The second day at Futurmoda, the fashion-forward event of the future, opened with stronger momentum than anticipated. The international shoe and accessories fair reported 4,000 professional visitors on the first day, a figure nearly matching the total attendance of the entire previous edition despite fewer participants. By midday, nearly a thousand additional visitors had entered, fueling expectations that the day would close with roughly 5,000 potential customers on site.
Although this edition saw fewer countries represented, attendees from forty nationalities were confirmed for 2022. That count is lower than before, yet it does not determine the overall engagement or the number of business opportunities created.
“This is a positive surprise”, said Álvaro Sánchez, director of the Spanish Association of Footwear Components (AEC), noting that the gathering occurred despite pessimistic forecasts. He added that the event demonstrates the sectors vitality and underscores its importance for the industry.
Deals
Futurmodas president, José Antonio Ibarra, echoed optimism seen at the opening and predicted that the second day would outperform Wednesday. He believed participants would adapt quickly and that deals would proceed despite market fears and a softer production outlook. The fair continues to serve as a platform for showcasing industrial fabrics, forming strategic alliances, and closing sales with new customers.
Customers are actively observing the latest footwear trends presented at Futurmoda, captured by photographer AXEL Álvarez.
The organizers maintain that the overall participation target from the previous edition remains within reach, even amid negative market signals. The fair’s resilience is framed as evidence of the durability and adaptability of the footwear components sector, supporting entrepreneurs across the supply chain.
25 years
AEC president Manolo Rome1n highlighted the milestone day for Futurmoda. Marking 25 years of ongoing activity, he noted that the industry has weathered various challenges and has repeatedly recovered. Rome1n emphasized a continued commitment to growth and development within the sector.
Futurmoda maintains its momentum among international companies and ecological materials are gaining share
Organizers highlight the increasing interest in sustainable practices, with the Green Planet area drawing attention from firms committed to recycling and ecological approaches. This emphasis mirrors a rising environmental concern across the fashion industry.
In addition, the Expert Forum drew strong interest, offering a venue for expert discussions, information exchange, and trend forecasting within the shoe and fashion sectors.
Bet
The latest Futurmoda edition reported 260 commitments from 190 participants spanning Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, China, and Turkey. The next gathering is slated for the November 14 at the Congress Center, the venue where early spring-summer trends will be unveiled.
[Citation: Futurmoda organizers]