HOMI Fashion&Jewels sees buoyant first-time exhibitor bookings
More than half of the first-time exhibitors signed up for the February 15-18, 2020 edition of HOMI Fashion&Jewels are international brands, and the number of high-quality buyers is set to rise, attracted by the new features of the show, HOMI Exhibition Director Emanuele Guido tells Jewellery Outlook Editor David Brough.
Q. Why is the show a “must-attend” event for buyers?
Emanuele Guido: HOMI Fashion&Jewels continues to set the benchmark for the world of fashion accessories, bijoux and trendy jewels thanks to a combination of original and high-quality ideas. The wide-ranging event covers the three segments of reference to take in everything from beachwear to components, from semi-precious to coloured stones, as well as many price levels and targets, always prioritising experimentation and hosting the finest, cutting-edge craftsmanship (at national and international level).
Each edition of HOMI Fashion&Jewels, a twice-yearly appointment which, in 2020, falls from 15 to 18 February and from 19 to 22 September, aims to assume an increasingly precise identity, in order to offer a thorough and detailed overview of the emerging trends.
Q. What will be the new and special features of the February 2020 edition of HOMI Fashion&Jewels?
Emanuele Guido: First, there is the decision to bring the event forward, to 15-18 February at Fieramilano (Rho), so that it coincides with other key Milan fashion events, namely MICAM (international footwear exhibition) and MIPEL (international leather exhibition) running just prior to Milan Fashion Week. A strategy that aims to solidify HOMI Fashion&Jewels as a unique opportunity for sharing among the global market’s fashion accessory, bijoux and trendy jewels segments, exploiting the significant number of overseas visitors in attendance during the specific period. A synergy that targets the global market, focused on creating a centre of reference for the accessories’ segment in the international fashion capital.
Important changes have been made at an organisational level too. The exhibition will no longer be divided by product category but structured according to the latest distribution logic and the needs of visitors and their target of reference. The format will present four different visitor pathways – Style, Everyday, Gems & Components, and F&J International Delivery – which vary in terms of their product characteristics, positioning and distribution channels, in order to facilitate and streamline the visit for buyers and operators.
Emanuele Guido, HOMI Exhibition Director.
Q. How are bookings by exhibitors progressing so far for the February 2020 edition of HOMI Fashion&Jewels?
Emanuele Guido: Exhibitor numbers at HOMI Fashion&Jewels are positive and confirm just how the event is rapidly becoming a privileged shop window for the segment of reference thanks to its particular, inclusive format. The exhibition develops various activities that aim to respond to the specific needs of exhibitors. A key one is the scouting process, for the identification and selection of high-profile buyers and visitors coming from overseas markets and who are attentive to research, innovation and the latest concepts.
Q. Do you expect some first-time exhibitors to participate? What is your projection for the trend in exhibitor and visitor numbers to the February 2020 show?
Emanuele Guido: We have already received confirmation from numerous past exhibitors for the next edition, along with requests for participation from first-time exhibitors too. Around 100 of the 600 companies already signed up to participate are new and more than half of them are international brands. We also predict positive numbers in terms of buyers, attracted by the trade fair’s new features, which are designed to make the visitor pathway simpler, more efficient and complete.
Q. What will be the highlights of the seminar program?
Emanuele Guido: Once again, there will be a particular focus on training. A rich schedule of meetings, workshops and fashion shows is in development, with the aim of defining the current state of the art and identifying future trends, at a creative level and also in terms of new business opportunities. Four days of talks and training sessions, in collaboration with teachers and experts in the sector, dedicated to discovering new trends and the importance of image and marketing for the fashion world. The HOMI Fashion Show will offer visitors the chance to appreciate the most representative bijoux and fashion accessories, modelled live.
The innovations offered by the next edition will include an inspirational space, 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 businesses opportunities at the event.
