First Denim Show In Korea

Denimsandjeans Korea held its inaugural edition on 22 – 23 September 2026 at The Platz, COEX, Seoul, bringing together denim and apparel companies, brands, sourcing professionals, designers, students and industry specialists from Korea and international markets.

The two-day event combined a B2B sourcing exhibition with industry discussions, design presentations, a student denim design competition, a curated trend presentation and a hands-on Korean denim workshop.

The first Korea edition brought together companies and industry participants from Korea, Vietnam, China, Türkiye, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, with the exhibition presenting fabrics, garments and other solutions relevant to the upcoming SS28 and AW27 product directions.

Rather than focusing only on denim as a finished fashion product, the programme looked at the wider relationship between materials, sourcing, design, technology, functionality and changing consumer lifestyles.

VISITOR & BUYER PROFILE

D&J Korea brought together Korean and international professionals involved in sourcing, design, product development, retail and fashion businesses.

The visitor profile included Korean and International fashion brands, retailers, sourcing organisations, buying houses, design teams and industry professionals looking at denim fabrics, garments, washes, finishes, functional materials and related supply-chain solutions.

Selected buyer, brand and sourcing organisations represented among the registered visitors included:

LF Sourcing , Hansae, Shinsung , Tongsang, Shingsae, B.CAVE / LEE Korea, GUESS Korea , E-Land Retail, Kolon F&C , Musinsa , DI Dong-Il, Homeplus, Li & Fung, Mango , Hugo Boss , Bestseller, Edwin , MCM Worldwide and many more brands

The international presence added a sourcing dimension to the event, connecting Korean fashion and sourcing professionals with companies from several major denim and apparel manufacturing markets.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN REPRESENTATION

The exhibition brought together companies from across Asia and other important denim-producing regions.

Participating companies represented markets including:

Korea | Vietnam | China | Türkiye | Pakistan | Bangladesh | India

The supply-chain representation covered a broad range of product and production capabilities, including denim fabrics, apparel, materials, accessories and manufacturing solutions.

This allowed visitors to review different sourcing options within a single setting and compare developments across markets.

OPENING OF D&J KOREA

The inaugural edition opened on 22 September with Stanley Hwang, CEO & Managing Director of TCE Denim, joining the event as Chief Guest.

The opening marked the beginning of the two-day programme, which brought together the international denim and apparel industry with Korean designers, students, sourcing professionals and fashion industry representatives.

The opening programme was followed by industry sessions examining the changing relationship between denim, performance, design and lifestyle.

INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS & KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS

The conference programme focused on several questions currently relevant to denim and apparel development.

Activewear vs. Denim: Friends or Foe?

The first panel examined the relationship between denim and activewear, particularly around comfort, movement, functionality and changing consumer expectations.

The discussion featured:

Daniel Ou – Chief Product Officer, 2XU, Australia
Daeun – Founder & Creative Director, 2000Archives & 2000Atelier Kyndof Inc., Korea
Bong-Seok Gwon – CEO, BLR, Korea

The session was moderated by:

Yeo Kim – EVP, Global Head of Design, Li & Fung, Hong Kong.

The discussion considered how ideas traditionally associated with performance clothing are influencing denim design and how denim can respond to changing lifestyles.

Designed for Motion: What Denim Can Learn From the Way We Live

A presentation by Nikita Raman, Senior Designer, BOSS Womenswear, Germany, looked at the relationship between lifestyle and denim design.

The session considered how movement, everyday use and changing ways of living can influence the way denim products are designed, developed and worn.

Denim Decoded: The Art & Science of Fall 2027 Denim

On 23 September, Yeo Kim, EVP, Global Head of Design at Li & Fung, presented a session focused on the creative and technical thinking behind Fall 2027 denim directions.

The presentation connected trend forecasting with design, product development and sourcing considerations.

Who Designs Denim? The Designer or the Data?

The second major panel examined the relationship between data and creative decision-making in denim design.

The panel brought together:

Nikita Raman – Senior Designer, BOSS Womenswear, Germany
Jihyun Park – Chief Designer, Hansae MK / Buckaroo / The B Archive, Korea
Kelvin Wong – Division Manager of Denim, Li & Fung

The session was moderated by Daniel Ou, Chief Product Officer, 2XU.

The discussion considered whether data can help identify future consumer demand and how data-driven insights can work alongside the experience and judgement of designers.

KOREAN DENIM DIY WORKSHOP

The event also included a hands-on workshop led by Korean Denim Master Geon / Denim Tiger.

Inspired by the Korean Chuseok season, participants created their own Denim Chuseok Lucky Bag, drawing from the traditional Korean Bokjumeoni pouch.

The workshop offered visitors a different way to engage with denim, moving from industrial production and sourcing into craft, cultural reference and hands-on making.

The activity was open across both days of the event and provided an informal point of interaction between visitors and the wider denim community.

STUDENT DENIM DESIGN COMPETITION

A central part of the Korea programme was the D&J Korea Student Denim Design Competition, organised in collaboration with KTN News and supported by ATS International.

The competition brought together students from 13 Korean universities:

• Seoul National University
• Hanyang University
• Jeonbuk National University
• Chung-Ang University
• Hansei University
• Hongik University
• Sejong University
• University of Ulsan
• Korea University
• Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
• Yonsei University
• Sookmyung Women’s University
• Gyeonggi University of Science & Technology

Theme: Denim in Motion

The theme encouraged students to consider denim beyond its conventional use and explore how the material could respond to movement, comfort, performance, travel and versatility.

The student garments were displayed throughout both days of the exhibition, allowing visitors and industry professionals to view the work alongside commercial denim developments.

The students were guided by Jihyun Park, Chief Product Designer at Hansae MK for Buckaroo and The B Archive.

The judging panel included:

Jihyun Park – Hansae MK / Buckaroo / The B Archive
Daniel Sanchez – Head Designer, Mango, Spain
Nikita Raman – Senior Designer, BOSS Womenswear, Germany

The judging took place on 23 September.

The competition created a direct interaction between students, professional designers and the denim industry, giving emerging designers an opportunity to present their work in an industry exhibition environment.

DENIM TREND & DESIGN PRESENTATION

The D&J Korea Trend Area, “Future Surface: Denim Reimagined,” explored how denim is evolving through new surfaces, construction, functionality and colour. The six directions presented different approaches to the future of denim and were curated by Nikita Raman, Senior Denim Designer at Hugo Boss.

CONCLUSION

The inaugural Denimsandjeans Korea edition brought together three connected areas of the denim industry: sourcing, design and education.

The exhibition provided a meeting point between Korean buyers, brands, designers and sourcing professionals and an international group of denim and apparel companies.

The knowledge programme added a broader industry perspective, with discussions around performance, lifestyle, data, design and future denim directions. At the same time, the Student Denim Design Competition and Korean denim workshop brought students, designers and visitors into the programme through more practical and creative activities.

The first edition therefore combined the commercial purpose of a B2B sourcing exhibition with opportunities for knowledge exchange and design engagement.

For Denimsandjeans, the Seoul edition marked the introduction of the D&J platform to the Korean market and added Korea to its network of international denim industry events across Asia and other key sourcing markets.

UPCOMING SHOW DATES 2027

Egypt : 13-14 January, Intercontinental City Stars, Cairo

India : 28-29 April, The Lalit Ashok, Bangalore

Vietnam, Korea , Japan 2027 will be announced soon

D&J Korea will bring together students, designers, industry professionals and denim specialists for two days of conversations, creative work and exchange around a material that continues to adapt to the way people live.

Alongside the international denim and apparel supply chain exhibition, the inaugural

Korea edition will feature:

• A Student Denim Design Competition involving 13 Korean universities
• Industry seminars and discussions
• Design presentations
• A hands-on Korean denim workshop inspired by the Chuseok season

The exhibition will bring together denim and apparel companies from Korea, Vietnam, China, Türkiye, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, showcasing fabrics, garments and other industry capabilities showcasing SS28 & AW27- oriented fabrics and products.

Opening Ceremony

22 September 2026 | 10:30 AM
We are honoured to welcome ” Stanley Hwang, CEO & Managing Director of TCE Denim “, as the Chief Guest for the opening of Denimsandjeans Korea 2026.

His presence will mark the beginning of the first Denimsandjeans Korea edition and its two-day programme bringing together the international denim and apparel industry, Korean designers, students and industry professionals.

Supporting the Next Generation Through Denim

One of the key programmes at D&J Korea will be the D&J Korea Student Denim Design Competition.

The competition is organised in collaboration with KTN News and supported by ATS International.

13 Korean Universities Taking Part

Students from the following universities will participate:

• Seoul National University
• Hanyang University
• Jeonbuk National University
• Chung-Ang University
• Hansei University
• Hongik University
• Sejong University
• University of Ulsan
• Korea University
• Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
• Yonsei University
• Sookmyung Women’s University
• Gyeonggi University of Science & Technology

Competition Theme: Denim in Motion

Rather than treating denim only as a traditional five-pocket fabric, participating students are encouraged to consider how it can respond to the changing ways people move through everyday life.

All participating garments will be displayed throughout both days of the event.

Guidance and International Perspectives

The students are being guided by Jihyun Park, Chief Product Designer at Hansae MK for Buckaroo and The B Archive in Korea.

The judging panel brings together experience from different parts of the global fashion industry.

Jihyun Park will be joined by:

• Daniel Sanchez, Head Designer at Mango, Spain
• Nikita Raman, Senior Designer, BOSS Womenswear, Germany

The judging session will take place on 23 September, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Fabric Support from TCE Denim and Arvind

TCE Denim, the only denim company with its headquarters in Korea, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. It was founded in 1956 and recognized as Asia’s oldest denim mill. With its deep-rooted connection to Korea’s denim industry, TCE Denim has also supported the next generation of denim talent by providing fabrics for the Korean Student Denim Design Challenge.

Arvind, one of India’s leading textile companies, has also contributed to the Student Denim Design Challenge by providing fabrics to participating students, bringing its expertise and Indian denim heritage to the competition.

SEMINARS / PANELS / TALKS

The programme at D&J Korea will also examine some of the questions currently shaping apparel design.

SEMINAR 01

ACTIVEWEAR vs. DENIM: FRIENDS OR FOE?

22 September | 1:30 PM

The seminar will explore the relationship between two categories that are increasingly influencing each other. The discussion will consider whether denim and activewear should be seen as separate categories or whether the future may increasingly lie in the exchange of ideas between them.

Speakers

Daniel Ou : Chief Product Officer, 2XU, Australia | 25+ years of experience | Formerly: On, lululemon and Gap

Daeun :  Founder & Creative Director of 2000Archives & 2000Atelier Kyndof Inc., Korea

Bong-Seok Gwon : CEO, BLR, Korea | Denim craftsmanship for more than 40 K-pop groups, including SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ and Stray Kids

Moderator

Yeo Kim :  EVP, Global Head of Design, Li & Fung, Hong Kong | 25+ years of experience
Formerly: Levi’s, Mavi and DKNY

SEMINAR 02

WHO DESIGNS DENIM? THE DESIGNER OR THE DATA?

23 September | 1:30 PM

Can data predict what people will want next? Or will the designer always lead the way?

Speakers

Nikita Raman : Senior Designer, BOSS Womenswear, Germany | 16+ years of experience | Formerly: Lee Jeans, Zara, Massimo Dutti, ONLY and s.Oliver

Jihyun Park :  Chief Designer, Hansae MK,  Buckaroo / The B Archive, Korea

Kelvin Wong :  Division Manager of Denim, Li & Fung | 25+ years of experience across design, product development, manufacturing and wash

Moderator

Daniel Ou :  Chief Product Officer, 2XU, Australia |  25+ years of experience | Formerly: On, lululemon and Gap

Additional Design Sessions

The D&J Korea programme will also include individual presentations focused on the future direction of denim.

Designed for Motion

22 September | 4:00 PM

“Designed for Motion: What Denim Can Learn From the Way We Live” The session will consider how changing lifestyles can influence the way denim is designed, developed and worn.

Speaker: Nikita Raman
Senior Designer, BOSS Womenswear, Germany

Denim Decoded

23 September | 10:30 AM

“Denim Decoded: The Art & Science of Fall 2027 Denim” , the presentation will explore the creative and technical thinking behind upcoming denim directions for Fall 2027.

Speaker: Yeo Kim
EVP, Global Head of Design, Li & Fung

A Korean Denim DIY Workshop Inspired by Chuseok

By Denim Tiger – Choigeon | 22 – 23 September | Both Days

Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own Denim Chuseok Lucky Bag. The activity introduces denim into a more personal and hands-on setting, allowing visitors to explore the material beyond its conventional use in garments.

D&J Korea : Two Days of Exchange

22 – 23 September 2026 | The Platz, COEX, Seoul (2nd Floor)

D&J Korea brings together Korean universities, designers and industry professionals with international speakers and companies from across the denim and apparel industry.

Across two days, the programme connects education, design and industry, creating opportunities for exchange between Korea’s design community and the wider international denim industry.

Registration Link : https://korea.denimsandjeans.com/invite

OPENING CEREMONY

The event opened on June 24, 2026, with an Opening Ceremony. Mr. Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), shared insights on Vietnam’s growing potential within the global textile and apparel industry. This was followed by remarks from Dr. Dang Vu Hung, Chairman & CEO of PPJ Group, highlighting the role of Vietnamese industry leadership in shaping the future of denim manufacturing in Southeast Asia.

Visitor Profiles

The show welcomed more than 750 visitors across both days, with strong international representation.
Visitors included sourcing teams, designers, and decision-makers from Japan, Korea, China, Cambodia,
Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, America, and across Southeast Asia. Key international brands and companies in attendance included Gap, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Muji, Edwin, ITOCHU, Terra Korea, L-World Korea, Crystal HK, Walmart, Saitex and many others. It also included major Vietnamese industry players such as Phong Phu, MGF, Vinatex, Nien Hsing Garment, Nha Be Garment, Thuan Hai Jeans, Marvel Cambodia. Alongside this, prominent Vietnamese local brands including V Sixtyfour, Yame, Routine, Blue Exchange, Ninomaxx, and many others were also present.

Trend Area

The Trend Area offered a curated lens on where denim is headed. Anachronistic Roots merged classic western workwear with East Asian heritage through dense rigid denim in herringbone and indigo plaids.
Bio-Tech Futurism showcased lightweight, bio-based stretch fabrics that look premium but are rooted in clean, circular manufacturing. Earth-Bound Pigments explored natural dyes & plant based blends of hemp, organic cotton , recycled fibers.Smart Utility & Tech Denim responded to Southeast Asia’s climate realities with moisture-managing, temperature-regulating fabrics. Cyber-Athleisure & Digital Aesthetics captured the screen-to-street sensibility through metallic and 3D jacquard denim that looks industrial but wears as softly as activewear.

Denim Bazaar

The Denim Bazaar was created as a platform for local artisans, small businesses, and emerging creators to showcase and promote their brands. Unlike the main exhibition area, the Bazaar (B2C space) focused on independent labels, handcrafted products, upcycled denim creations, accessories, and
small-scale collections. It gave visitors an opportunity to discover unique denim products while allowing local creators to connect directly with potential customers and industry professionals.
The idea was to support local talent and provide a space where smaller brands could gain visibility as part of the larger denim community.

Workshops

Workshops played a key role in engaging designers, students, and industry professionals through hands-on learning and experimentation. Renewjeans Workshop included denim painting and
customization workshop where visitors painted and customized denim tote bags, wallets, and canvas
artworks. Fabric for the workshop was sponsored by Viet Hong Denim. HMS Stone Workshop conducted a hands-on session where participants used HMS Designer Pens and stone wash inspired tools to customize denim products and experiment with surface design. Bottle Holders were
sponsored by Tuong Long Vietnam and Denim Bags were sponsored by Advance Denim.

Panel Discussions & Talks

AI In Denim: Opportunities, Applications And The Future Of Product Development

The discussion featured Jason Fernandez (Director Global Sourcing , Development , VF Corporation) and Michael Lam (Director, Advance Denim). It was moderated by Janet Lui (Senior Manager , Design &
Product Development – Denim Division , Crystal Intl. Group Ltd). The discussion addressed the opportunities and applications of Artificial Intelligence in denim, including its impact on product development and the future of design innovation.

Vietnam’s Denim Evolution: Local To Global

The discussion featured Khiêm Nguyễn Ngọc Duy (YAME) and Romeo M. Ordas (Viet Hong Textile
Dyeing JSC). It was moderated by Ana Paula Alves de Oliveira, Strategic Director at Be Disobedient.
The discussion explored Vietnam’s denim evolution, tracing its journey from local manufacturing roots to its expanding presence in the global denim supply chain.

When Creativity Meets Algorithms: The New Era of Generative Design & Product Development

The program included a presentation by Janet Lui, (Senior Manager, Design & Product Development
Denim Division at Crystal International Group Limited, HK). Titled “When Creativity Meets Algorithms: The New Era of Generative Design and Product Development,” the session outlined how AI and generative tools are reshaping design workflows, product development cycles, and creative possibilities within the denim industry.

Visitor Profile

The show welcomed over 1100 visitors, including leading international and domestic brands, retailers, and sourcing companies. Notable attendees included Tshepo Jeans, Inditex, H&M, Hugo Boss, Puma, PVH, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Flying Machine, Levi’s, Target, Myntra, Amazon, The Pant Project, The Bear House, Banana Club, Bestseller, Rare Rabbit, Trends, Zudio, Lifestyle, Aditya Birla Group, All We Wear Group, Texport, Dynawash (Sri Lanka), along with several other buying houses and industry professionals.

The visitor mix reflected strong representation from design, sourcing, product development, and sustainability teams.

40+
Exhibitors
Denim Fabric, Garment Manufacturers, Accessory, Chemical, Laundry And Technology

10+
Countries
India, Italy, Austria, Republic of San Marino, USA, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, South Korea etc.

2000+
Visitors
Decision Makers From Top Denim Brands, Retailer, Buying House, Factory And Traders

5+
Seminar, Workshop,Talk
International Experts Who Spoke On The Latest Trend, Innovation, Sustainability And Technology

Exhibitor Overview

The exhibition featured a diverse group of companies across fibers, fabrics, garments, chemicals, trims, and technology.

Key Participants Included:
• Arvind Limited, Nandan Denim, Jindal Worldwide, LNJ Denim, Oswal Denim, Ginni International, Maruti Denim, Suryalakshmi, Syama Denims
• Reliance Industries, Birla Cellulose, Lenzing, LYCRA, Hyosung
• Tonello, Officina39, Brongo, Ramsons, Yilmak Makina, Vertex Technology
• Aadi Sustainability Solutions, Anubha Industries, Shakti Arts, Indaco Jeans, Ultra Denim
• Zaitex / Ravchem, Panam Biochem, SF Dyes
• Golden Fashion, Khyaati Leather, Fashion Accessories, Copen United
The exhibitor mix (40 companies) ensured representation across the full supply chain, from raw materials to finished garments and processing technologies.

Knowledge Sessions & Panels

The event featured a series of panel discussions, talks, and presentations addressing key industry themes across sourcing, sustainability, innovation, and market evolution.

From Meme to Mill: How Gen-Z Is Rewriting Fashion’s Supply Chain

Regenerative Cotton from India: From Farm To Fashion (Hugo Boss x Raddis®Cotton)

Rethinking Denim Texture: Innovation Starts At The Fiber

Indian Denim Brands – Reinvention Or Rejuvenation

Making India the Preferred Sourcing Destination: Vision, Readiness & Reality

From Process To Purpose – Where Technology Meets Sustainable Chemistry

Trend Area (WGSN) – A/W 27/28 Forecast

The Trend Area, curated in collaboration with WGSN, showcased key A/W 27/28 Denim Fabric, Wash & Finish Forecasts across two core directions: Unfiltered and Human Touch. The display translated global trend insights into practical design, material, and finish innovations for the denim industry.

A/W 27/28: Unfiltered
• Love Worn – Blue Fingers
Focused on aged, worn, and repaired aesthetics, positioning imperfections as a new status symbol. Key directions included weathered finishes, rust and pigment treatments, and visible mending, supported by sustainable materials such as recycled and regenerative cotton blends

• Crafted With Care
Highlighted construction-led design, with colourful threads becoming a defining feature. Emphasis was placed on sustainable sourcing, non-tradi-tional stitching details, and circular solutions such as dissolvable threads for improved recyclability.

• Truly Romantic
Introduced a softer, decorative approach to denim through lace, florals, and layered techniques. Lightweight blends and upcycled materials supported a feminine, occasionwear-inspired direction.

A/W 27/28: Human Touch
• Messy Play
Explored expressive, artistic finishes combining handmade and digital techniques. Key elements included bleach effects, pigment applications, and DIY-inspired customization.
• Moody Animal
Reinterpreted animal patterns in tonal, textured forms suited for winter, using techniques such as laser, jacquards, and coated finishes across darker colour palettes.
• Photo Real
Focused on bold, photorealistic and graphic prints, incorporating digital printing and layered surface techniques to create statement, narrative-driv-en denim.
Overall, the Trend Area emphasized a shift toward authenticity, craftsmanship, and expressive surface design, supported by sustainable materials and innovative finishing techniques.

Workshops & Engagement Activities

A sustainability-focused workshop by Karmann explored upcycling through hands-on activities using fabric scraps.
A key highlight was the inclusion of handcrafted keychains made by specially-abled artisans, bringing attention to inclusive craftsmanship and the value of their skill and creativity within the design ecosystem.
Participants engaged in simple stitching techniques and created small upcycled products, while the session also reinforced the importance of circular design and responsible material use
Conclusion
The 8th edition of Denimsandjeans India continued to serve as a focused platform for business interaction, knowledge exchange, and industry networking. The participation of key global and domestic players reflects ongoing interest in India as a sourcing destination and innovation hub for denim and related segments.

Visitor Profile And Attendance

The show welcomed 1,056 visitors across both days, with strong international representation. Visitors included sourcing teams, designers, and decision-makers from New York, Asia, MENA and across Europe. Key international brands in attendance included Uniqlo, Rag & Bone, Centric Brands, Ann Taylor, PacSun, Abercrombie & Fitch, Mango, Hugo Boss, H&M, Inditex, Bestseller, Worldbox, LPP, Next Sourcing, and Kontoor Brands. In addition, the show saw significant participation from major Turkish brands such as LC Waikiki and Colin’s and Defacto. Alongside this, prominent Egyptian brands including Concrete, Be Indie, and others were also present.

This mix of global and regional brands reinforced the show’s role as a focused platform
for sourcing, collaboration, and industry dialogue.

Exhibitor Overview And Supply Chain Representation

D&J Egypt featured 80 exhibitors, offering an overview of the complete denim supply chain. The exhibitor mix included fabric manufacturers, garment producers, accessory and trim suppliers, chemical and dye specialists, washing and finishing technology providers, machinery companies, and sustainability solution experts. A notable highlight was the collaboration with ITHIB, which brought 23 Turkish companies to the show. In total about 30 Turkish exhibitors participated, alongside 20
Egyptian companies, with the remaining exhibitors representing other key denim producing regions. Together, they presented a view of denim manufacturing capabilities and innovations.

Trend Area Highlights

Meanwhile, the curated Trend Area reflected both regional inspiration and global denim directions. Overall, it focused on sustainability, comfort, and creative expression.

Workshops And Creative Engagement

Workshops played a key role in engaging designers, students, and industry profession als through hands-on learning and experimentation. In collaboration with KB Denim and HMS Washing, a series of creative sessions were hosted throughout the two days. Workshops were organized by KB Denim and HMS.

KB denim Workshops included:

• Denim Clutches Workshop by Marina El Belony, Bags & Belts Designer, focusing on craftsmanship and accessory design using denim.
• Free-Hand Draping Workshop by Waleed Khairy, Fashion Designer and CDD Co-Founder, exploring form, movement, and creative construction directly on the body.
  
  HMS Workshop conducted the immersive “Cairo Denim Heist” session. During the workshop,
  participants used tools such as the HMS Designer Pen and HMS Moons to create fade effects
  on denim money bags. The workshop demonstrated water-free techniques, emphasizing
  innovation without water waste or sludge generation.
  Together, these workshops highlighted denim’s creative potential. At the same time, they
  reinforced the importance of sustainable production practices.

Panels, Talks, And Industry Discussions

The event opened on January 19, 2026, with an Opening Ceremony. Mr. Magdy Tolba, Chairman of T&C Garments, shared insights on Egypt’s growing potential within the global textile and apparel industry. This was followed by remarks from Mr. Mustafa Denizer, Board Member of ITHIB and CEO of Diktaş, highlighting Turkey-Egypt collaboration.

The discussion featured Mr. Gokhan Ünsal (DNM Denim) and Ms. Dilek Erik (Sharabati). It was moderated by Mr. Nicolas Prophte of the Denim Deal Steering Committee. The discussion addressed the realities of post-consumer recycled cotton, including challenges in scale, quality, and future direction.

The panel featured Ms. Kara Johnson (PacSun), Mr. Autari Goggia (Rag & Bone), and Ms. Nikita Raman (Hugo Boss). The session was moderated by Mr. Nicolas Prophte. The panel examined how design, innovation, and sustainability are evolving amid cost pressures and changing consumer expectations.

The program included a presentation by Mr. Ahmed Zohair, Director at GAFI’s Investment Promotion Sector. Titled “Egypt – Great Opportunities for Investment in the Textile and Apparel Industry,” the session outlined policy support, infrastructure development, and investment incentives available in the country.

1. W Denim is a premium denim and non-denim fabric since 2004 . Your Sirikcioglu group has been an important player in the Turkish market . How do you see the changing scenario affecting the business and how are you adapting to it ?

W DENIM, as part of the Sirikcioglu Group, has been a trusted supplier of premium denim and non-denim fabrics since 2004. The textile industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by sustainability demands, digitalization, and changing consumer expectations. We see these changes not as challenges, but as new opportunities.

Our adaptation strategy is built on three pillars: innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity. Through our R&D investments, we develop new fabrics that meet both fashion and performance needs. Sustainability lies at the heart of our company; we operate with eco-certified production processes, technologies that save water and energy, and a circular production approach.

In addition, we work in close collaboration with our customers, enabling us to quickly adapt to trends, deliver tailored solutions, and ensure high quality with reliable lead times.

This approach allows us to maintain our competitive edge in a changing market while contributing positively to the future of the denim industry.

2. How important do you think Egypt is getting as a denim sourcing location?

Egypt is rapidly becoming a strategic hub for denim sourcing. This is driven by its proximity to Europe and shorter lead times, the preferential trade advantages with the U.S. market through QIZ, the growing textile investments, and the government incentives offered through industrial zones such as the SCZone. Over the past two years, increased textile/apparel investments and export growth have further reinforced this trend.

From our company’s perspective, Egypt’s importance is rising — and we are aligning with this trajectory. As Sirikcioglu Group, we have completed the official approval process for an investment in Egypt and decided to establish a new denim facility in the SCZone. This step is fully aligned with our goals of being closer to customers, enhancing agility, and achieving competitive costs. The news of this investment has also been reflected in public media.

In conclusion: Egypt is becoming an increasingly critical location for supply diversification, fast lead times, and cost/efficiency optimization. With W DENIM/Sirikcioglu’s global scale and structure (120 million meters annual fabric capacity), our presence in Egypt is integrated into this long-term strategy.

3. W Denim is one of Turkey’s largest integrated textile companies. Could you share your current annual denim fabric production capacity (in meters/tons), and how this has evolved in recent years? 

Sirikcioglu Group has an integrated production capacity of approximately 120 million meters of fabric annually, covering both denim and non-denim fabrics.In addition, with a daily yarn production capacity of 350 tons (including ring, open-end, and textured yarns), we secure the fundamental inputs of our production process within our own facilities.

Through our competitive pricing policy, we deliver sustainable added value to our customers, while our investments in digitalization and sustainability demonstrate our commitment to responsible growth for the future. Within this framework, our planned denim manufacturing investment in Egypt’s SCZone will further increase our capacity and expand our global export network.

4. We thank you for joining for second time the Denimsandjeans Egypt show in 2026. What would  be the most important products and offerings that you will make to the buyers in the show ?

We are delighted to participate in Denimsandjeans Egypt for the second time. This year, we will meet our buyers around three main focus areas:

1. Sustainable Denim Collections
Our eco-friendly fabrics, produced from internationally certified yarns such as GOTS and GRS, and developed with water- and energy-saving technologies, contribute to the vision of sustainable fashion.

2. Innovative & Fashion-Oriented Products
Alongside high-stretch performance fabrics, lightweight and comfortable summer denims, and premium non-denim fabrics with coatings and special effects, our collection also features:

• Fabrics developed with Emana® technology, which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, and
• Laser pattern applications that stand out for their aesthetic and technical qualities.

3. Customized Solutions for Customers
Through fast lead times, flexible production capacity, and collection-based collaborations, we aim to provide our customers not only with fabrics but also with combined advantages of trend insight, sustainability, and reliable supply.

5. With the new sustainability legislations by EU , how would the brands’ demands on companies like yours would change ?

With the new EU sustainability regulations, brands will increasingly expect greater transparency, traceability, and environmentally friendly production from us. Since we have invested in these areas from the very beginning, we are already fully prepared to meet and deliver on these demands.

6. What are the most important sustainability technologies incorporated by you in recent times ?

–  In our production processes, we have succeeded in completely eliminating water usage by up to 100%, a highly critical step for the preservation of water resources.

–  Through our wastewater recovery facilities, we have systematized closed-loop water usage, minimizing our environmental impact.

–  On the energy side, our solar energy systems (PV) now supply 25% of our total energy needs from renewable in-house resources.

– In addition, energy recovery systems and low-emission production technologies continuously reduce our carbon footprint.

–  By using recycled and certified fibers in our fabrics, we contribute to the circular economy.

For any more details, please connect with Mr. Nuri Sirikci at nsirikci@wdenim.com

Over two days, the event brought together more than 200 companies and over 850 industry professionals, including leading manufacturers, retailers, sourcing heads, and designers from Vietnam and neighboring regions. The curated, business-focused environment encouraged productive discussions, new business connections, and insight-driven exchanges.

The exhibition floor featured participation from prominent global and regional names such as, VF Corporation, Target, Walmart, Gap, PVH, Li & Fung, Mavi Jeans, Newtimes Group, Canifa, Yody, Blue Exchange, The Blues, PPJ Group, Crystal Group, Asmara, Dong Minh, Saitex, Saigon 3, SMT Fashions, T&T Group, Solto Industries, Vinatex, and others. Their presence highlighted the growing significance of the Vietnam market in the global denim value chain.

Trend Area

This edition introduced an expanded Trend Area, curated around the core theme “Future Fit.” It was divided into five key categories: Smart Denim & Tech-Enhanced Fits , Sustainable & Circular Denim , Future Heritage & Craftsmanship , Functional & Hybrid Denim , Digital & Customization Hub.

Each section offered insights into new developments in denim construction, finishing, material science, and responsible manufacturing. Attendees had the opportunity to explore product innovations and forward-thinking design concepts aligned with upcoming market demands.

Denim Bazaar

The Denim Bazaar returned with a spotlight on boutique and artisanal denim makers. Designed as a B2B zone, it attracted attention from niche brands, sourcing professionals, and designers looking to discover unique, small-scale indigo creations and authentic craftsmanship. The area showcased diverse, limited-run products from local and regional artisans.

The Denim Bazaar also featured a Lucky Draw exclusively for visitors, offering them the chance to win coupons redeemable for select items showcased by boutique denim brands. All attendees received a Lucky Coupon upon entry, adding an element of excitement and engagement to the B2B experience.

Seminars

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry thought leaders through a series of expert-led forums and seminars, focusing on key denim-related themes.

Adapting To Tomorrow : Denim Strategies For Success In 2026 And Beyond

Panel discussion featuring Gigi Lau (APAC Market), JB Legouge (LF Sourcing), Janet Lui (Crystal Intl. Group), moderated by David Tring (Hong Kong Design Institute).

Power Shift : How Digital Transformation & AI Are Reshaping The Brand – Vendor Relationship

A talk delivered by Greg Merrill, former Digital Head at Nike.

Reimagining Denim : Innovations Driving Sustainability

Presented by David Tring, focusing on sustainable denim innovations.

Smart Wash: Innovations & Sustainability In Denim Finishing

Panel with Saravanan Periyasami (TP Group), Shivam Saraf (Apna Organics), Arnab Chanda (PPJ Group), moderated by Simon Kj, expert in textile automation.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for the upcoming Denimsandjeans Egypt, scheduled for 19-20 January 2026 in Cairo. This marks a significant addition to their global line‑up, expanding the reach of their B2B denim platform into North Africa.

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This edition was officially inaugurated with an opening Ceremony that underscored the significance of the denim sector in India’s textile and apparel landscape. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Kartikay Dhanda, Secretary of the Textiles Committee, Government of India. His remarks highlighted the government’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and export growth within the denim ecosystem.

With this meaningful opening, the stage was set for a two-day event marked by knowledge exchange, innovation showcases, and cross-industry collaboration.

A Theme Rooted in Fabric and Culture: “50 Shades of Denim”

This year’s edition was based on the theme “50 Shades of Denim , because one shade is never enough.” This theme is more than just about denim’s different materials. It also shows the diverse culture of India, where traditions, regions, and people come together in a colorful mix. Just like denim has many shades, textures, and finishes, India’s culture is full of variety too.

A Hub for Denim Innovation and Sustainable Solutions

The exhibition featured over 35 companies from India, Turkey, Italy, and more, showcasing a wide spectrum of products and processes from traditional craftsmanship to innovations in denim, including sustainable denim trends, laser finishing, low-impact dyeing, and circular materials.

The buyer turnout was a key highlight of the show, with over 1,150 visitors attending the event. The audience included sourcing and design teams from some of the most recognized global and Indian fashion and retail brands. Representatives from Shragatex, Quince, Gap, Levi’s, H&M, Pepe Jeans, Calvin Klein, Marks & Spencer, Ralph Lauren, Wrangler, Flying Machine, Spykar, ONLY, Mufti, and Myntra and attended the show, meeting with suppliers, exploring trends, and building future collaborations.

Their active engagement reaffirmed the event’s place among major global denim industry gatherings and its growing influence within the Asia-Pacific sourcing calendar.

At the exhibition, Denimsandjeans partnered with the Indenium School of Responsible Design to conduct a live workshop. This session provided attendees with practical insights into sustainable denim practices, bridging academic knowledge and industry applications.

Seminar & Panel Highlights

Key seminars and panels on sustainable denim, market trends, tech, and consumer insights were a major highlight. Check out the panel discussions below:

Circular Denim & Post-Consumer Waste Integration

The Evolution of Denim Culture – Identity, Expression, and Social Change

Tariffs and Their Impact on the Indian Textile and Apparel Industry

Navigating Innovation Through Changing Denim Trends

Indiwool: A Product of IIT’s Startup Ecosystem

The Trend Area – A Glimpse Into A/W 26/27 Denim Futures

One of the most engaging elements of the show was the Trend Area, curated and conceptualized internally by the Denimsandjeans team in collaboration with a global trend partner – WGSN. It spotlighted forecasted trends for A/W 26/27 denim fabric, wash, and finish directions, segmented into three key themes:

• Kintentional: Focused on restorative softness, abstract quilting, and meaningful slogans
• Geo-Logic: Showcasing cracked earth textures, geological dye effects, and frozen finishes
• Empowered Play: Highlighting expressive denim with playful graphics, metallics, and tailored touches

The space offered a hands-on experience for visitors to explore future market directions, sustainability-led innovations, and creative construction techniques in denim.

Stay Tuned: Denimsandjeans Vietnam – 25-26 June 2025

As we wrap up Denimsandjeans India 2025, we thank all participants and partners who made this edition a true success story in sustainable sourcing.

Join us at Denimsandjeans Vietnam, 25-26 June 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. Click here to register for Vietnam Denim Show.

Stay tuned for updates on exhibitors, themes, and seminar schedules.

For over 70 years, Ramsons (India) has been a Pioneer in the Design & Manufacture of “Apparel Production” Equipment, Laundry Equipment (Wet & Dry Process Equipment) Storage Equipment, Leather Manufacturing Equipment, Sterilization & Medical Equipments and so on. As they join our D&J India show, we tried to understand from the CEO Mr Sunder Belani about their latest initiatives and specially those on sustainability . Here is an excerpt from the interview

Ramsons is a very old company Can you share with us the history and the major
milestones achieved in the company
Ramsons started its operations in 1950 and we have been one of the forerunners in Asia for
Sustainable Technology connected to Apparel and Textile Processing and Finishing.
In the 50s we started with an engineering workshop and started making Vacuum Ironing
Boards and Steam Pressing Equipment and Steam Generators in the 70s.
The Apparel Manufacturers then asked us to produce Laundry Equipment which we started
Manufacturing in the 80s which then started moving to Hotels and Hospitals too.
We then came into lot of International Joint Ventures in the 90s and have been
manufacturing proudly in India from over 50 years and exporting to over 40 countries since
our product range consists of over 100 sustainable products like Zero Emission Electrical
Steam Generators, (IBR / TUV approved ) Vacuum Ironing Boards With Low Power,
Automatic Form Finishers to reduce labour and carbon footprint.
We also produce low liquor ratio washing equipment, Washer Extractor with Recyclable
water tanks. We produce Ozone equipment to prevent anti back staining, bleach, reduction
of water, chemical and effluent.
In the Washer extractor, the Washex technology we have nebulizing which reduces effluent
by over 90% and reduces water, chemical and reduction of labour in the washer extractor
system.
We also have now developed acid wash using no chemicals and no water in the process
and we are now producing Low Liquor ratio garment dyeing machines using sprays.

What major product categories do you have as a machinery manufacturer
We manufacture equipment in the apparel chain and textile chain. Fabric is inspected using
Ramsons zero tension fabric inspection equipment with calibrated meters and relaxing
equipment for fabric.
Warehousing systems using RFIDS so that traceability which is the norm of the day is taken
care of.
We have finishing equipment which consists of Electrical, Diesel and Gas Fired Steam
Generators, Vacuum Boards and Bucks of all shapes and sizes.
Material Handling Systems, Automatic Finishing Systems, Fusing Equipment With Less
Power And Less Energy Requirement.
We also have automatic shirt folding equipment. We have needle detecting equipment. We
also manufacture turnkey laundry systems where we design, we install and we demonstrate
modern day sustainable laundry equipment that includes washers, hydro extractors. We
have automatic hydro extraction systems called the Presomatic. We have bag lifting hydro
extractors to reduce labour. Our Vertostar Equipment of washing equipment has jet spray
technology which reduces the liquor ratio to less than 1 : 3 . Our ozone machines ensure anti

back staining and bleaching using negligible or no chemicals and water, acid wash is also
now achievable through ozone technology. We have nebulizers with reduction of over 90%
in a new Washex technology. We have software that measures traceability in the entire
laundry chain. It’s called the ECOSOFT.

Sustainability is the major keyword today. How have you evolved your machines so
that the garment factories can  achieve the sustainable goals set by their buyers. 
The biggest consumer of energy in a laundry is the drying systems. We have developed auto
drying systems using conveyors both overhead and within closed chambers called the
Dryomatic.
The overhead is the conveyor drive, variable frequency drive. We use natural air, so 90% of
the drying is done through natural air and just for hand feel, is pushed into a tumble dryer.
The tumble dryer, now newly designed we have now a recyclable system to reuse the hot air
emanating for the tumble dryer, thereby reducing the energy by a further 30% in the tumble
dryer system.
In the dry process we have spraying systems with negligible use of PP and auto filling
systems which control the air pressures, we have a dual spray system which reduces the
effluent in a spraying machine, we also have robotic arms for abrasion on denim or any other
garment. These are controlled by PLCs, thereby ensuring accuracy in production and
reduction of skilled labour.

What are your key markets 

1. South East Asian Countries
2. African Continent
3. GCC Countries
   

What are your growth strategies for near future and how do are preparing for the
outcomes of the Tariff war going on

Our entire logo is now changed to Sustainable Thinking. The way thinking forward of our
think of our company and our product portfolio is going to be based on Sustainability
We have always wanted to give back to Mother Earth what we take from her, so we have
like in terms of water, we take clear water, clean water we want to give that back using
technologies which are not harmful at all to our planet.
Our Nebulizers, Low Liquor Ratio Machines (Go Green). Our Ozone equipment which
avoids chemicals and water for bleaches, Anti Back staining, acid washes and so on, our
reduction of energy in our drying systems of fabric and apparel.
Our finishing equipment like Steam Generators we have gone into production of electrical
steam generators. We are incidentally one of the Biggest Manufacturers of Apparel
Equipment (Not Traders) and in our meeting with Mr. Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles he
was enamoured by the progress an Indian make in India manufacturing company has made
internationally in terms of technologies.

Our strategy is also to get into a tie up with Modern Day ZLD water treatment systems
because that’s the end line of our range and we want to cover the whole range of
sustainability.
We want to concentrate on recyclable energies, energy efficient drives and motors. We will
be concentrating on using inert gases into a paddle and fabric dyeing. Using more of ozone
and hydrogen processes to create effects so as to avoid the usage of Water, Chemicals,
Solvents and so on. This is a path we intend taking.

We spoke to their CEO Chaitanya Dalvi about their background and why they came to India to start this operation.

Please share some details about the background of your company . 
Chane Merchants Private Limited was established in Ahmedabad, India in 2023 with the aim of manufacturing quality denim garments for Indian brands and big box retailers. Manufacturing commenced in August 2024.
Prior to this, we ran garment manufacturing operations in South Africa since 1994 where we produced close to a million garments a month.We have a strong leadership, planning, production and merchandising team with over 50 years of combined experience of dealing with top international brands and retailers like Levi Strauss(USA), Cotton On(Global), Woolworths, Polo (SA), TFG group (SA) etc.
The same core team is now here in India working at Chane Merchants. We have started off with a monthly capacity to produce 45000 units a month with an expansion plan to get to 125000 units a month by the end of FY 2025-26. We specialise in high fashion and quick response.

Why did you plan to come to India for manufacturing jeans ?
Retail in India has evolved substantially over the last decade or so. The market which was essentially unorganised stand-alone mom and pop stores has been completely disrupted by organised players like Reliance, Myntra, Aditya Birla, Tata etc.
However, manufacturing in India still remains pretty much fragmented and unorganised, unable to cater to the demands and pace of organised retail. We feel there is a deep vacuum for organised manufacturing with proactive product development, strong merchandising and great production planning and we are here to fill that vacuum

What do you think is more imp- the local market in India or the export market ?
Both markets are important because there is a merit to having customers with varying annual shopping seasons and trends. While it maybe a Diwali or Eid or Durga Puja in India, its Christmas and Easter overseas. Having both domestic and export buyers helps a manufacturing unit mitigate the risks of seasonal buying and capitalise on varying buying trends.

How do you think India will be advantaged or otherwise with US tariffs ?
Any opportunity is only as good as the extent to which you can utilise it. I remember having a similar discussion around 2005 when the US quotas on textile and apparel were lifted and I don’t think what followed was anywhere remotely close to the hype and anticipation. We can only make use of this opportunity of lower tariffs if we move in the direction of innovation, automation and organised manufacturing otherwise competing with nations that have a robust manufacturing and export culture is an uphill task. Anyway, the imposition of higher tariffs is a mixed bag for India.
While it does offer a competitive advantage over other exporting nations like China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, etc, it also creates challenges of market contraction that can be attributed to increased cost of goods due to higher tariffs.

What are the technologies that you use for producing sustainable garments ?
I believe the biggest initiative towards sustainability is producing garments that last.
Typically it takes about 60-70 litres of water to wash a pair of jeans. We have ‘Jeanologia’ Laser Machine and Ozone machine that reduces this requirement by about 36 %. Chemical
consumption is drastically cut down by 60 % and so is energy consumption when both of these machines are used in tandem. Additionally we try and advocate for BCI cotton fabrics and GRS certified recycled yarn fabric in our garments wherever possible.