Bridal Times had the chance to catch up with Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni Exhibition Manager, Elena Jemmallo to tell us about the trade show’s special flair and what visitors can expect from this year’s edition.
Elena Jemmallo
What do you think is the special flair about Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni in Milan that keeps visitors and exhibitors returning every year?
The special flair could be the special mix of glamour and elegance, creativity and business, customs and trends at an exhibition that is proving to be a growing hub for international bridal fashion, set against an all-Italian backdrop. Moreover, the updating of the exhibition layout, refined and studied to reflect a vision of comparison and thoroughness of the offer, will offer visitors an increasingly exhaustive overview of the bridal, groom, ceremony and accessories universe.
What is this year’s theme or motto for the Sì Sposaitalia 2024?
This year’s theme is sustainability. The need for ethics in fashion has become increasingly pressing for those brands that have chosen to make new dresses with old fabrics or to give new life to waste materials. Space is therefore given to a talk show program involving international speakers and including topical and contemporary themes and reflections. In particular we will talk about sustainability in all its many interpretations, giving voice and space to future generations of designers.
And it is precisely young talents who will play a prominent role in a green perspective for an exhibition project based on upcycling that involves the study and realisation of a ‘formal dress’ starting with the use of wedding dresses. The garments made will be featured in a showcase area at the event in collaboration with IED – European Institute of Design with the students of the IED Master’s in Fashion Design.
What can you tell us about this year’s exhibitor line-up?
The event is still the main stage for Italian brands, but also a showcase for the best international designers. Among the brands that have already confirmed their participation in the next edition are Avaro Figlio, Anny Lin, Giovanna Alessandro, Amelie Bridal, Andrea Versali, Ariamo Boho, Bianco Evento, Capri Sposa, Carla Accessori, Christian Koehlert , Creazioni Maria Pia, Dalin, Diamond Couture, Donatella Gallo, Donna Elas, Eddy K, Elisabetta Polignano, Emanuele Valenti, Ferdinand Concept, Helena, Joseph Ribkoff, Justin Alexander, Kirico, Lillian West, Luigi Bruno, Maison Signore, Manu Garcia, Masal, Michela Ferriero, Modeca, Musani Couture, Peter Langner, Poirier, Pollardi, Privee Higar Novias, Randy Fenoli, Romantica of Devon, Savannah Miller, Scribano 1966, Sposa Curvy – Alta Moda Sposa, Susanna Rivieri, Tarik Ediz, Valerio Luna. Discover them all!
Sì Sposaitalia is also introducing a new feature area such as the “Unconventional” trends area. Tell us about it!
Sophisticated, alternative… in a word: Unconventional. These are the capsule collections, in a bridal&accessories key, entirely dedicated to the total look of the modern and contemporary bride. The selection of brands on display follows both research criteria that favoured niche and lesser known brands with total look proposals, ranging from jewellery to accessories. We can unveal the most significant brands already on board: Avaro Figlio, Dalma Dénes with a capsule bridal collection with new wave fusion of macrame and sewing in pure, modern and elegant style, the brand new italian Terry Saponaro TS Design, Ferdinand Concept, Alwshic, Sara Radice, Bovina Fiori, Romina Gurrera Accessori, Milan e l’Amour, Myoh.
And this is not the only special area planned at the event?
A broader look at the world of the ceremony is dedicated to EVENING DRESS, the section of Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni that explores the increasingly significant segment in terms of the evening dress market, declined in all its possible uses: from Prom night, increasingly popular also in Europe, to the second dress after cake-cutting, passing through the cocktail party after the ceremony. IFTA will be our special guest partner for this new project, which for the past five years has organised the IFTA EVENING SHOW, the show dedicated exclusively to evening outfits with a focus on Italian sartorial excellence. Already on board: Artigiano del Guanto, Badura, Maria Patrizia Marra, Nanaleo, Ada Sorrentino, Sartoria 74.
What are some additional highlights visitors can expect to see at the event?
The strong attractiveness of Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni is also the result of the high visibility factor ensured by its special events, among which its calendar of FASHION SHOW is a must. A three-day fashion show that will feature the top players in the sector, including established and celebrated new entries. A special area dedicated to THE TALKS will get a preview of the collections and what’s new, about new trends, shapes and fabrics. Least but not last the upcycling-based initiative that involves ten young students on the Master’s in Fashion Design coordinated by Marina Spadafora, a global ambassador for ethical fashion. They will start from the use of wedding dresses for pulping to study and create a formal dress and put it on display in the exhibition’s showcase area.
See the Fashion Show Line Up Here!
Lastly, what is your team most excited about and what are your hopes from the next upcoming edition?
We can’t wait to discover the new bridal trends, to touch new fabrics and discover the new proposals of the most sophisticated designers. Even though we have been working on this project for many years, we are always amazed by the many creative ideas.
We would like to thank Elena Jemmallo for this interview.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to visit the Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni from the 5th-8th of April in Milan. REGISTER HERE