As was evident from the digital Milano Unica show held recently, COVID-19 failed to dampen the spirits of the Italian textile sector as brands continued to launch new eco-friendly collections. As per a Womens Wear Daily report, around 192 companies participated in the show held on the e-Milano Connect info-commerce platform. The show enables textile companies to enhance their product portfolios. Ensuring product boost and markets expansion.

To run for the next six months, the show allows textile companies to boost their product basket across the season. It helps smaller market players expand into newer territories besides assisting exhibitors like Reda, the Marzotto Wool Manufacturing company and Bonotto manage their sales campaigns by launching proprietary online platforms.

However, Alessandro Barberis Canonico, President, Milano Unica does not expect sales to rebound during the Spring 2022 season as brands and retailers are still grappling with unsold inventories from the Spring 2021 season. He expects comfortable, lightweight luxury fabrics and silhouettes to rise in demand due to their sustainability factor. He also expects performance and sustainable fabrics for womenswear to gain more popularity.

Hybrid textiles in focus

Many brands are tapping hybrid textiles at the show. These textiles blur the lines between leisurewear with formalwear. ZQ-certified mulesing-free and fully traceable pure merino wool developed by Italian Woolen mill Reda is a prime example of this. Exploring the natural qualities of merino wool and having thermoregulatory features, this fabric is perfect for breezy and lightweight woolen shirts.

Sustainable and comfortable suiting fabrics are also the focus of Marzotto Wool Manufacturing Company’s spring 2022 collection. The company launched wrinkle-free and naturally elastic B Dyanmic+ range of woolen textiles for making lightweight and summery suits.

Investing in GOTS-approved linen and hemp, Shirt specialist Tessetura Monti launched a fabric range dyed using inorganic compounds from ferrous oxides. These fabrics are complimented by striped Leicester Bio cotton poplin in pastel tones such as baby pink and ochre. Tessetura Monti also introduced a range of printed cotton poplins bearing graphic motifs in neon and saturated hues. Based in the outskirts of Como, Lombardy Canclini 1925, offers James Bond inspired striped shirts with oversize stripes in pastel hues, and super thin replicates combining popsicle-inspired shades. In future, the company aims to launch indigo fabrics for casual chino pants and lightweight overshirts with camp collars featuring innovative designs.

Nature-inspired performance fabrics

High-end textile company Bonotto has launched nature inspired range of bio-based and biodegradable fabrics. Featuring smooth and fluid textures, these fabrics are developed from seaweed and crab shells. Bonotto also launched lyocell, a cellulose fiber made from dissolving pulp and then reconstituting it by dry jet-wet spinning.

The show focuses on technical performance by introducing rubber-coated tailoring wool, heat-sensitive cotton and fluorine-free, water-repellent outerwear fabrics. For instance, Como-based Ratti launched silk and cotton fabrics with a ripstop finishing, as well as coated, jacquard and quilted ripstop textiles. The company experimented with patters like kaleidoscopic tartans and nocturnal scenes that combine dark tones and vibrant shades on silk and viscose twill, silk chiffon and Lurex.