Legwear Innovation Day, the key event dedicated to the hosiery sector returned on Tuesday 22 October in Castel Goffredo in the province of Mantua, an area internationally recognised as the primary hub for the production of high-quality hosiery and socks. For over ten years, The Lycra Company, along with its distributor Fulgar, has organised the event, bringing together over 130 leading names in one of the most representative and historic sectors of Italian manufacturing excellence.

The 2024 edition, held like previous years at Fulgar’s Spazio Eventi in the heart of the district, maintained last year’s immersive and fashion-centred format, with key moments blending information, technological innovation, and shows. Over three hours, sessions focused on key industry innovations were interspersed with entertainment, highlighting new trends developed by The Lycra Company in collaboration with the prestigious Stijlinstituut in Amsterdam, showcased through concept garments created in Lycra brand labs and presented by Elisa Bonandini, style expert, trend analyst, and image consultant.

Simone Medici, Senior Strategic Account Manager Brand & Retail at The Lycra Company, kicked off the event and welcomed the guests, presenting the agenda for the day and sharing insights from a recent survey conducted in four European countries to explore consumer perceptions of stockings.

Daniela Antunes, Fulgar’s Marketing Manager, then discussed the unique characteristics and benefits of Fulgar’s bio-based solutions: Q-GEO by Fulgar and EVO by Fulgar polyamide yarns.

Next up was Daniele Maggi, Italy & South Europe Area Sales Manager of The Lycra Company, who introduced the company’s first large-scale bio-spandex, made from 70% annually renewable field corn.

Elisa Bonandini led an exclusive session on the latest fashion and hosiery trends for the 2025/2026 season, intertwining international fashion macro-trends with key trends in hosiery. This journey, inspired by everything from social media to runway shows, explored the fusion of style, culture, and innovation, offering a comprehensive and captivating view of the sector's future directions.

Elisa's presentation was enhanced by an immersive dance performance, turning the trends into a visual and performative experience, providing the audience with impactful scenic and entertaining moments. Four main themes for hosiery 2025/2026, developed by the Stijlinstituut in Amsterdam for The Lycra Company, draw inspiration from four key personalities in contemporary society: I'm Ezra, I'm Ava, I'm Lucy, and I'm Nova.

These evocative themes guided The Lycra Company's concept collection, created with Lycra’s most advanced technologies, including the new Lycra 29AL fibre for waistband support, explained in detail by Davide Rossi - Technical & Market Development Representative for Legwear at The Lycra Company.

Simone Medici commented on the event: “Once again, this year’s event, organized in collaboration with our official distributor Fulgar for the Italian Hosiery District, proved to be a strategically important meeting for The Lycra Company. Committed to meeting sector needs and promoting technological and sustainable progress, the company continues to develop innovative solutions that strengthen its connection to this industry. Our active collaboration with the renowned Amsterdam institute, which helps define fashion trends to support the industry each year, is a clear demonstration of this. In addition, new Lycra proposals, including the bio-based fibre and Lycra 29AL, were presented.”

Daniela Antunes added: “We are proud to support The Lycra Company in this important event dedicated to the Italian hosiery industry. It is not only an opportunity for dialogue and exchange with key industry players, where we play a key role in distributing Lycra brand products, but also a chance to present Fulgar’s latest bio-based solutions.”

www.lycra.com

www.fulgar.com