HOMI Fashion&Jewels is becoming more international
Milan show HOMI Fashion&Jewels, whose next edition takes place from February 15-18, 2020, has been specially curated to meet the needs of visitors and the market, HOMI Exhibition Director Emanuele Guido tells Jewellery Outlook Editor David Brough.
Q. Why is HOMI Fashion&Jewels the outstanding fair in its segment of the market?
A. HOMI Fashion&Jewels continues to set the benchmark for the world of fashion accessories, bijoux and trendy jewels thanks to its characteristic mix of originality, quality and variety.
Its excellence is the outcome not only of its wide, diversified offering, characterised by innovation, design, craftsmanship and international scope – organised by category, price level, types of use and acquisition processes – but also of its focus on research and experimentation, which have always led it to host the best of cutting-edge craftsmanship from the national and international circuits.
It also has a strongly market-aware layout, designed with an eye to the most modern types of distribution – no longer divided into goods categories – with four different visitor routes designed to satisfy the needs of the visitor and his final target.
Q.What will the February edition offer to key buyers?
A. First off, the February edition of HOMI Fashion&Jewels will have a fundamental strategic value thanks to the decision to delay the event and hold it at the same time as other fashion events, thus creating a unique attraction for the global market while exploiting the synergies that make Milan the capital of fashion accessories. HOMI Fashion&Jewels will be held from 15 to 18 February at Fieramilano (Rho), at the same time as the other major Milanese fashion events, MICAM (the international footwear exhibition), MIPEL (the international leather goods exhibition) and, last but not least, Milan Fashion Week.
This year’s edition is designed specifically for visitors and their needs and the market, as can be seen from the new layout with four different areas, identified by product and distribution channel (Style, Everyday, Gems&Components and F&J International Delivery).
The result? Design and research, creativity and originality, semi-finished goods and components, a vast showcase for products from around the world, organised to make the visitor’s trip more efficient and effective.
Q.Is the event becoming more international? Is the show fully booked?
A. It certainly is: HOMI Fashion&Jewels is restating its international mission, not only in terms of buyers, but especially for exhibitors, with the best proposals selected for their originality and exclusivity. In this edition, out of a total of almost 600 companies, 32% are from abroad, while of the 120 new exhibitors taking part around half are international.
These figures highlight the fact that the event is quickly becoming a primary showcase for the industry, thanks also to its new format and the many activities it offers in response to the specific requirements of exhibitors. One of these – a fundamental one – is its commitment to scouting for exhibitors and designers characterised by research and innovation, in line with the requirements of exhibiting companies, to increase the attraction of the event.
Q. What are the distinguishing features of the seminar programme?
A. Once again, there will be a particular focus on training. There is a rich schedule of events and meetings, with the aim of defining the current state of the art and identifying future trends in the accessories industry, both at a creative level and also in terms of new business opportunities. There will also be individual and group fashion catwalk shows inside the fair, as well as workshops and talks with international speakers on current themes and issues in the industry. The innovations offered will include an inspirational space in the TREND Area, in which styles, atmospheres and market trends will be proposed within a seductive visual concept, offering visitors tips and suggestions when seeking new ideas and business opportunities at the event.
Q. How do you see the international market outlook for fashion jewels and accessories in 2020?
A. The future of the international market reflects the evolution of HOMI Fashion&Jewels: the propensity of the entire industry to work together and create synergies to derive the greatest value from individual centres for the entire world of accessories. This will add value to local craftsmanship on the one hand, while offering an innovative vision and a commitment to sustainability on the other. In a global market, the future lies in the valorisation of the individual in combination with synergy between all international players, and HOMI Fashion&Jewels is a cutting-edge showcase for this trend.
