Italian Trade Agency sponsors SA visit to Milan fairs

Sergio Dulio, chairman of UITIC, Nerisha Jairaj of SAFLEC, Stefano Migliavacca of Arsutoria, and Lindi Nkosi of the Italian Trade Agency.

This September, SAFLEC, accompanied by a group of trailblazing members funded by the Italian Trade Agency, made a significant and impactful presence at Simac Tanning Tech, Lineapelle, Micam, and Milan Fashion Week.

More than a routine industry visit, this participation was a strategic initiative designed to gather high-level intelligence and insights crucial for defining the future direction of South Africa’s footwear and leather exports. These prestigious events, each a leader in its domain, offered invaluable exposure to global trends and cutting-edge innovations, ensuring that our members are primed to lead in the competitive global marketplace.

Simac Tanning Tech, a global hub for state-of-the-art machinery and sustainable leather production technologies, showcased the critical move towards eco-friendly practices and efficient production methods. This knowledge is essential for South African manufacturers looking to adopt greener and more advanced manufacturing processes—enhancing their competitiveness in global markets where sustainability is now a non-negotiable demand.

At Lineapelle, a premier event showcasing the finest leather, materials, and design innovations, we gained deep insights into the emerging trends that are shaping consumer preferences. This exposure ensures that South Africa can produce leather goods that align with the global market’s shift toward premium, eco-conscious products. These insights will enable our members to craft leather goods that speak to the evolving demands of international buyers.

Micam, the world's foremost footwear fair, was a treasure trove of emerging trends, particularly in customization, digital innovation, and sustainable fashion. The knowledge acquired here provides our manufacturers with the tools they need to stay relevant in the evolving landscape of footwear design, meeting the demand for unique, ethically produced products. This represents an enormous opportunity for South African footwear producers to introduce distinct, trendsetting offerings to global markets.

Milan Fashion Week, a major highlight of our trip, demonstrated the exciting fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern, eco-conscious design—offering a masterclass in how heritage can be seamlessly integrated with future-forward fashion. This intersection of old-world expertise and cutting-edge innovation provides South African producers with a roadmap to create standout products that resonate with the modern consumer.

Tamburai Chirume from One of Each doing a leather workshop at Simac Tanning Tech.

Orietta Pelizzari of Arsutoria with a board advertising Milan Fashion Week. In the background, Milan’s famed Duomo Cathedral.

SAFLEC’s presence at these key events also served as a continuation of our leadership role in the global market. Executive Director Nerisha Jairaj, who has previously been a speaker at the international event, has consistently lent her expertise to the global industry, reinforcing South Africa’s standing as a significant player. Her contributions at these prestigious platforms highlight the thought leadership South Africa brings to the international stage and its value.

The intelligence gathered from these events is not merely beneficial—it is a game changer for the South African footwear and leather industries. This knowledge will shape the strategic direction of our members, ensuring that they are aligned with global consumer expectations and positioned to capitalize on new market opportunities. SAFLEC’s ongoing commitment to keeping our members ahead of industry trends solidifies South Africa’s place in innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship within the global market. By staying on the cutting edge, we empower our members to push boundaries, grow exports, and thrive in the ever-evolving international landscape.