme chosen for the fur/handbag combination, perfect for fall/winter 2010-11 trends.

Mipel Shopping Delirio

Bags and purses will be on display, but also available for purchase. You can find great deals in the Mipel Shopping Delirio flagship store in Pavilion 16, where you can buy new collections of accessories, gadgets, and T-shirts made especially for Mipel.

All proceeds from Mipel Shopping Delirio will be donated to the Soleterra Onlus non-profit organization.

Welcome displays

Visitors of the 97^th edition of Mipel will be greeted by the Welcome Squares, genuine display windows set up in the entrances of Pavilions 8 and 12.  The entrance of Pavilion 16 will host the Fantasy – Mipel premia la tua creatività [Mipel rewards your creativity] contest. In this particular competition, manufacturers will decorate a basic bag they received from Mipel organizers. A panel of experts and the public will vote to choose the best bag. Fausto Caletti designed the Welcome Squares in Pavilions 8 and 12. Colorful frames inspired by Mondrian’s Rationalist style display the bags in Pavilion 8, while a Baroque frame is the perfect touch for the elegant bags featured in Pavilion 12. At the entrance of Pavilion 16, the personalized bags from the Fantasy contest are used in a unique installation, forming a harmonious curvy yet geometric pattern. Colored Colored square inspired by the rationalism of the bags contain Mondrian design of the pavilion 8, a note will be the perfect setting for baroque proposal elegant mood of the pavilion 12. At the entrance of 16 scholarships will be the same matter before a particular installation that will use the bags custom Fantasy contest to create the harmony of a twisting motion and geometric at the same time. Further artistic touch at the entrance of Hall 16 will be given by the square of Adalgisa De Angelis, multifaceted artist dedicated to painting on canvas but also on those matters. Included in this second inspired the works on display in Mipel: there will be the "bag of sin", entirely decorated with apples with lots of snake that runs around the "bag drink" cans and decorated with the "Borsa di mare" adorned with the most succulent seafood, to name but a few.

Competitions

Fantasy is not the only contest for exhibitors. Mipel’s three traditional competitions will also take center stage:  Mipel...issima, which awards top quality, product innovation, image and advertising; Accessories, for producers of small leather goods and accessories; and La miglior vetrina, for the most creative visual merchandising ideas displayed in the stands. The award ceremonies will take place on Friday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m., during a Happy Hour at Juicy Lounge in Pavilion 16, where the winners will be toasted with aperitifs.

New brands

Also returning is STARTUP, the area that launches new brands and presents young designers making their Mipel debut. 22 companies (Hall 8)  in this innovative section will make the most of their opportunity to appear in such an important international venue.

Research

There will also be a section devoted to research. Fashion Trend and Accessories Trend are always very popular with visitors because they feature trend-setting exhibitors known for their research, innovation, and creativity. Mipel Vintage, in Pavilion 8, is the ideal place for buying famous-label vintage items. Distinctive shoes or unique bags impossible to find elsewhere will be on display for designers and buyers who might find the right inspiration for tomorrow’s collections among these objects from the past. 

Relax

Mipel means business, trends, new products, and many meetings in a stress-free atmosphere. If you want a relaxing break, stop at the Trend Café and the Glamour Café. And if you can’t resist delicious fresh fish, just have a seat at Claudio, la Pescheria dei milanesi in pavilion 12 and 16for oysters, marinated fish, and the original “Italian-style sushi.”

Top Club

The world of leather handbags and accessories will be on display in Pavilions 8, 12 and 16 until Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Mipel, the International Showcase of Leather Goods and Accessories, which opens today and will continue until Saturday, March 6, 2010, presents the Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collections at Fiera Milano in Rho.

The nearly 30,000 square meters of exhibition space in Pavilions 8, 12 and 16 will feature the best productions of handbags, luggage and travel bags, umbrellas, accessories, and leather articles such as wallets, diaries, and small leather goods.  

More than 420 exhibitors have registered, which is an excellent result in line with past editions.

“Our sector, like many others in Italy, suffered a significant setback in 2009, with a 20% drop in exports compared to 2008,” said Giorgio Cannara, Aimpes/Mipel President. “According to forecasts, a more incisive recovery is expected in the second semester of 2010. The comforting number of exhibitors in Mipel confirms the importance of Mipel, Milan’s date with the international world of leather goods and accessories.”

"The number of exhibitors at comforting Mipel can only be read - said Cannara - as a confident confirmation of the appointment of Milan with the fashion accessory leather industry leaders worldwide."
Of note also the presence of about fifty new entries among the exhibitors at the testimony of a proposal increasingly rich and varied.

As usual, the event is divided into specific theme areas:

• the Galleria welcomes famous international brands that personify luxury and fashion;
• the Glamour area, dedicated to upper-middle and high-end products, provides a complete panorama on the handbag segment and focuses on practicality;
• Fashion Trend and Accessories Trend are devoted to the most innovative and refreshing creations designed for young people who need a practical bag with unique style and the most original costume jewelry and accessories;  
• the Startup space is reserved to new companies at Mipel for the very first time, promoting new brands and future labels;  
• Overseas is the area with an international air featuring the trends and productions from abroad. Companies from the Far East, China, India, and Central America will present their top leather goods and artisan traditions.

This 97^th edition also welcomes back Area Vintage: a celebration of the past featuring garments of yesteryear that have become iconic cult objects.

Fausto Caletti designed the Welcome Squares, the themed areas at the entrance of each pavilion. Pavilion 8 greets the visitor with colorful frames inspired by Mondrian’s Rationalist style that display a series of sleek technical and sports bags. For the more elegant bags in Pavilion 12, Caletti dreamed up a sequence of curvy, Baroque frames. The Welcome Square in Pavilion 16 hosts an assortment of bags participating in the Fantasy contest. These one-of-a-kind items were used to create a unique art installation: the bags hanging from their shoulder straps form a sort of huge cascading geometric chandelier. Artwork by Adalgisa De Angelis adds another artistic touch at the entrance of Pavilion 16.

Competitions

The 97^th edition of Mipel is not just an opportunity for exhibitors to meet old and new buyers. They also have a chance to compete in Mipel’s three traditional contests: Mipel...issima, which awards top quality, product innovation, image and advertising; Accessories, for producers of small leather goods and accessories; and La miglior vetrina, for the most creative visual merchandising ideas displayed in the stands. The three contests have been joined by the new competition called Fantasy – Mipel premia la tua creatività [Mipel rewards your creativity]. For this particular contest, all handbag manufacturers were asked to decorate a basic bag they received from Mipel organizers. The final results are on display in the Welcome Square of Pavilion 16, where visitors can admire the bags and vote for their favorite.  A panel of experts will also judge the designs. Visitors entering Mipel will receive a postcard that will allow them to vote for the best bag. After they vote, they can place their postcard in a special ballot box near the Pavilion 16 window where the bags are on display.

The contest prize is a trip for two persons for the 98^th Mipel. 

The trend for Winter 2010/2011 collections is the clutch bag, which keeps getting smaller, becoming a precious little “jewelry box” held in the hand and displayed with flair. It is lavishly decorated with fringe, appliqués and even fur. Even the backpack in its various styles – folk or school – is given a new twist with fringe or with draped fabric or leather accents.

Colors include timeless traditional shades of tan, brown, beige, neutrals, and dark brown, but also vibrant, creative hues inspired by the mosaics in Ravenna such as yellow, Ravenna blue, powder pink, and Byzantine scarlet. Colors are deep and bright, but not as dazzling as summer shades.

Mifur (from March 3 to 6), the fur show, Mido (from March 5 to 7), the eyewear expo, and Micam (from March 2 to 5), the footwear exhibition, are also held at the same time as Mipel in the Fiera Milano complex in Rho. With this simultaneous scheduling, Fiera Milano offers the most extensive and complete panorama on accessories and the best products designed to complete and enhance fashion collections.

New dates for Mipel in September

Identity Card

What’s big for the next fall/winter 2010-2011 collections

SHAPES

Next winter will be all about the clutch bag.  The small hand-held bag, more like a little “jewel box” to display with flair than an actual container for holding necessary objects, will be the star of the winter season.   

The small rigid bags with a wood or metal base will be decorated with fringe, fur, and enamel appliqués. A jewel clasp is the final dazzling touch. 

The backpack makes a comeback and comes in several styles: it’s folksy, it’s a school bag, and it’s whimsical. Like the clutch, it is lavishly embellished and comes in various types of leather, fabric or even a combination of the two. If there is a high-tech version, it will be made of carbon fiber. 

Generally, bags will be more masculine next winter: shoulder bags will have decorative top-stitching. And yet, how and when women wear them will be very feminine.

COLORS

There will be a range of natural classic shades, from beige to tan and from brown to dark brown. Colors incarnate the concept of “Luxury and Substance”.

Besides this essential base there will be a color range we could call “Bohemian Luxury” that includes rust, oxidized green, crimson, and ruby red.

These colors can be found, for instance, in an abandoned factory: they are vibrant, but not as dazzling as summer shades.

“Abstract Dream” features brighter hues such as yellow, Ravenna blue, powder pink, purple, and scarlet.

MATERIALS

The bag is designed and made with textured materials that remind one of the earth: ribbing and evident, raised patterns create an uneven surface on bags Despite this visual and tactile roughness, the bag is always extremely light due to special manufacturing techniques.

Buffalo, buff calf, and goatskin are the main leathers used. In the more classic, chic version, the bag resembles Hermes’ most famous models, and buckskin and calf leather are musts for winter.

Fabrics are also featured in the 2010/2011 handbag collections: they are textured and patterned, but the bags are always feminine. Bronze Lurex inserts are perfect for fabric evening bags.

Creased suede, with leather so soft that even a light caress leaves its mark, will be big. This type of leather can be used outside and also inside (in this case, it will be printed with a fifties-style print).

The Ethnic style will be inspired by cold lands such as Tyrol and Bavaria. As a result, thick wool similar to classic loden and leathers with a thick, exaggerated appearance will be used extensively. However, the bags will always be light in weight.

ACCESSORIES

The buzzword for costume jewelry, handbags, and belts is experimentation. Motifs inspired by trompe l’oeil and geometric patterns will reign. Appliqués will be used extensively, especially with bright enamels. Metal zippers, rivets, snap-hooks, and snaps will make a comeback.

Frogs, typical of Tyrolean loden coats, are very stylish. Magnetic clasps will be used on necklaces and bracelets of a certain size.

17 Aimpes brands at the second collective show

in fieramilanocity  
 
 

Fine handbags and accessories whose quality is guaranteed by the leather manufacturers’ association will appear in Milan’s most famous women’s prêt-a-porter expo.

AIMPES, the Association of Italian Leather Manufacturers, has chosen MI Milano Prêt-à-porter, held from February 26 to March 1 at fieramilanocity, for its second collective show called We Love Italian Bags, the area featuring Italian style and organized in cooperation with 17 leather goods manufacturers.   

Accessories are an integral part of fashion and their every aspect -- exquisite detailing, colors and materials -- is an expression of aesthetic beauty. They represent Italian style worldwide with amazing products whose designs are enhanced through the use of buttery soft leather. Each accessory is the result of the producer’s creativity and skillful technique: visible or hidden, these qualities always deserve to be mentioned.  

For this fascinating story, AIMPES, which organizes Mipel (March 3-6, 2010), has chosen this event as the ideal setting for highlighting once again the many excellent products made in Italy. Always imitated by never equaled, these splendid accessories are produced by many talented leather stylists.  

The International Showcase of Leather Goods and Accessories from March 3 – 6, 2010 

MIPEL, launched in 1962, is the international leather goods expo (handbags, luggage, duffle and sports bags, wallets, and all leather accessories) that is the world leader in the sector. MIPEL has renewed itself over the years, and now it is considered the most accredited point of reference. That’s why it is the perfect venue for companies focusing on strengths such as product research, market strategies, and technological innovation. By transforming into a modern trade fair, MIPEL has not only improved its image, but it has also created synergies and forms of collaboration with other events in the fashion industry that have been extremely successful.  

Each year, the two editions (in March and in September) are held in the futuristic fieramilano trade fair complex, in the capital of fashion and design, to present the fall-winter and the following spring-summer collections. Mipel is a unique opportunity to see the latest trends in leather handbags and accessories that are increasingly important for the evolution of fashion. It is also an eagerly awaited event for celebrating the inventiveness and creativity of artisans and industries from all over Italy and many foreign countries, for an extremely important economic sector. 

With 12,000 visiting buyers, 200 accredited journalists, and more than 400 exhibitors in 3 pavilions covering a surface of 30,000 square meters, Mipel is a showcase you won’t want to miss if you’re a professional in the fashion accessory business.   

AIMPES, the Association of Italian Leather Manufacturers, was established in 1966 to represent the Italian leather industry and its interests on all institutional levels. Today its members are the most qualified manufacturers of products made of leather and synthetic materials.   

Aimpes entered the entrepreneurial system in 1973 and proceeded to update and tailor its services for member companies, also through the creation of a services company (Aimpes Servizi S.r.l.), launching projects and activities to encourage and facilitate the exportation and promotion of Italian leather goods abroad.  

Among its main tasks, Aimpes represents the interests of the category on labor issues, underwriting and subsequently overseeing the correct application of the National Labor Contract.  It promotes the development and professional training of employees in the industry. It also promotes and coordinates activities that showcase Italian leather fashions and accessories to protect the superb quality of its production. It cooperates with National and International Organizations in the same category, assisting their companies and offering advice on economic, fiscal, custom, and welfare issues. 

Aimpes also promotes Mipel, the international leather goods exhibition that is held twice a year in Milan. It coordinates and manages promotional activities, trade fairs, and conferences, as well as facilitating the participation of member companies in these events.  

Mipel, the 97^th edition is just a month away!

The world of handbags and accessories will be at fieramilano from March 3 to 6, 2010. 

The next edition of Mipel, the International Showcase of Leather Goods and Accessories, will be held at Fiera Milano from March 3 to 6, 2010.

The edition, which will take place at the fieramilano complex in Rho, will present Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collections.

The nearly 30,000 square meters of exhibition space in Pavilions 8, 12 and 16 will feature the best productions of handbags, luggage and travel bags, umbrellas, accessories and leather articles such as wallets, diaries, and small leather goods.  

As of today, 395 exhibitors have registered for the event. This number is in line with past edition and once again confirms the international importance of Milan’s date with the world of leather accessories. 

Thanks to the proverbial skill and creativity of Italy’s leather goods manufacturers and their focus on high quality and superb details, Mipel is an event that buyers can’t miss if they want to offer customers the best products on today’s market and tomorrow’s trends.

This year, 72 new entries will be participating, which means that the show will be even more diverse and interesting.

As usual, the event will be divided into specific theme areas:

• the Galleria welcomes famous international brands that personify luxury and fashion;
• the Glamour area, dedicated to upper-middle and high-end products, provides a complete panorama on the handbag segment and focuses on practicality;
• Fashion Trend and Accessories Trend are devoted to the most innovative and refreshing creations designed for young people who need a practical bag with unique style and the most original costume jewelry and accessories;   
• the Startup space is reserved to new companies at Mipel for the very first time, promoting new brands and future labels;   
• Overseas is the area with an international air featuring the trends and productions from abroad. Companies from the Far East, China, India, and Central America will present their top leather goods and artisan traditions.

This 97^th edition will also welcome back Area Vintage: a celebration of the past featuring garments and items of yesteryear that have become cult objects. It gives visitors a chance to buy and wear something retro that makes a contemporary fashion statement. Its unique pieces, which are practically impossible to find elsewhere, also offer manufacturers precious and innovative ideas for their next collection.  

The trend for Winter 2010/2011 collections is the clutch bag, which keeps getting smaller, becoming a precious little “jewelry box” held in the hand and displayed with flair. It is lavishly decorated with fringe, appliqués and even fur. Even the backpack in its various styles – folk or school – is given a new twist with fringe or with draped fabric or leather accents.

Colors include timeless traditional shades of natural leather, brown, beige, neutrals, and dark brown, but also vibrant, creative hues inspired by the mosaics in Ravenna such as yellow, Ravenna blue, powder pink, and Byzantine scarlet. Colors are deep and bright, but not as dazzling as summer shades.

Mifur (from March 3 to 6), the fur show, Mido (from March 5 to 7), the eyewear expo, and Micam (from March 2 to 5), the footwear exhibition, will be held at the same time as Mipel in the fieramilano complex in Rho. With this simultaneous scheduling, fieramilano offers the most extensive and complete panorama on accessories and the best products designed to complete and enhance fashion collections.

Mipel, the Top Handbag and Accessory Show

The International Showcase of Leather Goods and Accessories from March 3 – 6, 2010

MIPEL, launched in 1962, is the international leather goods expo (handbags, luggage, duffle and sports bags, wallets, and all leather accessories) that is the world leader in the sector. MIPEL has renewed itself over the years, and now it is considered the most accredited point of reference.  That’s why it is the perfect venue for companies focusing on strengths such as product research, market strategies, and technological innovation. By transforming into a modern trade fair, MIPEL has not only improved its image, but it has also created synergies and forms of collaboration with other events in the fashion industry that have been extremely successful.

Each year, the two editions (in March and in September) are held in the futuristic fieramilano trade fair complex, in the capital of fashion and design, to present the fall-winter and the following spring-summer collections.  Mipel is a unique opportunity to see the latest trends in leather handbags and accessories that are increasingly important for the evolution of fashion. It is also an eagerly awaited event for celebrating the inventiveness and creativity of artisans and industries from all over Italy and many foreign countries, for an extremely important economic sector.

With 12,000 visiting buyers, 200 accredited journalists, and more than 400 exhibitors in 3 pavilions covering a surface of 30,000 square meters, Mipel is a showcase you won’t want to miss if you’re a professional in the fashion accessory business. 

The next edition of Mipel will be held from Wednesday, March 3, to Saturday, March 6, 2010, with the “handbag fashions” for Fall/Winter 2010-2011.