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MICAM, the world's largest trade fair for luxury footwear brands, is held in Milan, Italy.

Author: Phuriwat Hirunrangsee | Photographer: Courtesy of MICAM and WSGN

Jul 12, 2024

"...When it comes to the story of footwear, Italy's shoe manufacturing materials and quality are unmatched, as this country has a long-standing tradition of passing down the art of shoemaking through the generations, making it a renowned hub for shoe manufacturing. The Italian Footwear Manufacturers' Association recognises the industry's importance and has consistently organised a comprehensive footwear exhibition called MICAM every year. On September 15–17, 2567, the highly anticipated event will return to Milan for its 98th edition, capturing the essence of the shoe industry..."

Thailand has emerged as a thriving market for luxury Italian brands. Therefore, MICAM has organised a roadshow in Thailand to promote the upcoming event. As Giovanna Ceolini, President of MICAM and Assocalzaturifici, explains, This roadshow is an important event to make way for business opportunities and footwear culture. The mission of MICAM is first and foremost to bring supply and demand together and to stimulate business agreements, in a unique trade fair context of meeting, training and mutual exchange. Among the goals of the fair is to generate culture, encouraging the sharing of ideas, projects, strategies and perspectives for the footwear industry internationally, not only during the 3-day fair but throughout the year.

And it is with this in mind that MICAM has built a series of appointments, workshops and seminars designed to address the most diverse issues affecting the sector from a variety of perspectives. The Bangkok event fits into this path of exploration and contamination with emerging markets. Southeast Asia and Thailand in particular are markets with interesting prospects for Italian exports, but still relatively unattended by the made-in-Italy offer. In 2023, direct flows from Italy to ASEAN markets grew by 50.2 percent in value and 20.9 percent in quantity, with Thailand recording the highest rates of increase in the area (42.1 percent in volume and 79.8 percent in value). In terms of price segment, we are talking about premium and high-end segments, where the average price per pair of Italian exports reaches 128 euros/pair.

During the press conference in Bangkok, Mr. Matteo Scarparo, Head of Global Trade and Business Services at ASSOCALZATURIFICI, spoke about the origins and significance of organising this footwear showcase event. In addition, participants were able to learn about fashion trends from Jien Goh, a trend expert from WGSN (World Global Style Network), a well-known company in trend analysis for colours, fashion, and renowned global design. She shared valuable insights and anecdotes about colour trends and materials that will shape the future of footwear design during the Spring/Summer 2026 season.

Electric Fuchsia

Electric Fuchsia exudes a vibrant and dynamic aura, with a modern and futuristic touch. This vibrant shade, nestled between pink and purple, embodies a spirit of forward-thinking and daring, embracing themes of defiance and nonconformity.This vibrant colour captures the essence of the youthful rave revival and works well for prints and graphics as an accent or solid colour for clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Transformative Teal

Transformative teal has a cooling and calming effect, promoting a sense of restoration and transformation. The combination of blue and green in this design reflects the beauty and diversity of nature while also promoting an environmentally conscious mindset. It embraces the need for resilience in the face of climate change. Various industries, including fashion, footwear, and consumer tech, can use this versatile colour as an alternative to traditional navy and dark greens. It is gender-inclusive and suitable for all seasons.

Amber Haze

Amber Haze is a captivating shade with a unique green-toned yellow hue that exudes a vibrant and luminous aura, evoking a sense of warmth and vitality. The design exudes a timeless allure, evoking the essence of precious stones and crystals. It resonates with the human desire for spiritual enlightenment and direction, particularly during periods of ambiguity. Apply this hue to shirts, blouses, and dresses with HyperTexture, embracing the evolving artisanal themes of future craft in the world of fashion. Introduce a fresh neutral shade for leathers in footwear and accessories to enhance their timeless appeal.

Blue Aura

Blue Aura has a tinted pastel shade that exudes a soothing yet modern character. This tranquil shade of grayed blue possesses a soothing quality, as its name implies, drawing inspiration from the interplay of light and shadow. You can layer the design or leave it unfinished, contributing to the current trend of integrating light into the overall aesthetic. The piece possesses a captivating, ethereal essence that explores the realm of environmentally-friendly creations that fade away, much like repurposed industrial remnants or tinted plaster. Anyone, regardless of gender or season, can wear Blue Aura due to its versatility. The design is both inviting and modern, with a combination of cozy and sleek elements. Various materials, including velvet, and a range of finishes, including powdered, sheer, anodized, metallic, and lacquered, showcase this design.

Jelly Mint

Jelly Mint is a vibrant shade that adds a touch of youthful positivity to the colour scheme. This fun and vibrant shade captures the essence of cuteness, catering to a growing demographic of consumers who enjoy playful design elements. Jelly Mint has a remarkable talent for pushing boundaries and reshaping conventional standards. Once dismissed as immature, modern culture now acknowledges it as a formidable influence. This whimsical and lighthearted shade perfectly captures the essence of the 'Glimmers' theme, which celebrates those little moments of happiness that can uplift us during challenging times and foster our inner strength. Jelly Mint's playful essence invites exploration with bio-resins, iridescent finishes, and glass, evoking a vibrant world of imagination through a kaleidoscope of colors.

Also See:  Fashion Revival: ‘Mary Jane Shoes’ from Iconic Women's Items to ‘Unisex Footwear’

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