Inside the New Format of the GardaBags Fair
By Dipika Chopra
As the global accessories industry evolves, so must the way we connect, showcase, and do business. One of the biggest moves in 2025 comes from the team behind the Gardabags Fair, a go-to name for iconic bags, belts, sleek leather goods, and travel-ready goods. A long-standing cornerstone in the world of Accessories bags, belts , small leather goods and travel goods.
We sat down with Mauro Di Molfetta, Project Leader of Gardabags to learn more about the revamped format of the Gardabags Fair, the thinking behind the shift, and what attendees and exhibitors can look forward to in this exciting new chapter.
Can you tell us what inspired the decision to revamp the Bags Fair format?
The industry has changed, and so have the expectations of both buyers and exhibitors. The old format served us well for many years, but today’s market is faster, more dynamic, and more global. We needed a format that reflects that. Our goal is to create an experience that’s more curated, more efficient, and more valuable for everyone involved. It will essentially be an exhibition showcasing the various interactions between buyers and manufacturers, aimed at meeting a wide range of needs. In Riva del Garda we have different typologies of visitors looking for bags belts, small leather goods and travel goods.
What are the biggest changes attendees will notice at this year’s june fair?
First and foremost, Gardabags will expand its space twofold. We have moved away from traditional booth structures to a more open, thematic layout, designed to foster discovery and inspiration. Most importantly, the fair now features a more intuitive and accessible layout. We’ve divided the exhibition into three distinct zones based on exhibitor profiles in order to facilitate the experience of the buyers, Sourcing, Sourcing4bridge and Brands. Let me walk you through the key aspects of each zone.
Sourcing: the exhibitors are mainly producers of the first level of the market (mass market/discount), more focused on volume orders but offering good services to the customers
Sourcing4Bridge: focusing on manufacturers that are able to present their own collections and work together with the designers and production teams of international brands of leathergoods and brands of the fashion industry. They can be premium production partners catering to mid-to-high-end collections.
Brands: who will be showcasing established and emerging labels that already have a distribution in Europe.
This new structure makes it significantly easier for buyers to navigate, helping them find exactly what they’re looking for in less time, whether they’re hunting for design-driven collections or production partners. Also the fair is now more experience-driven, trend area, market focus , and innovation village, within the fair itself.
Sounds like a more immersive experience. Is there more digital integration as well?
Absolutely. We have a digital matchmaking platform that allows buyers and exhibitors to connect before the event. You can schedule appointments, explore product previews.
For brands and designers, how does this new format enhance their visibility?
In the traditional model, a smaller brand might get lost among hundreds of booths. Now, we group brands in ways that highlight their unique strengths. A sustainable brand won’t just be one among many—they’ll be part of a focused narrative on sustainability, presented alongside like-minded innovators. It’s not just exposure, it’s contextual exposure, which is far more powerful. Every booth will have outside an Identity board with all the information of the company ( factory location, products typology and quantity productions, and if they want they can write names of the brands they work for)
And from the buyer’s side—what’s in it for them?
Time is everything. Buyers are more strategic now, they come with specific goals. The new format helps them find what they’re looking for faster, but also opens the door to serendipitous discoveries. Plus, our on-site business scout service and the app-based navigation help streamline their entire visit. We’ve also added buyer lounges and curated networking zones, it’s about doing business efficiently and meaningfully.
What kind of themes or values are you prioritizing in this year’s fair?
Three key themes: Sustainability, Innovation, and Craftsmanship. These are the pillars of today’s bag and accessories market. We’re highlighting everything from next-gen materials and circular design to traditional artisan techniques that still hold tremendous value..
What would you say to someone attending the fair for the first time under this new format?
Come with an open mind and clear goals. The fair is more intuitive now, but also richer. Whether you’re a buyer, designer, or journalist, we’ve built it so that you leave not just with contacts and samples, but with insight, inspiration, and opportunity.
Final Thoughts
As the world of fashion and accessories continues to shift, the Gardabags Fair is proving it’s ready to meet the moment. With Mauro and his team at the helm, this isn’t just a new format—it’s a bold reinvention of how the industry connects, collaborates, and creates the future.
About GARDA BAGS :
Organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Gardabags is the international fair dedicated to bags, accessories and travel articles. Leading brands and international producers gather here, giving buyers the opportunity to explore new collections and forge exclusive partnerships in a dynamic, global setting. The first stage where the bags trends will undoubtedly come to life is Riva del Garda. As tradition dictates, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will open the new season – from 14 to 17 June 2025.
For More Details to Exhibit or visit: https://exporivaschuh.it/en/gardabags
Dipika Chopra is the Co-Founder & Managing Editor at Shoes & Accessories, India’s first footwear and accessories magazine & networking platform.
