The Durability Lab: Where Science Meets Style to Create Tomorrow’s Vintage.
May 20, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PMTalk Area
May 20, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Talk Area
Melissa D'Innella, export sales manager / XLANCE
Luigi Caccia, Chairman / Pure Denim
Elena Conti, Area Manager - Protective and Technical Performance Laboratories / CENTROCOT
Jacopo Antonello, Denim Wash Consultant / ACNE STUDIOS
Talk in English
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LUIGI CACCIA / PureDenim
An international leader in textile innovation, Luigi brings more than 35 years of denim manufacturing expertise to the industry. He is driven by a vision to produce denim entirely free from fossil-derived chemicals while minimizing water usage.
Throughout his career, he has pioneered groundbreaking technologies, including SmartIndigo (electrochemical dyeing), EcoSonic (ultrasound technology), and NaturalReco, which utilizes food industry byproducts to create essential polysaccharides. His dedication to authentic sustainability is showcased in his contribution to the critically acclaimed documentary RiverBlue.
MELISSA D’INNELLA / XLANCE
With a background in marketing and communication, Melissa D'Innella studied in Milan, Italy, where she developed a strong understanding of the fashion and textile industries. Her career began in fashion, before she transitioned into the world of advanced textile technology with XLANCE®. In her current role, she focuses on sales and business development across multiple sectors, including sportswear, workwear, swimwear, apparel, denim, and functional textiles.
With a deep love for the global nature of her work, Melissa enjoys exploring new possibilities within the industry, building relationships, and collaborating on innovative projects. She is particularly focused on advancing stretch fabrics, with an emphasis on enhancing both performance and sustainability.
At XLANCE®️, Melissa is committed to creating innovative and sustainable solutions in the textile world, constantly seeking ways to make fabrics more functional and eco-friendly, contributing to a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
JACOPO ANTONELLO / ACNE STUDIOS
Professionally raised between the Veneto district and Sweden, Jacopo Antonello is an expert in denim product development with an approach that combines high craftsmanship and contemporary design.
After graduating from the Politecnico di Milano, he specialized in sartorial techniques and selvedge denim at the Imjit35020 laboratory. His path continued in Stockholm at Acne Studios, where he oversaw the development of the Show and Main (Men and Women) collections.
From 2025, he decided to move to Italy again to start as an international freelance consultant and denim specialist. He mainly deals with research and development of fabrics, textile washes, finishes, and prints based on his clients' requests. He lives between Veneto, Marche, and Stockholm.
CENTROCOT
Centrocot is a leading Italian institute providing testing, certification, and research services for textiles, leather, footwear, technical apparel, and PPE. It supports companies in their sustainability journey, combining innovation through its MultiLab with a network of sites in Prato and Padova, where Centrocot-Orienta focuses on sustainable development.
