MILAN, ITALY – September 25, 2025 – The global fashion industry convened in Milan today for the inaugural RLC Fashion Summit, bringing together 200 senior leaders to strategize amidst significant industry transformations. The summit, themed "Forces of Tomorrow," was held during Milan Fashion Week and focused on emerging growth markets, the influence of technology, and evolving consumer expectations.
Panos Linardos, Chairman of the RLC Global Forum, emphasized the summit's role in merging Milan's creative spirit with the strategic needs of a rapidly changing global landscape. "By bringing diverse voices together in one room, we create the space for collaboration and bold thinking that will define the future of our industry," Linardos stated. The agenda was structured around three key areas: the rise of new geographic markets and shifting demand, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, and the redefinition of value and influence in an interconnected world.
Discussions highlighted expansion opportunities in burgeoning regions such as the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, identified as key growth engines due to young demographics, rising wealth, and substantial government investments in retail and tourism infrastructure. The transformative power of AI in fashion was a central theme, with experts noting its role in revolutionizing design, enabling hyper-personalized customer experiences, and optimizing supply chains. In 2025, AI is increasingly viewed as a co-designer, capable of predicting trends, suggesting materials, and supporting sustainable production models, augmenting rather than replacing human creativity.
Italian government officials also shared perspectives on the cultural and economic significance of the fashion and luxury sectors. Industry leaders discussed strategies for growth in the Gulf's fashion economy, scaling value fashion brands in emerging markets, and navigating the era of intelligent fashion. The summit underscored how new markets, innovative business models, and cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the global fashion map, stressing the imperative for brands to understand shifting consumer behaviors and foster cross-border collaboration. Future RLC gatherings are planned for New York and Riyadh.