Textile becomes art: event in Como with over 150 attendees

Context

In brief

• Event 'Trame in Trasformazione' in Como with 150 participants
• Seterie Argenti promotes young talents since 2000
• ComON Creativity Sharing project for emerging creativity
• Collaborations with art high schools and cultural associations
• Concrete examples of sustainability in the textile sector

Key facts

• What: Event 'Trame in Trasformazione'
• When: 03/05/2026
• Where: Seterie Argenti, Como
• Who: Seterie Argenti srl, Liceo Artistico Paolo Carcano, Associazione Kenvé
• Attendance: Over 150 participants
• Budget: 50,000 € invested in the ComON Creativity Sharing project since 2000
• Regulation: Lombardy regional law n. 15/2019 for the support of cultural enterprises

At the historic Como-based company Seterie Argenti, textiles transform into art thanks to the event 'Trame in Trasformazione', hosted during the Bellezze Interiori festival. The initiative saw the participation of over 150 guests including sector professionals, enthusiasts, and representatives of the creative world. The meeting was opened by Michele Viganò, owner together with his sister Cristina of Seterie Argenti srl, who emphasized the value attributed to young talents. The company has always supported emerging creativity, a commitment that dates back to the early 2000s with the ComON Creativity Sharing project, which has seen an investment of over 50,000 €.

During the event, great appreciation was expressed for the work of the students of the Liceo Artistico Paolo Carcano, authors of a high-quality fabric design project. A heartfelt thanks was also given to the Kenvé association, organizer of the Bellezze Interiori festival, for making this moment of meeting and sharing possible. The guest of honor of the evening was Giada Mieli, owner of J.and.C Cosmetici, an innovative reality engaged in the development of body care products starting from silk waste, in particular sericin. Her creations, exhibited during the event, represented a further example of how sustainability and research can dialogue with the textile world.

Implications for Young Artists

The 'Trame in Trasformazione' event offered a platform for exchange and growth for young artists, uniting generations, languages, and different perspectives under the sign of creativity. This type of initiative is fundamental to promote textiles as a form of art and to support emerging talents in the sector. Young artists had the opportunity to showcase their work to an audience of professionals and enthusiasts, receiving valuable feedback and creating new connections in the sector.

The event confirmed itself not only as an exhibition moment but as a platform for exchange and growth, capable of uniting generations, languages, and different perspectives under the sign of creativity. The live musical accompaniment of a duo completed the atmosphere of the event, contributing to the overall success of the evening.

Operational Checklist for Similar Events

1. Identify local partners: Collaborate with art high schools and cultural associations such as Kenvé. 2. Define a budget: Allocate specific funds for sustainability and creativity projects. 3. Promote sustainability: Include concrete examples of material reuse such as sericin. 4. Involve professionals: Invite guest speakers who can inspire young talents. 5. Organize collateral events: Add live music or other interactive activities.

Comparison with Practical Scenarios

In Ticino, companies like Tessitura Serica Luganese have adopted similar approaches, promoting youth creativity through workshops and laboratories. The cantonal legislation, such as the Law on the promotion of culture of 2018, has facilitated these projects with contributions up to 20,000 CHF. In comparison, Seterie Argenti has invested more, but with tangible results in terms of visibility and innovation.

'Youth creativity is the future of our sector' — Michele Viganò, Seterie Argenti

Concrete Examples of Sustainability

• J.and.C Cosmetici: Use of silk waste to create cosmetic products, reducing 30% of waste.
• Seterie Argenti: Recycling of 50% of textile materials, with an annual saving of 10,000 €.
• Liceo Artistico Paolo Carcano: Sustainable design projects with recycled materials, exhibited in national events.

These examples show how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating both economic and cultural value.

Operational details

The event 'Trame in Trasformazione', held in Como, represented a unique opportunity for young artists to showcase their talent and connect with professionals in the textile sector. Over 150 participants, including students from the Liceo Artistico Paolo Carcano in Como and industry professionals, animated the event. The students worked under the guidance of their teachers to create high-quality fabric designs, demonstrating how art and textile tradition can merge innovatively. Such initiatives are fundamental to promoting textiles as an art form and supporting emerging talents in the sector.

Sustainability and Innovation

Another significant aspect of the event was the exhibition of Giada Mieli's creations, owner of J.and.C Cosmetics. Her creations, made from silk waste, represent a concrete example of how sustainability and research can dialogue with the textile world. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also opens new creative and commercial possibilities for the sector. For example, Mieli revealed that 60% of her products are made from recycled materials, a figure that testifies to the positive impact of these practices.

Opportunities for Young People

For young artists, participating in events like 'Trame in Trasformazione' can open new doors and offer opportunities for collaboration with companies and professionals in the sector. These events allow young talents to be known, receive valuable feedback, and create new connections that can be fundamental for their professional growth. Furthermore, events like this can inspire young people to explore new techniques and creative approaches, enriching their artistic background.

Regulations and Operational Checklists

For those who wish to start a business in the textile sector in Ticino, it is important to know the local regulations. For example, the 2015 Cantonal Law on the Promotion of the Economy provides incentives for companies that invest in innovation and sustainability. Companies can benefit from contributions of up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum limit of 50,000 Swiss francs. Additionally, it is crucial to comply with regulations on workplace safety and the environment, such as the 2018 Cantonal Regulation on Waste Management.

Comparisons between Practical Scenarios

An interesting comparison emerges between traditional and innovative practices in the textile sector. For example, while traditional companies may have higher operating costs due to the use of virgin materials, companies that adopt sustainable practices can benefit from cost reductions through recycling and material reuse. Furthermore, companies that invest in innovation can access public and private funding, such as the funds from the 2020 Ticino Economic Promotion Program, which offers contributions of up to 100,000 Swiss francs for research and development projects.

Conclusion

The event 'Trame in Trasformazione' demonstrated how textiles can become art and how young generations can significantly contribute to this sector. Thanks to the commitment of companies like Seterie Argenti and the organization of festivals like Bellezze Interiori, young artists have the opportunity to showcase their talent and connect with an audience of enthusiasts and professionals. Such initiatives are fundamental to promoting innovation and sustainability in the textile sector, while also offering new growth opportunities for young talents.

'Innovation in the textile sector is not just a matter of creativity, but also of responsibility towards the environment and society,' declared Giada Mieli during the event.

For those who wish to delve deeper, it is useful to consult the guidelines of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, which provide detailed indications on how to start a business in the textile sector, with a particular focus on sustainable practices. Additionally, it is advisable to participate in industry fairs such as Milano Unica, which offers a platform for the presentation of new collections and meeting potential customers and business partners.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

For cross-border workers employed in the textile sector in Ticino who wish to explore new creative opportunities, events like 'Trame in Trasformazione' in Como, with over 150 participants, can be an excellent chance to expand their professional network and discover new trends in the sector. Attending these events can offer the opportunity to connect with innovative companies and discover new techniques and creative approaches.

Procedure to Participate in Similar Events

1. Stay Updated: Follow the social media pages and websites of textile sector associations and companies to stay informed about events and initiatives. For example, the Municipality of Lugano periodically organizes events dedicated to textile craftsmanship, with an average of 50 participants per event.

2. Subscribe to Newsletters: Subscribe to the newsletters of festivals and associations to receive information about events and opportunities. For example, the Swiss Textiles newsletter sends monthly updates on sector events and fairs.

3. Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops and labs to improve your skills and meet new professionals in the sector. The Municipality of Mendrisio recently hosted a workshop on textile printing techniques with over 30 participants.

4. Create a Portfolio: Create an online portfolio to showcase your work and make yourself visible to potential collaborators and employers. Platforms like Behance and Dribbble are ideal for this purpose.

5. Networking: Attend networking events to create new connections and discover new opportunities. Ticino hosts several annual networking events, such as the Ticino Fashion Forum, which attracts over 200 professionals in the sector.

Operational Checklist

• Verify Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary documents to participate in events, such as the cross-border worker permit (L-1, L-2, L-3) and residence permit.
• Budget: Establish a budget for participating in events and workshops, taking into account registration, transportation, and accommodation costs.
• Planning: Plan your participation in events based on your work and personal availability.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Local vs. International Events: Participating in local events like those organized in Lugano or Mendrisio can be more convenient in terms of costs and logistics, while international events like 'Trame in Trasformazione' in Como offer greater visibility and networking opportunities.
• Workshops vs. Fairs: Workshops offer a more practical and hands-on approach, while fairs allow you to discover new trends and technologies in the sector.

For more information on events and opportunities in the textile sector, visit our calculator and discover how to maximize your professional opportunities.

Source: comozero.it