Micam and Mipel evolve: new layout for the February 2026 edition
Optimised routes, new areas to enhance the supply chain, more contemporary modules in the project signed together with studio Lombardini 22
Pathways that become experiences, spaces that communicate, inspire and enhance the creativity and innovation of the supply chain: in order to present the AW 26-27 collections, in the new editions to be held at Fiera Milano Rho from 22 to 24 February 2026, Micam and Mipel will be renewed. The most important fairs dedicated respectively to footwear and leather goods have presented a redesigned layout with the Lombardini 22 studio, to make the visiting experience clearer, more contemporary and at the same time more emotional: Micam will have a new distribution in pavilions 1 and 3 with 2 and 4, while Mipel will move to the front of pavilion 5. For both, optimised and more readable routes and new areas dedicated to product, innovation and creativity; the exhibition modules will also be reinterpreted in a more contemporary and functional way. At the centre of Hall 5, another novelty: the M&M - The Hub space, an area of synergy between the two fairs, where Micam Academy (dedicated to training young people, to make them aware of new professions in the footwear industry) and Mipel Factory will be hosted, allowing visitors to witness live some phases of the creation process of small leather goods, also with the aid of innovative technologies. The last edition of the two fairs, in September, closed with a total of 20,362 visitors, 57% foreign and 43% Italian, and one thousand exhibiting brands, with buyers from 126 countries.
"The new configuration is not just a functional choice, but a manifesto of contemporaneity that interprets the needs of exhibitors and buyers," emphasised Giovanna Ceolini, president of Micam and Assocalzaturifici (and head of Confindustria Accessori Moda). "Micam evolves and regenerates through listening and vision, transforming different identities into a shared ecosystem. It is not just a trade fair, but a living platform designed to generate value and opportunities". "At a time of great transformation," explained Claudia Sequi, President of Mipel, "we want to accompany leather goods companies on their growth path. The new layout, more visible and attractive, reinforces the value of the event and puts the excellence of our supply chains at the centre".
The most recent data for the sector paint a picture of difficulty, despite the solidity of excellence: of the approximately 90 billion 2024 turnover of the textile-fashion-accessories sector, one third is generated by the leather sector, which is, however, down 8.6% compared to the previous year. The negative trend was also confirmed by the first six months of 2025, which closed down 5.3% compared to the same period in 2024. The first eight months of 2025 also marked a drop in exports (-4.1% year-on-year), with more marked contractions in non-EU markets and especially in Asian markets.
The next editions of Micam and Mipel will fall at the same time as the Milan-Cortina Olympics, an occasion that generates complexity: 'Costs have gone through the roof, especially for hospitality,' Ceolini noted again. 'We have spoken to the Lombardy Region, but we were reminded that the free market exists. It was one of the most complicated moments: Milan is already expensive and the fact that many visitors stay only a day and a half speaks volumes. But for our industry we are fundamental, and we know it'.
