Expectations met and new market feedback at Lineapelle New York, which took place on 19 and 20 July at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The 100 exhibitors present (+20% compared to the previous edition) exchanged views on a fundamental market for the Italian leather industry: +13% national tanned leather exports to Washington in the first quarter of 2016, and a forecast of closing the year with an increase for the seventh in a row. There was a good, well-distributed turnout for the two-day fair, with exhibitors reporting the concrete interest of buyers and stylists, not only for new style proposals for autumn/winter 2017/18, focusing on the theme New Sensorium, but also for a factor to be subjected to precise assessments. Compared to past editions, in fact, Lineapelle New York saw a great focus on price, particularly from the major mid-range groups, looking for added value solutions (also from the point of view of sustainability), but with prices as contained as possible. Great interest in quality from smaller brands which, however, have to go through a selection phase and find difficulties in managing their niche market in the USA and which, therefore, tend to further reduce the volumes of their supplies. The three style seminars were very well-attended (two on Tuesday 19, one on the morning of Wednesday 20 July), as was the dual workshop on sustainability organised by ICEC, the Italian Institute of Quality Certification (entitled: “Sustainability in the leather sector: environmental, social and ethical issues. Voluntary certifications”) and the in-depth technical analysis of leather product characteristics “Know your leather”. New York was the last of July’s international previews organised by LINEAPELLE. Now the spotlight is on the Milano Rho exhibition centre, which will host LINEAPELLE, the undisputed world leader industry event, from 20 to 22 September.
Lineapelle New York (19/20 July): dynamic edition in the USA
