The 30th edition of Proposte enjoyed a growing number of visitors – including UK visitor numbers up by a third – and satisfaction from exhibitors.
Attendance was very high, especially on the first day of the 18-21 April event, as buyers visited Villa Erba, Como to discover the excellence of furnishing fabrics, curtains, trimmings, and wallcoverings.
This year the Italian Trade Agency ICE for the promotion abroad and internationalisation of Italian companies confirmed its collaboration with Proposte, organising the visit of international buyers and journalists from China, India, Korea, Slovenia, Tunisia, the US, Japan, and New Zealand to promote trade relations between Italy and foreign countries.
The four start-ups located in the Ala Cernobbio drew much attention: CDC_Studio, Flocus, Fody Benefit Society, and Nazena, concentrating on the promotion and development of new solutions for new materials and textile upcycling. In addition to the Start-up Area, other interesting proposals were showcased in the Ala Lario: Cometa Formazione, Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, and Fashion Room.
At the end of the second day of the show, Proposte celebrated its 30th edition with exhibitors, visitors, and journalists with a light dinner and music in the background in the setting of Villa Antica. In his speech addressed to the attendees, Alessandro Tessuto, Proposte president repeated the concept that the success of the event, which, in 30 years, has become the point of reference in the world of furnishing textiles, is mainly attributable to the participation of those who have continued to support and believe in Proposte over time. The president also warned about the situation outside Villa Erba with companies presenting their collections in some cases just a few days before the opening of Proposte and taking advantage of Proposte’s organisation.
‘The final balance of this 30th edition is positive: 23% more foreign visitors compared to the 2022 edition. More visitors came from the US (+26%), United Kingdom (+33%), France (+12%), and Germany (+13%); the performance of China was also positive,’ says Massimo Mosiello, Proposte director.
‘ComoCrea recorded a positive performance overall. The 18 designers expressed satisfaction with the number of visitors they met and the new contacts established.’
