Author: Sandeep Agarwal

AG Jeans Fall Winter 2014 Collection

AG Jeans brings out the Fall â€˜14 collection with few new innovative fabric concepts.The Contour 360 provides the latest in four way stretch technology to provide great flexibility and comfort. The Digital Luxe Denim for women brings out the effects of used jeans with the usage of special printing looks on soft sateen fabrics. A mix of colors with indigo , super darks and laser treatments are other highlights of the collection.Daria Werbowy â€“ the Canadian model â€“ has been used for the Fall Womenâ€™s campaign. Menâ€™s collection showcases a number of denim jacket styles â€“ biker, dart , rogue and more. Selvedge denims have been custom scraped to bring out their classic nature and denim shirts have been given some cool vintage looks . Double denim styling is definitely IN. We can see a continuous increase in denim on denim pairing across all major brands. While previously the pairing was restricted to two indigo colors at two ends of the spectrum, increasingly vintage looks are sought to be projected while pairing both denim top and bottom (jeans , leggings etc) in dark / super dark colors using elements of washing ike 3D, distresses and cuts .

August 15, 2014
Scotch & Soda Fall Winter 2014 Men’s Lookbook

ALCHEMY BLUES

Denim on denim is becoming more of a rule than an exception and denim manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank ! Brand after brand seem to prefer their own take to this pairing â€“ which was considered anathema not very long ago. Whether it is pairing of Dark indigo shirts paired with bright blue drop crotch jeans or a bright blue denim shirt with light washed jeans or even dark jackets easily gelling with dark indigo jeans, the look is in. Japanese inspired details, vintage denims, experimental denim washes and fits are other highlights of the Scotch and Soda Lookbook.

Lot 22 Stump -Half Life Repair

Skim – Ignition stretch

Catch 22 – Clockwork

Lot 22 Skim – Formula 22 stretch

Lot 22 Skim -The Alchemist

Skim – The Nero

Skim – The Nero

Phaidon- Green Track

Phaidon – Absolute Blue

Skim – Blue Ray

Skim – Alpha Beat

Skim – Burning Bush

Ralston – Revolution

August 13, 2014
Lee Cooper Fall Winter 2014 Looks

Music makers have remained as fundamental inspiration for the Lee Cooper designers for their Fallâ€™14 Collection as the campaign is shot in their East London home ground with 2 musicians and all their musical paraphernalia . The brand seeks to inspire musicians worldwide.Â Lee Cooper also reflects onÂ industrial artisans from their East End home ground as inspiration forÂ their silhouettes.

The Fall Winterâ€™14 collection seems to have strong print influence in both men and women pieces and a desire to avoid distressing or heavy washes and keeping most pieces inky and dark.Â Pairing ofÂ dark overdyed jackets with light washed jeans or light weight shirts with colored denim re-emphasize the growing trend of double denims.

August 8, 2014
Coolest Denim Stores | Worldwide

We are happy to announce our new feature which provides an easy way to find some of the best denim stores in different cities around the world.
Denim jeans , jackets and other denim apparel are sold at thousands of stores around the world of different kinds â€“ whether they are Speciality stores, Departmental stores, Discount Stores, Pop Up stores , Mom and Pop Stores, Concept stores and many more.

Often consumers, designers , fashionistas and even those working in brands / garment factories / mills etc are looking for that unique denim store in the city which can give them the â€œDenim kicksâ€ !. Many times while travelling they want to go out some real cool denim . And there are so many stores in each of these cities that one is very likely to lose oneâ€™s cool and way in the malls .

We have to tried to solve this problem to some extent by providing an easy search facility on our site for some of the best denim stores on earth. Welcome to the DENIM STORES section at our site !

We are launching this new section for the benefit of our esteemed readers. To search for denim stores in any city , just enter the first few letters of that city name and you will find the options and just need to select the same .

Or if you know about a store name , enter few letters and lo! you will find a list of matching stores in that name. Just select one and go to its page where you will find all details about that store â€“ contact , website, email , denim brands stored , Google Map etc.

We are currently covering a very selected list of stores around the world in some of the fashion forward cities including New York, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles and more. The stores have been selected on the basis of our own experience , recommendations from peers and experts , brands stored , conceptuality and other factors. We have tried to bring out the stores which stand out from hundreds of other stores in the same cities on various criteria mentioned above.
Do advise us if the new feature adds value to your â€œDenim Experience â€œ or not. And we welcome suggestions for adding more stores and cities. Hope you find this feature useful..

August 7, 2014
Reflective Denim By Naked And Famous

The Canadian brand Naked and Famous always tries to think out of the box and have brought out products like scratch and sniff fabrics, color changing jeans and more . This time they have brought out the innovative Reflective Denim which glows in the dark .

Naked and Famous baked a special coat on a Japanese denim fabric to create the unique reflective effect. The reflective coating is comprised of millions of microscopic glass beads which reflect light. The jeans also contain 2% elastane for extra comfort and versatility making them ideal for active lifestyles. The jeans shows its reflective properties in dark when faced with a beam of light and is specially useful for those who like to walk on roads. Of course, will be great to look at in discotheques as well. The jeans are available at Barneyâ€™s and will set you back by $265!

Check out the jeans in action in the video below .

August 5, 2014
10 LA Denim Full Package Companies

LA has been at the epicenter of premium denim manufacturing boom that have we witnessed in the last decade. A large number of premium denim brands originated in and around LA providing the customers in US and other countries the option of buying premium jeans made in US. But this growth would not have been possible if there were not enough jeans manufacturers in LA who , by providing excellent designing, sewing, manufacturing, washing etc services, served as the backbone for the denim brands. There are a number of reputed Full package companies for denim which provide various services from designing to distribution. These companies helped power the growth of brands like 7 for all Mankind, J Brand , Citizens and more ..
We are listing below 11 full package companies who have played an important role in the growth of denim industry in and around LA. Details include introductory brief, contact details etc.
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1.New Fashion

Description: Established in 1974, New Fashion products, incorporated is a premier apparel manufacturer specializing in full package and cut and sew programme for the some of the most influential names in the denim industry.

New Fashion offer a simple one-stop approach to manufacturing. It has vertically integrated facilities in Los Angles and Mexico produce upto 56,000 units a week and employ a work force over 1200. All resources are under one roof.

Address: 13344 S. Main Street, Suit B Los Angeles, CA 90061.

Phone: 310-354-0090

Email: info@newfashionproducts.com

Website: http://www.newfashionproducts.com/

2.Caitac

Description: Caitac has the ability to source premium Japanese fabric such as Kuroki, Nisshinbo, Suma, Toko, and Caitac Corp. who develop and offer high quality, innovative specialty fabrics.
Caitac services include handling all the necessary document preparations and the main communications for the importation of their specialty fabrics and offer to their clients.

Caitac offers private label packages that start with research and development and end delivering the finished product to client distribution center in a timely and cost-competitive manner. An extensive research and development department that is fully supported by the management to carry out its directives serves all pre-production needs, pattern, and especially wash development. Uses the latest in automation technology in all facets of production. Specialize in, but are not limited to, basic and fashion jackets, vests, and bottoms in denim, corduroy, twill fabrication.

Address: 14725 S. Broadway Gardena, CA 90248 USA.

Phone: 310-217-9888

Email: administrator@caitacgarment.com

Website: http://www.caitacgarment.com/

3.Atomic Denim (E & C Fashion)

Description: Atomic Denim is a division of E&C Fashion, Inc., who has been one of a handful of consistent leaders in the cut & sew industry for over 20 years in the Los Angeles Area. Atomic Denim provides private label & package product needs. E&C handle a variety of pre-production needs including but not limited to fabric/wash development & sourcing, complete pattern and marking, and all of your sampling needs. Also works on low minimums.

Address: 2425 E. 30th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058

Phone: (323) 582-0099

Email: info@atomicdenim.com

Web site: http://www.atomicdenim.com/

4.Blue Creations

Description:

Located 15 miles south of Los Angeles, Blue Creations of California, Inc. is a wash house and specializes in garment washing and dyeing. Offer various types of washes and dyes ranging from typical regular wash, to more complicated washes that require a greater detail of precision and, even art skill.

Address: Blue Creations of CA Inc. 22632. S. Avalon Blvd. Carson, CA 90745.

Phone: 310-816-0060

Email: info@bluecreationsinc.com

Web site: http://www.bluecreationsinc.com/

5.Koos Manufacturing

Description: Established in 1985 by Yul Ku, Koos Manufacturing, Inc. is the premier denim jeans manufacturer in Los Angeles. Its a vertically integrated jeans factory on the West Coast, every step from design, cutting, sewing, washing, and finishing are performed in one facility. In 2000, Yul Ku began exploring a new direction by developing his own brand of jeans in partnership with industry legend Adriano Goldschmied, co-creator of brands like Diesel and Replay. Adriano’s design talent coupled with the unique manufacturing experience and capabilities of Koos Manufacturing proved an instant formula for success. They own the label Big Star which is now sold as a premium brand.

Address: 2741 Seminole Ave, South Gate, CA 90280, United States

Phone: 323-564-2100
Email: ronb@koos.com

Web site: http://www.koos.com/

6.9B Apparel

9b offers full service apparel manufacturing services.Established in 2001, 9b serves a broad range of customers. From Start-ups to Retail Chains and Online Retailers, 9b manufactures a range of high quality apparel destined for the Children’s, Activewear, Premium Denim, and Contemporary Markets. The company does work on low minimums . Find details of their minimums, costs etc on this page http://www.9bapparel.com/denim-bar.php

Address:
850 S. Broadway, #801-B , Los Angeles, CA 90014

Phone:   (213) 622-6655
Fax:         (213) 622-6656
Website: http://www.9bapparel.com/

7.Full Package Denim

Description: Services offered include pre-production services, production services and project management.The team has many years of experience in denim development and manufacturing. They offer pattern making, sample making, denim sourcing, and full production services.

Address: 850 S. Broadway, # 801-B, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

Phone: (213) 596-8828.

Email: inquiries@fullpackagedenim.com

Web site: http://www.fullpackagedenim.com/

8.JS Denim

Description: For over 25 years JS DENIM has produced jeans for the finest names in the apparel industry, from JBrand to Diesel. Over the last 5 years JS has also been in the development of a new JS line of jeans under their own POSTAGE label.

JS offer the finest Private Label Production for the some of the well known brands and to new young companies with a great vision toward the future.

Address: Martin Barrack, J.S. Denim, 1540 CALZONA ST, Los Angeles, CA 90023-3254

Phone: 310.351.5763

Email: martin@jsdenimusa.com

Web site: http://www.postageselvagedenim.com/

9.AGS (American Garment Sewing)

Description: Manufacturing, sewing, and full package services for the premium denim apparel industry,current capacity to manufacture 30,000 units per week. Specialized machinery for denim such as Juki, Pegasus, and Brother.Gerber equipment for patterns, marking, and grading, 30,000 sq. ft facility holds a large sewing area, a sample room, cutting room, and pressing and have a wide range of sewing equipment/machines such as single needle, cover stitch, button hole, bar tack and automatic pocket setter machines.

Clients include 7 For All Mankind, Leviâ€™s, Babakul, Jcrew, Earnest Sewn, Vince, Wrangler, Rogan, Nordstrom, Theory, Mothers, Dylan George, Fetish Group, Lacoste

Address: American Garment Sewing, 3850 S. Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90058

Phone: 32-588-2200

Web site: http://www.agsusallc.com/

10.Trinity Sports Inc.

Description: Trinity Sports Inc., located in the heart of the garment industry of Los Angeles, CA and is an important player in premium denim manufacturing since its start in 1993. Its focus on excellence in quality and consistency has afforded its customers continued success and growth in the denim business. Trinityâ€™s loyal clients include some of the most influential premium producers such as Citizens of Humanity and Goldsign as well as Private Brands.

Trinity Sports Inc., offers both CMT and Full Package contracting services. With a highly experienced management team, each customer is guaranteed one-on-one attention from the development stage to final production.

Trinity Sports Inc. has become synonymous with innovation, technique, experience and most importantly consistency in customer satisfaction.

Address: 2067 East 55th Street, Vernon, CA   90058, Los Angles.

Phone: 323-277-9288

Email: kate.mchale@trinitysportsinc.com

Website: http://www.trinitysportsinc.com/index.html

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August 4, 2014
Rialto Jeans – Art Recycled

Its strange how a small hand painted denim brand born one year back in 2013 ,with a totally non-conventional production concept , can be featured on Vogue and be a favorite of large number of models, musicians and fashion editors. Born in 2013 and 100% hand-crafted in Venice, California, Rialto Jeans (RJP for Rialto Jeans Project)Â denim line has received apt media coverage.Â Featured in Vogueâ€™s, Need It Now: Jane Herman Bishop from Vogue says â€œMaybe itâ€™s because 20 years have passed already since Kate Moss wore a pair of Calvin Klein paper-bag boyfriends splashed with bold, acrylic colors in Vogue that the heavily painted jean feels ripe for a revival? Or, perhaps itâ€™s that painted jeans are just the most natural next thing, after printed ones.â€

Each pair of RJP jeans are unique. Vintage and contemporary styles are sourced from flea markets and hand painted by Erin Feniger– Founder & Designer of the project in her garage at home in Venice.CA. Feniger sources vintage denim from reputable brands such as Levi’s and hand paints them in her Venice, California studio. The result is an entire line of artfully paint spattered jeans. Erin found herself picking up a paintbrush as a form of therapy when diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that makes her extremely sensitive to heat.Â Their motto Denim doing good is substantiated as for every pair sold (jeans are $200 ; jean shorts are $100) $40Â Â goes toward art therapy programs at the Childrenâ€™s Hospital Los Angeles. So its the deadly tri combination of Art , Recycling and Philanthropy that forms the base of the RJP.

With jeans available in several cuts, colors and styles -from classic blues to whimsical pinks, from popular flares and skinnies to comfortable boot cuts and boyfriends, and from a vintage distressed aesthetic to a crisp clean-cut style, there seem to be a lot of options forÂ RJP customers. Its USP of having a unique jeans made from purchased vintage items should appeal to the customers. However, its USPÂ can also be its weakness as it might be difficult for RJP to expand itself given the limitations of its base garment sourcing as the production of same is not directly under its control- but maybe another reason for its customers to be happy as their jeans will not be seen on many legs !.

RJP offer six hand-painted styles in every cut and shade of denim, ranging from distressed to clean-cut, and available in a rainbow of colors and assortment of styles.

And of course, jeans are not the only thing that RJP hand paints !

August 2, 2014
Nudie Jeans Fall Winter 2014 Collection

We have always loved Nudie Jeans â€“ not only because of their wonderful denims but also their commitment to environment with their 100% organic collections. Besides, what is admirable about them is their openness in about the intricacies of their jeans â€“ a quality not visible in information shared by many brands. We love to know how they created those special effects on their jeans, where they got their fabrics from and where the jeans were made . It gives a complete bio on the jeans and actually helps to generate interest and sales.

We are detailing here some of the pieces from their AWâ€™14/15 denim collection. The washes are great , with a nice play on the colors with color wefts, coats, overdyes , bleaches and more.

TIGHT LONG JOHN KIM REPLICA

Some repairs and some dirt effects for that authentic worn in look and feel. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims. Made with Turkish 11 oz power stretch. 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane. Made in Tunisia.

TUBE TOM MICK REPLICA

This replica has been treated with a unique shrinkage method, which gives the fabric a tighter, more compact feel. It has a salt and peppery look and subtle ring effects. All repairs made with denim repair patches. Navy threads all over, bleeding indigo back pocket embo. Made with 10.75 oz. Turkish power stretch, 98% organic and cotton 2% elastane. Made in Turkey.

STRAIGHT ALF DRY HEAVY

A dry, real heavy quality with coarse crosshatch effects, long evident slubs and bold twill lines. Break them in everyday for at least 6 months for a personal look. Orange threads all over, navy back pocket embo and organic copper trims. Made with Turkish 15.75 denim. 100% organic cotton. Made in Italy.

TAPE TED 24 MONTHS

12 oz Italian comfort stretch denim. A deep indigo red cast denim that has been coated black. This is what a pair of dry coated could look like after two years of wear and tear. The coating is only visible as small depot around waistband, crotch and at the seams. Itâ€™s been repaired at the front of the thigh. Navy threads all over, except for the buttonhole, that is orange. Gunmetal trims. 98% organic cotton 2% elastane. Made in Italy.

HIGH KAI KALLE REPLICA

Red cast denim with evident twill lines, long slubs and clear, visible ring effects. An original worn in look with nice, handmade repairs and 3D effects. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims.Made with Italian 12 oz. power stretch. 98% organic cotton 2% elastane. Made in Italy.

HIGH KAI BLACK USED

A black over-dye on indigo denim, washed down for a natural worn down look with a deep blue-black character. Black warp, black weft. Black threads all over and organic gunmetal trims.Made with Turkish 11 oz. power stretch. 98% organic cotton 2% elastane. Made in Tunisia.

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GRIM TIM DRY RING

Itâ€™s a deep indigo dye on a tightly woven, compact, dry denim quality. With a fantastic dry hand feel and short ring slubs. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims. Made with heavy Turkish 13,4 oz. denim. 100% organic cotton. Made in Italy.

GRIM TIM VILLE REPLICA

This replica is made with one our new favorite denim qualities. A pure wash with sharp contrasts and really nice indigo depots. The waistband and pockets have been treated to some really rough wear and tear. The repairs are done with denim repair patches. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims. Made with heavy Turkish 13,4 oz. denim. 100% organic cotton. Made in Italy.

THIN FINN DUSK INDIGO

This fabric has a tight construction with a papery hand. Long slubs with ring and rain effects. Itâ€™s been treated to a grey surface to reduce the red cast and give the fabric a cold tone. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims. Made with Turkish 12 oz. comfort stretch. 98% cotton and 2% elastane. Made in Tunisia.

GRIM TIM COLD CRISP

Full of contrast, with a really nice blue tone and beautiful indigo depots. Long evident ring effects. Itâ€™s been coated to bring out some really nice 3D effects. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims. Made with Italian 11.5 oz. red cast denim. 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane. Made in Italy.

THIN FINN 11 MONTHS

A 12.7 oz Turkish comfort stretch. Made with indigo threads over dyed to black threads in both warp and weft. A soft and flat fabric. This is what the drys could look like after almost a year of wearing and tearing. The color is slightly faded and deep black is almost completely gone Evident ring effects. 99% organic cotton 1% elastane. Made in Italy.

THIN FINN 20 MONTHS

A 12.7 oz Turkish comfort stretch. Made with indigo threads over dyed to black threads in both warp and weft. A soft and flat fabric. This is what the drys could look like after twenty months of wearing and tearing and a couple of washes. The jeans have gone from pitch black to blueish grey. Knee and pocket repairs carry the history of months gone by. 99% organic cotton 1% elastane. Made in Italy.

SKINNY LIN BACK TO GREY

Indigo denim over-dyed with black, bleached down to grey. The indigo is still slightly visible at the pockets and on the inside. Fading Black threads all over and organic gunmetal trims. Made with Turkish 11 oz. power stretch. 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane. Made in Tunisia.

STRAIGHT ALF CRINKLE FUSE

This heavy denim has a beautiful dry hand and a ropey feel. Great contrast between the deep indigo and the fades. Orange threads all over, indigo back pocket embo and organic copper trims. Made with 13.4 oz. Turkish denim. 100% organic cotton. Made in Italy.

TAPE TED BLUE BLACK

Black-Black, washed down towards grey. It has a great patina and some really nice cloudy moustaches. This one features an all black Nudie Jeans leather patch. Fading black threads all over and organic gunmetal trims. Made with Turkish 12.7 oz. stretch denim. 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane. Made in Tunisia.

TAPE TED 10 MONTHS

12 oz Italian comfort stretch denim. A deep indigo red cast denim that has been coated black. This is what a pair of dry coated could look like after 10 months of wear and tear. The deep indigo is starting to come out, giving this wash beautiful contrasts. The coating is still evident in the twill lines, between seams and as depots at the back of the knees and at the crotch. Navy threads all over, except for the buttonhole, that is orange. Gunmetal trims. 98% organic cotton 2% elastane. Made in Italy.

TIGHT LONG JOHN PURE BLUE

Another classic Nudie Jeans wash. This mid shade indigo quality has a natural worn in look with 3D effects. Orange threads all over and organic copper trims. Made with Turkish 11 oz. power stretch 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane. Made in Tunisia.

August 1, 2014
Spring Summer 2015 Denim Looks from Luxury Brands – Pt.1

Its getting more and more hard to find luxury brands without a denim portfolio. Complimenting denim for its versatility , and now for its fashion quotient, almost all major luxury brands have begun to show denim as a part of their collection at various fashion weeks. We cover here some of the elite brands who have brought out different denim looks in various fashion weeks for the SSâ€™15 season. We cover below, brands like Kenzo, Junya Watanbe, Dior, James Long and Frankie Morello

Kenzo

The fashion house of KENZO was started in 1970 as Jungle Jap, a boutique in Paris at Galerie Vivienne where the founder Kenzo Takada,sold his handmade women’s collection.In 1993, KENZO joined the LVMH Group.For the Autumn/Winter 2012 ad campaign, Carol and Humberto worked with legendary French artist Jean-Paul Goude. In July 2012, Humberto and Carol reintroduced the jungle to the KENZO brand.Today, with Carol and Humberto’s passion for spontaneity and fun, KENZO has a fresh attitude with respect for the heritage of the brand. Their denim looks are fresh and free from stereotypes â€“ specially looking to bring out the double denim and tailored looks.

Junya Watanabe

We have previously covered this Japanese brand with most eye catching non-orthodox , geometrical patterned denim looks in detail.

James Long

James Long , UK, singularly focuses on patchwork and distress to create that multicolored denim look from a singular denim base. A bit too patchy , the collection does the job of catching the eyeballs.

Dior Homme

Tailored suits , hand paints and written texts are some of the highlights of Dior SSâ€™15 denim looks. Christian Dior was a visionary. Beginning with his first collection in 1947 he rewrote the rules of modern elegance and imposed his style on the entire world. He brought women his vision of beauty and happiness. He showed unprecedented creative originality. We see that continuing with his denim looks.

Frankie Morello

The Frankie Morello brand was founded in 1999 as a result of a meeting in styles between Maurizio Modica and Pierfrancesco Gigliotti. The limelight turned to the Frankie Morello brand in 1999 with the menâ€™s spring/summer collection, which immediately called the attention of prestigious international periodicals and important buyers. Today, despite the evolution and eclecticism shown in expressing a form of fashion aiming to step outside convention, the two designers have not lost their strong identity, continuing to offer garments with fresh sartorial content.

July 31, 2014
Scotch & Soda Amsterdams Blauw 2014-2015 Fall Winter Lookbook

Inspired by two days in the life of a creative and urban Maison woman, Scotch and Soda fall winter denim collection is rich in vintage inspired classic pieces with a smart edge. Take inspiration from the boys with theirÂ â€˜lâ€™adorableâ€™ boyfriend fit jeans, or keep it classic with a trucker jacket, chunky knits and Breton stripes.Â There are plenty of destroyed, dyed and treated denim, as well as lovely winter prints. Quilted bomber jackets are paired with bright blues , double denim can be seen as a continuing trendÂ and acid wash looks on blacks, greys and dark indigos are some other cool looks!

L’Adorable – Half Life Repaired

La Parisienne Zip – Garment Dye

Indigo shirt and distressed shorts

Quilted indigo bomber jacket and Petit Ami – Blue Edition

Quilted jacket and L’Adorable – Jean Jenie

Denim western shirt and La Parisienne – Hell’s Kitchen

Denim western shirt and La Parisienne – Hell’s Kitchen

Shirt with animal print and Denim trucker jacket

Clean boyfriend shirt

Bleached wash denim

La Parisienne Zip – Concrete Dark

La Parisienne – J’adore Noir

July 30, 2014

Denim Fabrics Imports Into US Falls 19% : Jan-May,2014

US denim fabric imports are in a constant decline mode . While the imports declined 6.1% in 2013 , an alarming reduction of 19.2% in 2014 (Jan-May) reflects the reduced demand for the fabric for jeans production activities in US as well as for re-export . Domestic production of denim fabrics in US is already declining and hence the overall reduction in jeans production could be more.

We will see in this report :

a) Table showing imports of denim fabrics in 2013, 2013 Jan to May and 2014 Jan to May from different countries around the world . The % changes in the period Jan-May in 2014 over the same period in 2013 are also shown.
b) Table showing average prices emanating from different exporting countries during these three different periods. The prices are given in USD/ Sq mtrs
c) Table showing average prices from different countries in Linear mtrs.
d) Top countries exporting denim fabrics in 2013 and 2014
e) Analysis

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From the Table 1 below, we can see that the denim fabrics imports have fallen by about 19.2% in the first four months of 2014 when we compare with the same period in 2013. The fall in imports is almost comprehensive â€“ covering almost all the countries â€“ though countries with reasonable volumes) like India, Turkey, Pakistan and Hong Kong have suffered higher reductions. The top exporters remain same as in 2013 ie China, Mexico, Japan , Taiwan and Italy. Turkey was also getting close to Italian volumes but has suffered reverses in the current year. The overall volumes of imports of denim fabrics stands at about 28 million sq mtrs in 2013 and just about 10 million sq mtrs in the first five months showing a reduction of 19.2% over the about 12 million sq mtrs imported in 2013 Jan-May.

Denim Fabric Imports Into US ": 2013, Jan-May (2013 and 2014)

Country	2013	2013 Jan â€“ May (â€˜000 sq mtrs)	2014 Jan â€“ May (â€˜000 sq mtrs)	Percent Change Jan – May
China	11,833	4,701	4,036	-14.2%
Mexico	5,538	2,520	2,008	-20.3%
Japan	3,052	1,211	1,098	-9.4%
Taiwan	2,624	1,098	1,019	-7.2%
Italy	2,219	1,013	918	-9.3%
Turkey	2,048	952	658	-30.9%
India	747	617	89	-85.6%
Hong Kong	161	45	15	-67.3%
Germany	127	42	39	-7.7%
Pakistan	43	41	18	-56.0%
Spain	26	19	1	-92.2%
Thailand	16	4	4	-10.7%
Korea	15	2	0	-100.0%
France	7	1	0	-85.6%
Brazil	6	6	0	-100.0%

All Other:	8	3	17	532.4%
Total	28,740	12,274	9,920	-19.2%

Table 1

From the Table 2 (below) we can see that the average prices remain about the lowest from China, Taiwan and Mexico. Japan clearly stands out at $6.77/ sq mtr or about $10/ linear mtr (of 150 cm). Turkey is again a decently priced exporter while countries like India export low priced cheap fabrics to US. Pakistan can be seen climbing up the value chain with decent prices of exports.

Denim Fabric Import prices in USD / Sq. mtrs

Country	2013	2013 Jan-May	2014 Jan-May
China	2.29	2.26	2.26
Mexico	2.13	2.10	2.14
Japan	6.76	6.84	6.77
Taiwan	2.14	2.23	2.11
Italy	5.15	5.00	5.57
Turkey	5.80	5.93	6.29
India	1.34	1.19	1.66
Hong Kong	5.68	10.60	3.80
Germany	3.54	3.55	3.74
Pakistan	3.23	3.24	4.00
Spain	5.65	5.42	11.00
Thailand	4.88	3.50	6.25

Table 2

To find the prices in Linear meter â€“ denim is always sold in linear mtr- we have averaged the width at 150 cm and calculated the prices from different destinations. The prices look much better now â€“ when seen from the perspective of fabric exporters !

Denim Fabric Import Prices in USD / Linear Mtrs.

Country	2013	2013 Jan-May	2014 Jan-May
China	3.44	3.39	3.38
Mexico	3.20	3.16	3.22
Japan	10.14	10.26	10.15
Taiwan	3.21	3.35	3.16
Italy	7.72	7.50	8.35
Turkey	8.70	8.90	9.44
India	2.02	1.78	2.49
Hong Kong	8.52	15.90	5.70
Germany	5.31	5.32	5.62
Pakistan	4.85	4.87	6.00
Spain	8.48	8.13	16.50
Thailand	7.31	5.25	9.38

Table 3

The first five months of imports of denim fabrics into US have been poor . We will come to know in the coming months if the imports show an improvement â€“ though it looks unlikely at the moment.

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July 29, 2014

A Life With Denim | Piero Turk

How many of us can use the phrase â€œ A life with denimâ€ to describe their denim experience ?. Not many! Because it needs a very long , dedicated and passionate indulgence with this fabric to justify the usage of such words. But there are few professionals in the denim world for whom such words could be an understatement.
Piero Turk from Italy is one such denim aficionado. His association with denim is long and deep and he has worked for some of the top denim brands worldwide (let him tell about it in his own words below) . He is also an amateur photographer and has been shooting images from vintage jeans from his own vintage collection with enlarged views of fabric , wash and mending details , accessories etc. He decided to recently publish his images in the form of a photo book : Details â€“ A life with Denim . With over 300 amazing photographs of denim in close details covered in 90 pages, the book is a great inspiration for denim professionals . I spoke to him to learn about his love for denim and to know why he decided to go for this book .

Hi Piero, you have a very long history of contributing to the denim world. Can you tell us more about your denim life ..

I loved denim since I was a child. 50 years ago I was wearing jeans imported from USA as much as I could.

When I started working in textile industry, 30 years ago, with people already famous in jeans world, Adriano Goldschmied, Claudio Buziol, I had the opportunity to be very close to the new denim era that started in Europe and Japan at beginning of ’80s. From then I worked more and more in jeans and denim world.

Then after working many years together with Adriano Goldschmied for many of the most jeans and fashion brands around the world, in year 2000 I opened my own design studio. During the last 15 years I did work for many top level denim brands. EDWIN, BIG STAR, MUSTANG, AG, SEVEN, GUESS among others and for fashion brands like SPORTMAX, SEE by CHLOE and others helping them to develop their jeans line.

Your new book " A life with denim" is one more step in this direction. Can you tell us why and how you thought about this book.

The book is the end of a process I started many years ago. Photographing detail of vintage garments from my own collection. Using those images for my design work. Taking inspiration from them to develop new and modern products. First I started 2 years ago my blog A life with denim and the book is one step forward of all the work I’ve done. Images of details useful for me and people working in denim industry.

Why do you think that denim is full of life and seems to be getting younger with passing time ? Do you think any other fabric has ever achieved or can achieve similar status ?

Denim is the only fabric that can change its face millions and millions of times. And it’s democratic. Can be worn by everybody. Any age, any income level, any size, any country.No other fabric can achieve that.

What are the biggest differences you see in denim as it stands today compared to when you had just started your work in denim

The biggest difference is that now denim is a fabric with high technological contents and it develops very fast. Now it’s used as a "noble" fabric in the fashion world. In the ’80s it was mostly related to youth culture and workwear.

The book is priced at $38 and can be bought at Etsy here .
We canâ€™t get enough of lovely images from his book. Some more below !

July 28, 2014