UKFT is accompanying a group of 21 British textile companies to Milano Unica from 30 January to 1 February 2024, including leading UK mills, manufacturers and cloth merchants. Scroll down to find out more.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) will return to Milano Unica from 30 January to 1 February 2024 and will accompany a group of 21 British textile companies. Taking place at the Rho Fieramilano in Milan, Italy, the show has become a key event in the international textile calendar for high-end fabrics and accessories since launching in 2005. UKFT’s work in Milan is supported by the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Both the UK and Italian markets share a keen interest in quality and heritage, which Milano Unica will highlight through a carefully curated exhibitor line-up. The show will offer a platform for international buyers to explore the UK textile sector’s tradition and innovation, and to discover classic suiting fabrics as well as speciality textiles and natural fibres such as wool and cashmere.  

Bower Roebuck

Halley Stevensons

This season the UK group exhibiting at Milano Unica features leading UK mills, manufacturers and cloth merchants, including:  

In the ‘Moda In’ area: British Millerain (16 F36); Halley Stevensons (16 A39); Laurent Garigue (12 B16); Liberty Fabrics (12 B31); Pongees (12 B20); Tiss et Teint (12 GB31); Ulster Weavers – Spence Bryson (12 C02).  

In the ‘Ideabiella’ area: Alfred Brown (20 A26); Bower Roebuck (20 C13); Clissold (20 A28); Fox Brothers (20 D14); Harris Tweed Hebrides (20 C12); John Foster 1819 (20 D08); Joshua Ellis (20 D05); Kynoch of Scotland (20 D08); Magee Weaving (20 D16); Moon (20 A29); Savile Clifford (20 C13); Stephen Walters (20 B15); William Halstead (20 D05). 

In the ‘Shirt Avenue’ area: City by Liberty Fabrics (20 A13). 

The UKFT stand at Milano Unica will be in the ‘Ideabiella’ area (20 A22), offering buyers the opportunity to browse a selection of fabrics from British exhibitors.   

Follow us on Instagram @ukftorg for more information on the companies exhibiting at Milano Unica this season, or visit UKFT Global Brands to find out more about our international tradeshow activity.

Harris Tweed Hebrides

J. H. Clissold

News from British exhibitors

Textile manufacturer Bower Roebuck will present its SS25 collection made using responsibly sourced RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and RMS (Responsible Mohair Standard) yarns: 

“The Bower Roebuck Spring Summer 2025 collection is an elegant collection of British tailoring fabrics for menswear and womenswear. Bower Roebuck collections are renowned for their use of colour and creativity to create exciting and beautiful fabrics. 80% of our collection can be made using responsibly sourced RWS and RMS yarns.”  

Bradford-based textile company Joseph H Clissold will showcase a variety of cloths including tailoring fabrics and woollen jacketing:

“We offer a variety of cloths from tailoring fabrics with clean cut finish, milled and flannel finishes to two colour twist suiting, woollen jacketing and bold striping blazers. These are just a cross section of fabrics available from our extensive range.

We have a highly skilled and qualified team striving to provide the best quality, designs, and service possible. Sustainability has become high on our customers’ agenda, and we are now certificate holders for RWS.”

 

Waterproof fabric specialist Halley Stevenson will introduce its SS25 collection:   

“Halley Stevensons’ weatherproof fabrics are used to stay warm and dry in the toughest conditions. From seasoned explorers scaling mountains, to urban commuters braving rainy city streets, these materials are relied on to protect from the elements. 

Building upon their commitment to sustainable innovation, Halley Stevensons’ SS25 collection showcases the versatility and depth of waxed cotton.  Full of variety, you can expect a selection of responsible performance-driven fabric with unique character.” 

Savile Clifford

Stephen Walters

Textile design studio Liberty Fabrics, which has been at the forefront of design and decorative arts since 1875, will display a stunning selection of fabrics created by its in-house design team: 

“Today, every bolt of Liberty fabric is the product of a bespoke production process: hand drawn or painted by the in-house design team in Soho, London. Transformed onto fabric at Liberty’s own Italian printing mill, near Lake Como. 

Liberty Fabrics are created by skilled technicians who oversee the production of hundreds of different designs every year, across a variety of bases including Liberty Fabrics signature cotton, Tana Lawn™. This fine, cool, and durable cotton with a silk-like feel is a masterpiece of fabric technology.”

Donegal-based textile company Magee Weaving combines heritage and contemporary designs, while focusing on natural fibres:  

“The design team works predominantly with natural noble fibres which are inherently biodegradable and made from renewable resources, including luxury wools, Iris linens silks and cashmere. Renowned structures, the collections incorporate a versatile range of textures and weaves, in both classic and novel stylings.”

 

Meanwhile, innovative textile company Materra will present future-proof cotton. Erik Karlsson, Head of H&M Group Ventures, said:  

“Materra is revolutionising the way cotton is grown through using both efficient and regenerative farming systems that radically improve the sustainability performance of the fibre. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Materra and supporting them in the next phase of their exciting development.”

Liberty Fabrics

J. H. Clissold

Supplier of tailoring fabrics Savile Clifford will introduce its Spring-Summer 2025 collection inspired by the company’s 1970s archive books: 

“Designs are interpreted with a modern, fresh look with a classic appeal. A creative, original collection inspired by iconic menswear fabrics. Using wool and blends with linen, cotton and mohair to create fabrics with a dry touch, modern handle and matt appearance. 80% of our collection can be made using responsibly sourced & certified RWS and RMS yarns.”  

Suffolk-based manufacturer Stephen Walters will also reveal its Spring-Summer 2025 collection: 

“The collection features a wide range of designs, showcasing the brand’s core qualities and pushing the boundaries of creativity. The SS25 menswear collection continues the development and showcase of our textured plain qualities for menswear.  

Presented in a range of compositions that subtly introduce jacquard textures and techniques from micro quilt effects, slubby warp stripes to iridescent wool blends.  These have great adaptability and can be used in any form of soft tailoring and more casual jacketing, perfect for the warmer Spring and Summer months.”

William Halstead, which has been weaving British worsted mohair fabrics since 1875 and is known as the ‘Masters of Mohair’, says:

“Our inspiration for Spring Summer 2025 was taken from the latest trends with focus on subtle checks, soft textured weaves, and gentle stripes. Our unique blends of wool and wool/mohair create our signature cloths for men’s and ladies tailoring. Within the SS25 collection, you will discover a harmonious blend of luxurious silks, cotton, wool, and, of course, Mohair. Focused ion subtle checks, soft textured weaves and gentle stripes.”

For Kynoch of Scotland, which offers luxury suiting, jacketing and coating fabrics designed in-house and sold worldwide:

“Spring Summer 2025 is a season to dream, escape and enjoy. A wholehearted collection of natural fibres conscientiously designed and woven. Designs that are simple, comfortable, and reassuring. A calming presence in a crazy world. Uplifting and satisfying colours that make you feel energised and happy. From playful tweedy gingham and preppy checks to “snakes and ladder” weaves that that make your eyes dance with laughter. Enticing and beguiling twists of yarn in our understated worsted suiting. Timeless and elegant with a beautiful drape, creaseless nature and ease that makes you feel well dressed and ready for any occasion.

Crisp new Panama cottons and worsteds in classical designs. Accents of pure pastel deco’s are refreshing. Whilst mid-tones of turmeric, camouflage and denim are grounded and earthy. Reminiscent of thornproof, but light as a feather. British Wools sing out to introduce the collection when we are not ready to wear silk, linen, or cotton. This quality is a collection of fun checks and herringbones that are fully traceable back to the farm. A delight to know the farmer who reared your sheep. The lowest carbon footprint fully traceable from farm to fabric.”

For John Foster, established in 1819 and weaving the finest cloth in Yorkshire for men and women:

“Our SS25 portfolio showcases our extensive stock supported range of beautiful, wool fabrics, ranging from Extra fine merino wool to the finest Micron Super 200’s. Standout products include our new Summerstrand range, 94% Wool and 6% mohair in an extensive range of fresh and vivid plain shades and new designs in on trend hues. The elegant qualities of these items complement our made to order collection, where we continue to evolve to the ever-changing demands of the fashion world.  Our colour palettes are extensive and playful and are focused on texture and surface interest.  Refined neutral tones of colour, incorporated with classic elegance, for the person willing to experiment and express their own individuality.  Formal concepts with new interpretations.”

Daniel Connolly, Executive at UKFT, commented:

“The UK textile sector represents a unique market for discerning buyers around the world looking for quality, heritage and innovation in textiles. UKFT is proud to bring a diverse group of top British mills, textile manufacturers, cloth merchants and textile design studios to Milano Unica, supported by the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and the Department for Business and Trade. This season follows UKFT’s successful debut at the show last July. As the importance of Milano Unica to high-end textile manufacturers and fashion buyers continues to grow season after season, this promises to be another excellent edition of the show.”

Follow UKFT on Instagram @ukftorg for more information on the companies exhibiting at Milano Unica this season, or click on the link below to find out more about our international tradeshow activity:

UKFT GLOBAL BRANDS