Micam, an exhibition to celebrate its 100th edition: "To resist tariffs, we must diversify."
Milan – One hundred editions and still going strong. Micam is preparing to celebrate its anniversary with its feet firmly on the ground and its eyes firmly on the future. Previewing the celebrations, Giovanna Ceolini , president of Micam and Assocalzaturifici, and head of Parabiago Collezioni, provides a preview of the industry's trends and prospects.
Mr. President, what are the key moments in the evolution of Micam and the Italian footwear industry?
The 100th edition is a historic milestone for the entire industry. There are many key moments, but I think of the move from Bologna to Milan, which marked a strategic shift, and the increasingly strong internationalization that has made the fair a global benchmark. Micam has evolved with the market, integrating crucial themes such as sustainability, innovation, and training over time, while remaining true to the Made in Italy DNA. It has grown alongside our companies, accompanying them through the cultural, technological, and economic changes in the sector.
The 100th edition also includes a celebratory exhibition.
The exhibition "100 Steps into the Future" will chronicle the evolution of footwear decade by decade. From the wedges of the '70s to the sculptural heels and bold styles of the '80s, to the minimalism of sneakers in the '90s and the sport/fashion fusion of the 2000s. The last decade has been marked by sustainability, comfort, and innovation. It's a tribute to creativity and a look at the challenges ahead.
How has footwear changed over the past 50 years?
The transformation has been profound. Style has followed the evolution of society, adapting to new rhythms. Materials have become more high-performance and sustainable, with growing attention to traceability and environmental impact. Production processes have become digitalized, while maintaining craftsmanship at the core. Consumers are more informed and demanding, seeking value: they want a product that is beautiful, ethical, durable, and in line with their values.
What are the main challenges for footwear companies in exporting during these difficult times?
Global instability requires companies to have a great capacity to adapt. US tariffs are creating critical issues in a key market for us. Geopolitical tensions, non-tariff barriers, and currency volatility also pose challenges. In this scenario, companies must strengthen their international presence with diversified and targeted strategies, supported by a strong membership system capable of accompanying them in the most dynamic markets. Assocalzaturifici is very active on this front.
Sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation: how do these three elements coexist today?
Today, they not only coexist, but enhance each other. Sustainability has become a strategic choice, starting with those who know how to do things well: craftsmanship. Italian companies are investing in technological innovation, low-impact materials, and traceable processes, without losing the human touch and attention to detail. MICAM highlights these excellences, demonstrating that it is possible to combine beauty, ethics, functionality, and quality.
What are the main stylistic and consumer trends that are emerging?
On the one hand, the demand for comfortable and versatile footwear is growing; on the other, unique pieces that express a sense of identity are sought. Consumers are increasingly attentive to quality, product history, and brand values. Trends related to customization, the use of innovative materials, and genderless and inclusive fashion are emerging.
The most promising markets for Italian footwear?
"In addition to the United States, a key market, we see excellent prospects in Asia—particularly China, Japan, and India—and in the Gulf countries, which continue to show strong interest in Made in Italy products. Diversifying is crucial for companies."
How do hybrid trends translate into the footwear industry, and what's emerging from the latest collections?
Cross-fertilization is now an integral part of the product. Footwear blends sport and luxury, functionality and creativity, performance and design. We see styles that combine technical materials with elegant lines, or refined sneakers to wear in formal settings. This reflects an increasingly fluid lifestyle, where work, travel, and leisure overlap. The collections we'll see at Micam confirm this trend, with versatile, modular, and customizable products. The key word is versatility.
Il Giorno
