Italy’s first denim-only trade fair exhibition, Denim Expo, is slated to run June 14 to 16 in Rimini, on the Adriatic coast.
Exhibitors will represent the entire production cycle, from fabric and component suppliers to makers of the final goods.
“This is a unique format,” said Massimo Toni, business development manager of Rimini Fiera, which organizes the show. “We want it to be a niche, selective fair in the high-end range of the market, targeting 80 exhibitors, at the most.”
Textile firms Italdenim and Hellenic; Martelli, which treats and washes denim for a plethora of fashion designers; Evisu, and components firms Okinawa and Cobra are likely to participate, although organizers said it was too early to provide a complete list of exhibitors.
Denim Expo will have two sections: Specialized Brands, showcasing merchandise for spring-summer 2008, and Blue Ribbon, showing new fabrics, accessories and trends for fall-winter 2008-2009. Organizers originally wanted to schedule the fair at the end of June, coinciding with First Alternative, the new clothing and accessories trade fair that Rimini Fiera introduced earlier this year, Toni said.
“However, we opted for mid-June in compliance with the market requests,” he said.
Denim Expo will be positioned before Pitti Uomo in Florence, June 20 to 23. Toni said there also would be a winter edition of Denim Expo.
“Italy is known for its excellence in the sector. Why should we disperse this distinction [at fairs] around the world?” he asked.