Istituto Secoli and CNGA
for A/W 2025.26
Chinese delegation attends trends presentation
Istituto Secoli held a workshop on Autumn/Winter 2025.26 trends at its Milan headquarters on 18 September. The seminar was organised by the Istituto’s President, Matteo Secoli, and by Francesco Fiordelli, the coordinator of the project, which attracted a large delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs and designers. The initiative, led by the China National Garment Association, gave Chinese professionals the opportunity to learn more about the Italian fashion system and its manufacturing quality, on a trip that touched on several points, from TheOneMilano trade show to visiting top businesses in Italian-made fashion.
Istituto Secoli was naturally part of the itinerary. The first fashion school to be opened in Italy, by Carlo Secoli in 1934, it is now recognised as a global point of excellence in fashion training. Its unmistakable method conveys sartorial culture and tradition, which over time has evolved in step with technological innovations, thus gaining recognition as the best place to study pattern making. This is why CNGA chose it as one of its official partners. The workshop gave participants the opportunity to learn more about this important school and discover the European trends emerging from the major institutions in the textile and knitwear sector. Participants also got to see the trends proposed by Zoom on Fashion Trends and, following a presentation given by editor-in-chief Emilia Minichiello, they were able to see and touch the selection of textiles and accessories discussed at the seminar.
The lecture was designed to encourage the development of China’s radically changing textile and clothing industry. From a global manufacturer of low-cost and low-quality clothing, its manufacturing standards are now higher and constantly growing. Businesses are in step with the times and want to offer products that meet the middle class’s demands for better quality. This big step forward has been possible thanks to the support of CNGA, a non-profit organisation that since 1991 has been working towards advancing and improving the Chinese textile and clothing industry, as well as affirming its new identity and high quality. Among the changes made in recent years is the control of environmentally and socially sustainable production, ensuring better protection for workers and quality of life in the workplace according to European certification criteria. The Association also offers the possibility of attending national and international conferences, fashion summits and other events, such as the one just concluded, in order to stay connected to the wider world and its innovations. After receiving suggestions of market strategies and trends, the Chinese industry is turning a corner and a number of companies have already demonstrated this at trade shows such as Pitti Uomo and TheOneMilano.
As such, the Autumn/Winter 2025.26 trends seminar was a way of forging new collaborations between China and Italy, injecting a fresh, new mutual approach to the mid-range market, just as it had in the past for the lower end. It was also an opportunity to showcase Made in Italy in all its facets and to share updates, in a bid to inspire new brands supported by the China National Garment Association.