The first edition of MOD’Unica, the textile fair organized by the ATP – Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal and supported by SPORMEX, took place on February 26 and 27 at Pavilion 1 of Exponor in Porto. The event successfully brought together around 100 exhibitors, affirming its position as a vital meeting point for the Portuguese textile industry.
In a statement reflecting on the event’s success, the organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to all involved, highlighting the resilience, dedication, and collaborative spirit that ensured the fair’s smooth execution. The note emphasized the commitment to fostering ongoing dialogue with various entities and municipalities to strengthen the fair and enhance its representation of the Portuguese textile sector in future editions.
A Strong Attendance and Promising Engagement
The event attracted 3,500 visitors, including 150 international attendees, demonstrating the global interest in Portugal’s textile industry. With over 110 collections presented and more than 300 materials featured in the Trends Forum, MOD’Unica served as a significant platform for the exchange of ideas, innovation, and trends in the textile sector.
On the second day, Paulo Rios, member of AICEP’s Board of Directors, visited the fair and expressed his support for the transformation occurring within the industry. “We are aligned with the sector, and we continue to believe it holds great potential,” Rios stated, emphasizing AICEP’s ongoing commitment to assisting businesses as they navigate the evolving landscape.
Trends Forum SS26
A key highlight of MOD’Unica was the Trends Forum SS26, curated by Teresa Pereira from CITEVE. The forum was divided into four thematic areas: Tonic Essence, Dynamic Essence, Sensory Essence, and Immersive Essence. These themes explored emerging textile innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of fabric design and sustainable production practices.
iTechStyle Showcase
Another major attraction was the iTechStyle Showcase, organized by CITEVE, which presented over 30 innovations from the textile industry. This included fabrics, products, and accessories. The iTechStyle Awards finalists were selected from this showcase, with the winner to be announced at the iTechStyle Summit in May.
Cultural and Design Integration
MOD’Unica also emphasized cultural heritage and textile design, with an exhibition showcasing the work of António Jorge, a Visual Artist, whose pieces were inspired by traditional Portuguese handkerchiefs. The exhibition was a collaboration with the Vila Verde City Council and the Namorar Portugal initiative. Additionally, the fair featured the Guimarães Marca platform and the Covilhã Triennale, reinforcing its role in promoting Portuguese textile excellence.
MOD’Unica Talks
The conference program, MOD’Unica Talks, included over 20 interventions from key figures in the textile sector. Presentations covered innovative projects such as DIGI4FASHION, Metaskills4TCLF, RDC@ITV, and RESOTEX. Institutions including CITEVE, Humana Portugal, MAAB Consulting, and others provided valuable insights into the ongoing transformations in the industry.
A New Chapter for MOD’Unica
In its inaugural edition, MOD’Unica not only focused on traditional textile sectors but also welcomed companies from home textiles, decoration, and technical textiles. This expansion solidified the fair’s role as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the full breadth of Portugal’s textile expertise.
Feedback from Exhibitors
The event received positive feedback from participating companies, such as JF Almeida, which praised the fair as a key opportunity to strengthen partnerships, present new products, and stay abreast of market trends. Bordados Oliveira also highlighted the event’s strategic importance, stating that the fair’s format allowed them to showcase their innovative approach and foster new collaborations. Vale & Vilas emphasized the necessity of continued government support for such initiatives, particularly in driving internationalization efforts for the Portuguese textile industry.
Looking Ahead
As MOD’Unica closes its first edition, it has proven itself as an essential fixture in the calendar of the Portuguese textile industry. The event not only celebrated the sector’s rich heritage but also provided a glimpse into its future, showcasing the industry’s capacity for innovation and resilience.
