CIFF is more than just a trade show—it’s a gateway to international markets. By joining CIFF’s international activations, brands gain access to some of the world’s most important fashion platforms, creating opportunities to connect with buyers, press, and industry leaders all year round.
Fashion Week comes around twice a year, but CIFFs commitment to leveraging international partnerships is an ongoing feat. One such activation is Pitti Uomo, the renowned menswear fair in Florence, where CIFF has once again brought a curated selection of Scandinavian brands to the global stage. With nearly 20,000 visitors, including 5,000 international buyers, Pitti Uomo offers brands direct access to key decision-makers in fashion.
For brands like Woodbird and Molebo, joining CIFF at Pitti Uomo has been a game-changing experience.
"The motivation behind joining Pitti Uomo under CIFF’s umbrella was driven by our ambition to expand our international visibility," says Chung W. Cheung, Founder & CEO of Woodbird. "CIFF provides an exceptional platform that aligns with our brand ethos, bringing together leading names in fashion, retail, and design. Pitti Uomo has significantly elevated our profile, allowing us to engage with key international buyers and expand our distribution networks."
For Molebo, the opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship early on has been instrumental in their growth. "CIFF has been a strong supporter of our vision since day one," says Alexander Bach Gram, Creative Director of Molebo. "They invited us to Pitti Uomo just a month after we launched in Denmark. That opportunity gave us immediate access to international buyers and press, allowing us to not only share our story but also let people experience the quality of our belts firsthand. I truly believe that our attendance with CIFF x Pitti Uomo has been one of the key components in building our international presence so fast."
Beyond the Fair: The Power of Community
Participating in international trade fairs is about more than just showcasing collections—it’s about being part of a strong fashion community. Both brands emphasize the value of CIFF’s ongoing support and network."Being part of CIFF means being part of a network that fosters collaboration and opens doors to new opportunities,"says Cheung. "Through CIFF, we’ve gained access to exclusive partnerships, cross-border networking, and strategic insights that continue to shape our brand’s direction."
Gram echoes this sentiment: "Community is key. CIFF’s international activations, from Pitti Uomo to the New York showroom, align perfectly with our global strategy. Their support extends far beyond the actual events, ensuring visibility and access to new markets year-round."
Join CIFF & Take Your Brand Global
CIFF’s international initiatives provide a launchpad for brands looking to expand their global reach. By exhibiting at CIFF, brands gain access to curated international opportunities—ensuring that their journey doesn’t stop in Copenhagen but continues across key fashion capitals worldwide.
Want to take your brand to the next level? Reach out to learn more about CIFF’s global activations.
Read the interviews with Woodbird and Molebo in full below.
A Launchpad for Growth
Chung W. Cheung, Founder & CEO of Woodbird, on the Value of International Trade Fairs and CIFF’s Global Network
Expanding internationally is a challenge for any fashion brand, but for Woodbird, participating in Pitti Uomo under CIFF’s umbrella has been a game-changing opportunity. We sat down with Chung W. Cheung, Founder & CEO of Woodbird, to discuss the impact of international trade fairs, the value of being part of a strong fashion community, and why he believes CIFF’s global initiatives are a smart investment for growth.
What motivated you to join Pitti Uomo under CIFF’s umbrella, and how has this experience contributed to Woodbird’s international presence?
- The main motivation was our desire to expand our visibility on the international stage. CIFF provides an exceptional platform that aligns with Woodbird’s ethos, connecting us with some of the most influential names in fashion, retail, and design.
Being part of Pitti Uomo has significantly elevated our brand’s profile, allowing us to showcase our collections to key international buyers and industry professionals. It’s an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with potential clients, expand our distribution network, and ultimately grow our presence in new markets.
How do international trade fairs like Pitti Uomo serve as key meeting points for brands looking to expand globally?
- Trade fairs like Pitti Uomo are crucial touchpoints for brands aiming to grow internationally. They provide a dedicated space where we can meet directly with buyers, influencers, and industry leaders from across the globe. For Woodbird, these fairs act as a launchpad for exposure—not only do they offer direct access to new markets, but they also provide insights into emerging trends, consumer behavior, and business opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to access.
What role does being part of a strong fashion community—such as CIFF’s network—play in unlocking new opportunities?
- Being part of CIFF’s community is about much more than just showing at a trade fair—it’s about long-term relationships and strategic collaborations. Through CIFF, we stay connected to the pulse of the industry while gaining access to exclusive partnerships, cross-border networking, and expert guidance. These connections often lead to new business opportunities, whether that’s expanding into new regions, joint ventures, or refining our brand strategy.
Beyond the event itself, how does participating in CIFF’s international initiatives support your brand throughout the year?
- One of the biggest advantages of working with CIFF is the fact that their support extends far beyond the event itself. The team helps maintain brand visibility across global platforms, provide ongoing marketing opportunities, and facilitate media exposure that keeps us relevant for international buyers all year round. CIFF also organizes digital events, collaborations, and showroom activations, ensuring that even when we’re not physically at a trade fair, we’re still actively engaging with new markets and customers.
Would you recommend this experience to other brands considering joining CIFF’s international activities?
Absolutely. For any brand looking to expand globally, I highly recommend participating in CIFF’s international initiatives. It’s not just about exposure—it’s about building lasting relationships with like-minded brands and key industry players. CIFF’s curated approach ensures that brands are positioned in the right environment, making it an ideal platform for companies at various stages of growth. The networking, visibility, and continuous support are invaluable in navigating the complexities of the global fashion industry. If you’re serious about international growth, CIFF is a strategic partner worth investing in.
“It’s not just about exposure—it’s about building relationships”
Alexander Bach Gram, Creative Director of Molebo, on the Power of International Exposure and the CIFF Network
For a specialized niche brand like Molebo, international visibility is essential. Joining Pitti Uomo under CIFF’s umbrella just a month after launching in Denmark proved to be a pivotal moment in the brand’s global journey. We spoke with Alexander Bach Gram, Creative Director of Molebo, about the significance of international trade fairs, the strength of fashion communities, and how CIFF’s initiatives have accelerated Molebo’s expansion.
What motivated you to join Pitti Uomo under CIFF’s umbrella, and how has this experience contributed to Molebo’s international presence?
CIFF has been a strong supporter of Molebo’s vision almost from day one. Just a month after we launched in Denmark, they invited us to be part of the Scandinavian Manifesto lineup at Pitti Uomo—an opportunity we are forever thankful for.
Being present with CIFF at Pitti Uomo at such an early stage allowed us to immediately connect with international buyers and press, giving them not only insight into our brand’s vision but also the chance to experience firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that define Molebo. This is crucial for a niche belt brand like ours, where touch, feel, and detail play a significant role.
With our second collection launching next month, I’m confident that this collaboration and the participation in Pitti Uomo for the last two seasons has been a key factor in how quickly we’ve been able to establish an international presence.
How do international trade fairs like Pitti Uomo serve as key meeting points for brands looking to expand globally?
Florence and Pitti Uomo will always have a special place in my heart. In my opinion, it’s one of the most unique fashion trade fairs out there. It’s the perfect way to kick off the fashion season, creating a strong foundation for the months ahead. The way Pitti Uomo brings together buyers, press, and brands under one roof at Fortezza Da Basso makes it much easier to connect, build relationships, and have meaningful conversations. Compared to other international fashion weeks, Pitti Uomo feels more personal—there’s a bit more breathing room in people’s schedules, which allows for more informal meetings and in-depth collection reviews. And of course, the energy in Florence during Pitti Uomo is incredible—it’s something that has to be experienced firsthand.
What role does being part of a strong fashion community—such as CIFF’s network—play in unlocking new opportunities?
Community is everything. The industry moves fast, and having a strong network of like-minded brands and industry leaders makes all the difference. Our collaboration with CIFF on several seasonal projects has given us access to a supportive and dynamic fashion community, opening doors to new business opportunities and strategic partnerships. At the same time, it has provided us with a valuable platform to share our story of Danish belt-making with an even wider audience.
Beyond the event itself, how does participating in CIFF’s international initiatives support your brand throughout the year?
Molebo’s vision and strategy are internationally driven, and working with CIFF’s international initiatives—whether Pitti Uomo or the New York showroom—aligns perfectly with that approach. Through CIFF, we’ve gained access to international activations and brand-building opportunities that would have been much harder to secure on our own. The visibility and connections that CIFF provides don’t just last for the duration of a trade fair—they continue to benefit us throughout the year.
Would you recommend this experience to other brands considering joining CIFF’s international activities?
Absolutely—without hesitation. If you have global ambitions for your brand, I would highly recommend being part of CIFF’s international activities. It’s not just about exposure—it’s about building relationships, gaining industry insight, and unlocking opportunities that fuel long-term growth. CIFF creates the perfect setting for brands to establish themselves internationally, and for Molebo, it has been a game-changer.
