COLLECTIVE EXPERTISE TRANSFORMED INTO PRODUCT
Milan, Italy—(Newsfile Corp. – September 15, 2026) – The cultural heritage of Italian manufacturing was at the heart of the opening of the 102nd edition of MICAM Milano, which took place yesterday at Fiera Milano Rho. This heritage, built on skills, knowledge, territories, and the transmission of expertise, continues to be a distinctive element of Italy’s production system while engaging with evolving markets and global scenarios.
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The inauguration was held under the umbrella of Fashion Link Milano, which connects MICAM Milano, MIPEL, Milano Fashion & Jewels, TheOneMilano, and SIMAC Tanning Tech, highlighting the relationship between manufacturing culture, industrial capabilities, and internationalization.
The theme of the opening—The Cultural Heritage of Italian Manufacturing: Collective Expertise Transformed into Product—was explored through institutional contributions and discussions with representatives of the trade fair system. Messages from Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister, and Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, reaffirmed the importance of the fashion sector as a pillar of Italy’s manufacturing industry.
Institutional remarks were delivered by Elena Buscemi, President of the Milan City Council. The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting for the five events under Fashion Link Milano.
The theme of heritage preservation took on particular significance with the candidacy of Italian Footwear Art for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. This initiative, promoted by Assocalzaturifici and its President Giovanna Ceolini, aims to highlight the body of knowledge, skills, practices, and traditions involved in creating Italian footwear.
The cultural value of this knowledge was discussed by Davide Rampello, university lecturer, and Carlo Cambi, journalist and writer. Elena Lorenzini, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, also addressed the gathering. Giovanni Bozzetti, President of Fondazione Fiera Milano, officially assumed the presidency of the Supporters’ Committee for the UNESCO Candidacy of Italian Footwear Art.
The appointment marks progress in the candidacy process, aiming to strengthen awareness of the cultural value of expertise in the Italian footwear supply chain and to safeguard its transmission.
“Manufacturing heritage is not simply what we have inherited, but what we are able to pass on and continue to evolve,” said Giovanna Ceolini. The UNESCO candidacy seeks to recognize the ongoing value of the skills and knowledge prevalent in Italian territories and businesses.
Giovanni Bozzetti emphasized that the candidacy represents a national project to protect and promote authentic expressions of Italian know-how.
The opening officially marked the start of the September edition of MICAM Milano and a new chapter for the Fashion Link Milano system, bringing together five complementary sectors across the fashion, accessories, and technology supply chain.
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Source: United Press
