Bikkembergs returns to Milan Fashion Week and, for the first time, opens the doors of its headquarters on Via Stendhal (Solari). “Pitti is a wonderful platform, but we made a strategic choice to be more consumer-driven,” Dario Predonzan, the brand’s CEO, tells FashionNetwork.com.

The more than 500-square-metre space, which opened around 10 years ago, brings together the design studio, offices, and B2B sales across two floors, and was set up for the occasion with an oversized inflatable soccer ball positioned at the entrance, the result of a collaboration with a Turin-based creative.

The soccer sneaker is at the heart of the brand’s strategy. Founded by Dirk Bikkembergs, the label is now owned by China’s Modern Avenue. “It is our signature piece, the item consumers associate most strongly with the Bikkembergs name. It’s also on trend right now thanks to its low-profile aesthetic,” Predonzan notes.

Last June’s collaboration with Gosha Rubchinskiy marked a step-change in this direction. “We phased out all the old models across the various markets, a move similar to what Adidas did with the Stan Smith. We will put a strong focus on the brand’s heritage,” says the CEO.

The collaboration with the Russian designer was a limited edition of about 2,000 pairs. “We sold almost all of them. Spring-Summer ’26 was the first season of the sales campaign and we nearly doubled the footwear category’s figures,” Predonzan continues.

The company closed 2025 with turnover of 30 million, in line with last year. “We are satisfied because, despite the difficulties, the company is on a solid financial footing. We have worked hard to streamline processes. It is crucial to be a healthy business in such an uncertain market phase,” the CEO adds.

Driving Bikkembergs’ sales are Germany and Northern Europe, which are once again important markets. The US and Russia account for much of the remainder. “The opening plan through 2027 is proceeding, with two new openings coming in Tbilisi, Georgia, between March 2026 and next autumn-winter. Today we have nine mono-brand stores, but we are always looking for partners for new openings,” says the manager.

In Milan next March, the brand will celebrate its founder with a special event, coinciding with the launch of the first exhibition at MoMu in Antwerp dedicated to the Antwerp Six (which includes designer Dirk Bikkembergs himself). “We want to tie in with this important event to pay homage to our origins,” Predonzan concludes.