The 14th edition of Maredamare, after a year of absence, will return to dress the Fortezza da Basso up in Florence from 24 to 26 July.
Many collections will be exhibited in Florence for the first time, with nearly 50% of the exhibitors being foreign companies. Maredamar, which has recently been recognized as an international fair, today is a European and world reference in the beachwear sector and has activated important collaborations for promotion. First, with ICE (Agency for the promotion abroad and the internationalization of Italian companies) which will promote the fair and the italians exhibitors to international buyers; second, with ICEX (a public corporation at the national level whose mission involves promoting the internationalisation of Spanish companies and attracting foreign investment to Spain). ICEX, together with the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Milan, will coordinate the participation of a selection of Spanish companies and will be present in the fair with a dedicated area. ABIT (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) also encouraged the presence of a selection of Brazilian companies in the fair. This is proof of the interest and trust given to the event which, even during the pandemic, was a point of reference for the sector through the virtual fair Hub and through Maredamare Academy.
The past year with the pandemic was not good one for beachwear made in Italy. According to Confindustria Moda, after a 2019 of good growth, with a turnover up by 10.2%, in 2020 the swimwear sector suffered from the general decline in consumption coupled with a pandemic, closing the year with a loss of 14.9 %; exports fell by 11.4% and a turnover of 440 million euros. Companies are now expecting a quick recovery of the market, thanks also to the relaunch of tourism. The latest data received in March, highlights that the sector had a rebound of + 109% and, according to Sita research, the purchasing sentiment of Italians sees 33% of the interviewees in 3rd place in purchasing Italian clothing/underwear. The data from Sita research also shows that consumers want to buy: 58% will buy as soon as possible, 23% only if necessary and 19% will wait for the summer sales.
“As usual we will not take ourselves too seriously”, underlined Alessandro Legnaioli, president of the show – “and we wanted to celebrate the return even more with lightness and energy but above all in complete safety for everyone. Just to allow our guests to work and have fun in total relaxation. As for the measures taken, we were even more inflexible than the official protocol to guarantee a sort of funny ball, a protected island from which to start again. He further elaborated, “The new configuration of the Fair includes, in addition to the traditional stands, also private spaces dedicated to each company: real showrooms, to present the collection in detail. Speed meetings between brands and customers, insights and meetings among operators are also scheduled. To celebrate the pleasure of meet us again, on July 24 and 25 from 6 to 9 pm will take place outdoors the fashion shows, which have always been the soul of the event. Sofas and sitting areas will be set up within the walls of our magnificent Fortress to spectacularize the fashion shows that will not be presented in a classic format but animated by dancers, live music and various performers while guests sip a pleasant aperitif. The fair will not end on the 26th because it will continue online until the beginning of September when Maredamare Hub will reopen its virtual doors for a week of live shows with new videos from the companies. But this is a story that we will tell you another day”.