)
Industry Opinion
Consideration About the Future Actors of Our Industry
By Stefano Festa Marzotto, Miles Manifattura Spa-Commercial Director - Outerwear Division / President International Apparel Federation
Dear Friends, as President of IAF (the International Apparel Federation), I am making some consideration about the future actors of our industry: the young generation.
The new generations represent not only the future of the global clothing industry, but also the lifeblood that can drive the entire sector towards more innovative, sustainable, and dynamic horizons.
In an era where markets are rapidly changing and technologies are revolutionizing every aspect of production and use, the contribution of young people has become crucial. Creativity has always been at the heart of fashion: it's what distinguishes an idea, a garment, a brand.
Young people, with their fresh perspectives and willingness to break traditional molds, bring new aesthetic visions and original concepts that can redefine styles, languages, and trends. This innovative force not only enriches the fashion landscape, but also stimulates the entire industry to evolve, experiment, and engage with new expressive frontiers.
Fashion schools, specialized training programs, and trade associations have a duty to collaborate and are responsible for preparing young people as professionals capable of adapting nimbly to the challenges of a changing global market.
.jpg)
The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has announced a leadership transition, naming Stefano Festa Marzotto as its new president. The announcement was made at the 40th IAF World Fashion Convention in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He is an Italian manufacturer of high-end outerwear and a board member of the Italian association Confindustria Moda.
The apparel industry is undergoing a profound revolution in values: sustainability, ethics, and social and environmental responsibility are increasingly at the center of consumer choices. The new generations, raised in a culturally sensitive context, bring with them an awareness that can push the entire sector toward more responsible and transparent production processes.
Investing in young people means investing in a future where creativity and technology intertwine to shape a smarter, more inclusive, and more sustainable apparel industry. Quality training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and real opportunities for professional growth are the tools through which the new generations can not only enter the fashion world but become protagonists of change.