Author: Sandeep Agarwal

UK Importers Of Denim Apparel

UK is an important market for high fashion denim apparel and jeans. It is estimated that the per capita consumption of denim jeans in UK is over 1.2 jeans per annum.
There are a large number of stores in UK and while many of them import jeans directly , others deal with importers based in UK who buy overseas and sell to them . Thus the purchase is indirect.

We are listing here 10 importers of denim apparel into UK who are regularly importing menâ€™s and womenâ€™s jeans from around the world.

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Company Name	AMERICANA INTERNATIONAL LTD
Address	Tanzaro House Ardwick Green North Manchester, M12 6FZ United Kingdom
Website	www.bench-clothing.com
Phone	44-16- 12743675
Fax	44â€“16-1274 3070
Description	Americana International Limited operates in the branded apparel business. It involves in the wholesale and retail of graphic-based t-shirts and tops for men and women in the Europe. The company was founded in 1990 and is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Company Name	ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TRADING LTD
Address	Chalegrove House 34-36 Perrymount Road Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN United Kingdom
Website	www.alexandermcqueen.com
Phone	44-207-2784333
Fax	44-207-2783828
Description	Alexander McQueen Trading Limited provides womenâ€™s and menâ€™s ready-to-wear designer apparel, accessories, eyewear, and fragrances. It offers dresses, tops, jackets, knitwear, and pants for women; pants, overcoats, shirts, waistcoats, jackets, tshirts, and knitwear for men; bags and shoes for men and women; and accessories, such as belts, scarves, and sunglasses for men and women. The company offers its products through stores, as well as online. Alexander McQueen Trading Limited was founded in 1992 and is based in Haywards Heath, the United Kingdom. The company has stores in London, the United Kingdom; New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; Los Vegas, Nevada; and Milan, Italy. As of December 5, 2000, Alexander McQueen Trading Limited operates as a subsidiary of Gucci Group NV.

Company Name	ALL SAINTS RETAIL LTD
Address	Jack S Place 6 Corbet Place Spitalfields London E1 6nn Gb United Kingdom
Website	www.allsaints.com
Phone	44-8704583500
E-mail	info@allsaints.com
Description	All Saints Spitalfields is a British High Street Retailer which produces clothing aimed towards a younger niche. It sells menswear, womenswear, children`s clothing, accessories and small home decorative furnishings. Allsaints has over 70 stores in the UK and abroad. Allsaints established in 1994 as a menswear brand wholesaling to the likes of Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Barneys New York and Japan, solidifying a name for itself amongst style conscious shoppers as the first stop for design led fashion that never follows trends.

Company Name	AMERICAN ESSENTIALS INTERNATIONAL LTD
Address	RAYGRADE ROYD MILL, CHAMBER ROAD, OLDHAM, MANCHESTER, OL8 4PX UNITED KINGDOM
Website	www.americanessentials.com
Phone	18662219163
Fax	18662184156
E-mail	cmartin@mcg-ae.com
Description	American Essentials is a lifestyle collection that designs luxurious comfortwear, robes & underwear using the finest fabrics to meet the comfort and fashion needs of todayâ€™s gentleman. Inspired by classic elegance, our products capture the essence of self indulged pampering while emphasizing luxury and a comfort lifestyle. Having recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, American Essentials has now become the global leader in luxurious comfortwear with showrooms in New York, London and Toronto. American Essentials is sold internationally and available at top specialty retailers such as Barney`s New York, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, Harrods, Selfridges, Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen and many other high end retailers.

Company Name	ARCADIA GROUP LIMITED
Address	Colegrave House 70 Berners Street 6th Floor London, W1T 3NL United Kingdom
Website	www.arcadiagroup.co.uk
Phone	44-2076368040
Fax	44-2079270577
E-mail	info@arcadiagroup.co.uk
Description	Arcadia Group Ltd. operates as a clothing retailer with outlets in the United Kingdom. It offers its products through shopping centers, as well as online. The company also operates in Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East through international franchise stores. Arcadia Group Ltd. was formerly known as Burton Group Plc and changed its name in December 1996. The company was founded in 1903 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Company Name	ASDA STORES (CFSP AGENT) LTD
Address	ASDA House Great Wilson Street Leeds, LS11 5AD United Kingdom
Website	www.asda.co
Phone	44-1132435435
Fax	44-1132417150
Description	Asda Stores Limited are a supermarket retailer operating United Kingdom. The company is based in Leeds, the United Kingdom, and is part of the largest retailer (and largest company) in the world, Wal-Mart.Formats include supermarkets, supercentres, Living (GM and Clothing stores), and various on-line offerings – Home shopping, Directs, Financial Services, Gifts, Music Video & Games and Flowers to mention but a few .

Company Name	ASOS PLC
Address	ASOS plc,Greater London House Hampstead Road London NW1 7FB UK
Website	www.asosplc.com
Phone	44-20775610
Fax	44-20775610
Description	Established in June 2000 and admitted to AIM in October 2001, ASOS.com is the UK`s largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer and offers over 36,000 branded and own label product lines across womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, jewellery and beauty with approximately 1,300 new product lines being introduced each week.Aimed primarily at fashion forward 16â€“34 year olds, ASOS.com attracts over 8 million unique visitors a month and as at 30 April 2010 had 3.7 million registered users and 1.6 million active customers (defined as having shopped in the last six months).

Company Name	BARFLY (UK) LIMITED
Address	BARFLY (UK) LTD Mr. G. Chana BARFLY (UK) LTD 71-72 Mott Street Birmingham B19 3HE
Website	www.barflyukltd.co.uk
Phone	44-1212120275
E-mail	info@barflyukltd.co.uk
Description	Barfly UK Ltd. has been established since 2001. We are based in Birmingham, UK. We have a sound reputation as suppliers, wholesalers and distributors of top quality fashion clothing.We have grown our Jeggings business and are one of the largest wholesalers of unique Jeggings in the country.We pride ourselves on innovative and creative designs that will give you that individual look. Our designer range is regularly updated, and is second to none in the range which we offer at wholesale quantities.

Company Name	BASE RETAIL LIMITED
Address	Base Retail Ltd Unit 2 Woodford Trading Estate Southend Road Woodford Green Essex
Website	www.basefashion.co.uk
Phone	44-208-5513453
E-mail	sales@basefashion.co.uk
Description	Base and Boys Base stock quality designer menswear, boyswear, shoes, accessories, and sunglasses

Company Name	BASSI FASHIONS LTD
Address	Duke House Northern Court Vernon Road Basford,Nottingham,Nottinghamshire NG6 OBJUnited Kingdom
Website	www.dukeclothing.com
Phone	44-1159770009
Fax	44-1159519001
E-mail	dukeclothing@aol.com
Description	1990.As our company grows we continue to provide a multitude of inspired designs at competitive prices. The name `Duke` is now recognized worldwide as one of the leading manufacturers, importers and exporters of men`s wear.The success experienced by Duke Clothing revolves around the extensive range on offer and our ability to combine futuristic styling with classic designs to give a fresh look to our products.Stable Names Rockford, Laser, Zacheus, D555, Split Star, Duke London, Kool Island compliment the collection available from the DUKE CLOTHING COMPANY to give our customers an excellent variety of quality clothing to choose from.

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November 6, 2012

Denim Shorts Trend In UK : 2012
Denim shorts is a popular trend in UK in 2012 and almost all brands have been selling shorts in different looks. We are giving here under denim short looks from some of the major denim brands in UK.

DENIM & SUPPLY BY RALPH LAUREN / CLASSIC POPLIN SHORTS

Short shorts from DENIM AND SUPPLY BY RALPH LAUREN. Two angled pockets and a welt pocket at front. Two welted pockets at the back including one with button. Fly with metal zipper and button closure. AppliquÃ© with logo at the back. Folded at the hem.Made of 100% Cotton.

DENIM & SUPPLY BY RALPH LAUREN / CLASSIC PATCHWORK SHORTS

Short shorts from DENIM AND SUPPLY BY RALPH LAUREN. Two angled pockets and a welt pocket at front. Two welted pockets at the back including one with button. Fly with metal zipper and button closure. AppliquÃ© with logo at the back. Folded at the hem.Made of 100% Cotton.

DR DENIM / JANICE SHORTS

Denim shorts from DR DENIM. Button closure at fly and belt loops at waist. Three decorative front pockets and two back pockets. Raw edge at hem.Made of 98% Cotton and 2% Elastane.

DR DENIM / ARLENE SHORTS

Denim shorts crafted in a five pocket styling from DR DENIM. Button and zip fly. Made of 98% Cotton and 2% spandex.

Hilfiger Denim Fonda Hotpant VTW Women’s Short

TOMMY HILFIGER Denim Rome Paper bag Shorts
- Plain
- 60% Cotton, 20% Lyocell, 20% Linen
- Machine Wash 30Â°C
Hilfiger DenimJANE – Shorts – pink

Hilfiger Denim FONDA – Shorts â€“ multicoloured

THE PAPER SUN / DENIM SHORTS

Denim shorts by THE PAPER SUN. Two front pockets and decorative pocket flaps to back and front. Zip and popper button fly fastening and drawstring waist. Turn-ups.Made of 100% Cotton.

REPLAY / DENIM SHORTS

Denim shorts with distressed detailing from REPLAY. Five pocket styling. Regular waist with belt loops at waistband. Zipper fly and button fastening.Made of 100% Cotton

MARC BY MARC JACOBS
- Dark-blue stretch-denim
- Two side slit pockets, pleats
- Hook and zip fastening at side
- 98% cotton, 2% elastane
- Machine wash
Pepe Jeans Short Denim Shorts

These denim shorts by Pepe Jeans have been crafted from a stretch cotton denim. The details include: a mid-rise with natural fading, a button and fly closure, classic five pocket styling with metal rivets, contrast stitching, extended belt loops, rolled cuffs and twin back pockets with signature stitching, an embroidered tab and a logo detail and brand patch to the reverse. The denim shorts have been cut with a mini length.

Diesel Distressed Denim Shorts

These denim shorts by Diesel have been crafted from stretch denim. The details include: a vintage indigo wash with natural fading and distressed abrasions, a mid-rise with a button and fly closure, classic five pocket styling with tonal stitching, extended belt loops, metal rivets, a branded coin pocket, stitched rolled cuffs, twin back pockets and a brand patch to the reverse. The denim shorts have been cut with a mini length.

SEE BY CHLOÃ‰

Sport-inspired designs stormed the runway this season.An elasticated waistband and cool cotton trims make this thigh-skimming pair as comfortable as they are chic – just add a tucked-in tee and sky-high sandals to complete a winning look.
- Mid-blue quilted denim
- Smocked elasticated waistband, front welt pocket, navy cotton trims, fully lined
- Exposed zip fastening at front
- 68% cotton, 32% polyester; trim: 100% cotton; lining: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
G-Star HANK LOOSE – Denim shorts â€“ blue
- Fastening: Button-fly
- Pockets: Back pocket
- trouser rise: normal
- outer fabric material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex
Paige Denim Shorts – Jimmy Jimmy Denim Shorts

Prepare for warm-weather chic with these Paige Denim jean shorts, featuring a crisp, white wash and cuffed hem.
- Cotton/elastane
- Machine wash
- Made in USA
- Zip fly with button closure, five-pocket silhouette
- Tonal stitching, copper hardware
Other Local Brands :

MID WASH DENIM ZIP HIGH WAISTED SHORTS

Khaki Camouflage Denim Shorts

You won’t be blending into the background in these short shorts! Camouflage has made a come back this season, so get involved in the trend with these super cute denim shorts. Featuring single button fastening, zip fly and five pocket detail, they’re a wardrobe essential.

This trend was pointed out by Jayesh Mandalia of Fashionwear Manufacturers UK. Thanks Jayesh.

Sponsored link:
November 2, 2012
Denim Sustainability Project: Dyeing Process Survey
â€œSustainabilityâ€ in textiles refers to methods employed in the production of fabrics that are more environmentally friendly. â€œSustainâ€ means â€œto upholdâ€ or â€œmaintainâ€, which in regard to manufacturing calls for establishing practices which maintain a balance in nature. A sustainable fabric is one that is produced in such a way that reduces the effect on the environment including recycling of water and raw materials, heat recovery from waste water and steam generation and reduction of dye and chemical usage and chemical substitution.

Cotton Incorporated, USA, is sponsoring a study of sustainability related to dyeing in denim fabric to be published and distributed world-wide in January 2013. Companies and individuals that participate and contribute includable material will be afforded recognition for their efforts to reduce effects on the environment.

The issue of sustainability with regard to dyeing in denim (fabrics) has for many years been a matter of concern to environmentally-concerned garment consumers as well as leading jeans retailers. By demonstrating a commitment to reducing demands on resources like water and energy, pollution of water and air as well as wastefulness of dyes/chemicals for denim dyeing and waste and degradation of cotton yarns and fabrics, participating denim producers establish themselves as truly responsible providers of the world’s most popular fabric.In the area of denim dyeing, there is enormous potential for reducing demand on resources including unnecessary dye/chemical consumption, water treatment and energy.

The benefits of employing sustainable practices in the denim dyeing include:
- Improved brand reputation to concerned garment producers, retailers and jeans consumers.
- -Improved customer satisfaction by establishing your company as an environmentally-responsible fabric producer.
- Improved profitability by reducing waste, especially reducing excessive use of dyes and chemicals which occurs in most denim operations.
- Reduction of waste water treatment by identifying and correcting causes of unnecessary dye losses in washing.
BENEFITS OF BEING INVOLVED

-This project will be surveying denim producers and their suppliers of equipment and chemicals for methods that they have already implemented in order to reduce water, energy and raw material waste.

-Additionally, participants will be asked to conduct trials using methods that have been employed in a few denim companies that reduce consumption of resources and have reported to have produced significant savings as well as quality and weaving efficiency improvements. Those that provide study results will receive recognition in the Cotton Incorporated Report when distributed world-wide next year.

HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED
- Nominate a responsible manager from your company along with contact details.
- Provide a report of those activities that you have already undertaken in the last 10 years to promote sustainability.
- Answer as many of the questions on this initial survey and provide the details by November 15^th.
Questionnaire

A) Mention Dyeing method

1) ROPE

2) SLASHER

3) LOOP

4) SKEIN

B) Mention Water Consumption

1) Liters of water consumed in washing per kilogram of yarn

2) Kilograms of steam used per kilogram of yarn.

3) Liters of water recovered per kilogram of yarn.

4) Liters of water used in dye/chemical mixes per kilogram of yarn.

C) Dye Consumption : % Dye on weight of yarn (average)

1) INDIGO

2) SULFUR (BLACK)

3) SULFUR BOTTOM

4) SULFUR TOP

5) OTHER DYES(STATE TYPE)

D) Dye Reducing Agents

TYPE: GRAMS/KILOGRAM YARN

1) SODIUM SULPHIDE (Naâ‚‚S)

2) SODIUM HYDROSULFIDE (NaSH)

3) DEXTROSE

4) SODIUM DITHIONITE (HYDROSULFITE-Naâ‚‚Sâ‚‚Oâ‚„)

5) HYDROGEN

YARN WASTE

1)Kilograms of cotton yarn delivered to dyeing versus kilograms of yarn delivered to weaving.

2)-Disposition of waste yarn: disposal as waste, sold as waste with price per kilogram or reuse in fabric as reclaimed fiber, leader yarn or in special fabric constructions.

For more information and/or for getting involved in this project , pl contact Harry Mercer (from Indigo BLue) and Michael Tyndall from Cotton Inc on email here

Also check out our comprehensive report on the world denim market launched recently.
October 24, 2012

Turkey : Exports of Denim Fabric and Apparel | 2001-2011

Turkey is one of the important countries for denim fabric production and conversion into apparel . With a production capacity of over 400 million meters of denim fabrics p.a , Turkey is the also the third largest exporter of denim apparel to EU after China and Bangladesh.

We will see in this special report :

Exports from Turkey of all apparel and the % of denim apparel among these exports for the years 2000-2011. The exports of all apparel from Turkey have been consistently rising . However the same cannot be said for denim apparel as they peaked in 2007 and have falling since then .
Exports of denim fabrics from Turkey for 2000-2011 and the % it constitutes among all the textile exports.
The important denim mills in Turkey â€“ their capacities , contacts , key persons.
Exports of all jeans , menâ€™s denim jeans and womenâ€™s jeans to EU for 2011 and 2012 with average prices of such exports.

World Denim Market : Production and consumption report :Info on over 300 denim mills , analysis of world production and consumption of denim , current market size , growth rates of denim consumption and production and much moreâ€¦

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Denim Apparel Exports vs All Apparel Exports 2000-2011

Year	Apparel Exports (US$billion)	Denim Apparel (US$ billion)	Denim apparel %
2000	7.25	0.40	5.6
2001	7.33	0.57	7.8
2002	8.94	.88	9.9
2003	11.17	1.01	9.1
2004	12.64	1.51	9.1
2005	13.41	1.93	11.9
2006	13.55	1.86	13.6
2007	15.56	2.17	14.0
2008	15.24	1.74	11.4
2009	12.85	1.40	10.9
2010	14.20	1.50	10.6
2011	15.66	1.55	9.9

The denim apparel exports from Turkey peaked in 2007 with over $2 billion of exports . However, the period after 2007 has seen a consistent decline with a slight recovery in 2011. But the value is still much lower when compared to 2007 figures. This is indicative of reduced competitiveness of Turkish denim exports in competition with other countries. It is also to be noted that EU27 market â€“ which is the main market for Turkey has been consistently increasing its imports of denim apparel . Where as in 2007, the total denim apparel imports into EU were $2.7 billion, they increased to $3.6 billion in 2011.

Denim Fabric Exports vs All Textile Exports : 2000-2011

Year	Apparel Exports (US$ million)	Denim Apparel (US$ million)	Denim apparel %
2000	2549	101	4.0
2001	2797	173	6.2
2002	2917	180	6.2
2003	3562	177	5.0
2004	4434	283	6.4
2005	4807	291	6.1
2006	5403	265	4.9
2007	6363	352	5.5
2008	6640	369	5.6
2009	5374	328	6.1
2010	6352	388	6.1
2011	7709	426	5.5

The denim fabric exports from Turkey have also been more or less stagnant for since 2007. Only in 2011 we witness a slight improvement in exports by value . However, it needs to be kept in mind that this is also the period when the cotton prices were at their peak and the prices of apparel increased . The average price of jeans exported to EU from Turkey during 2011 was at Euro 13.56 which was the highest price that Turkey had exported jeans to EU.

Denim Fabric Exports vs All Textile Exports : 2000-2011

Year	Menâ€™s Jeans export (million pcs)	Womenâ€™s Jeans exports (million pcs)	All Jeans exports (million pcs)	Average price (Euro/pc)
2011	29.26	26.98	56.24	13.56
2012 (Jan-May)	11.99	9.66	21.56	13.34

Over 50 million jeans are exported from Turkey to EU27. The value of this export was about $762 million in 2011. This is about 50% of all denim apparel exports from Turkey .However, the year 2012 has been slower than 2011 for denim imports into EU and this has also affected Turkish exports as we can see from above figures for exports till May 2012.

Here is a list of denim fabric manufacturers in Turkey

Company Name	Production Capacity (million mtrs p.a)
Isko Denim	200
Ortaanadolu	45
Gap Guneydogu (Calik Holdings)	45
Bossa	40
Kipas Holding	40
Matesa Tekstil	28
Kilim Group	10
Mimatas Tekstil AS	10
Akmoda Tekstil	8
Total	426

Isko Denim

Production Capacity : 200 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.isko.com.tr
Phone : 90-212-4104500	Fax : 90-212-4104508
Email : sbaykal@isko.com.tr	Address : isko dokuma Isletmeleri san ve tic.as organize sanayi bolgesi 3 cadde 16400 bursa, Turkey
Contact Person : Fatih Konukoglu (CEO), Sultan Baykal ( Marketing Manager )

Orta Anadolu

Production Capacity : 45 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.ortaanadolu.com
Phone : 90-212-3153200	Fax : 90-212-3153201
Email : marketing@ortaanadolu.com	Address : Cumhuriyet Cad. No: 155/5 34 373 War in Istanbul, Turkey
Contact Person : Ebru Karkoc ( Marketing Director )

Gap Guneydogu

Production Capacity : 45 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.calikdenim.com
Phone : 90-212-4592626	Fax : 90-212-6774117
Email : ilker.atilanok@calik.com	Address : Keresteciler, Fatih Cad. Spruce Street. No: 17 thirty-four thousand one hundred sixty-nine Merter, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact Person : Cimen Gunes ( CEO )

Bossa

Production Capacity : 40 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.bossa.com
Phone : 90-322-3467533	Fax : 90-322-3467533
Email : maliisler@bossa.com.tr	Address : GÃ¼zelevler Mah. Kyrenia Avenue No: 296 01310 Yuregir – Adana Turkey
Contact Person : GÃ¼lperi Erkanli ( Marketing Director ), Sedef Uncu Aki (R&D Manager)

Kipas Holding

Production Capacity : 40 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.kipas.com.tr
Phone : 90-344-2363800	Fax : 90-344-2363307
Email : aoksuz@bozkurt.com.tr	Address : Over Road 7 Gaziantep Role Km Erkenez Kahramanmaras, Turkey
Contact Person : Ahmet Oksuz ( Member of Board )

Matesa

Production Capacity : 28 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.matesa.com.tr
Phone : 90-212-2847664	Email : matesa@matesa.com.tr
Address : SK PROBLEMS. NO: 9 4.LEVENT 34330 Istanbul, Turkey
Contact Person : Galip Calik ( Chairman )

Kilim Group

Production Capacity : 10 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.kilimgroup.com
Phone : 90-212-5436340	Fax : 90-212-5701600
Email : kartaltepe@kilimgroup.com	Address : No: 17 Bakirkoy / ISTANBUL, Turkey

Mimatas Tekstil

Production Capacity : 10 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.mimatas.com.tr
Phone : 90-352-3115555	Fax : 90-352-3114012
Email : info@mimatas.com.tr	Address : Ankara AsfaltÃ½ 15. Km. 38070 Serbest BÃ¶lge/Kayseri , Turkey
Contact Person : Ãbrahim KatartaÃ¾ ( CEO )

Akmoda Tekstil

Production Capacity : 8 million mtrs p.a	Website : www.akkumas.com.tr
Phone : 276-2340031	Fax : 276-2340033
Email : akkumas@akkumas.com.tr	Address : kama organize sanayi bolgesi 179 ada 1- 22 parsel usak, Turkey
Contact Person : Ismail Akpak ( Chairman )

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October 21, 2012

Levi’s Wasteless : 8 Bottles = 1 Jeans !
8 BOTTLES, 1 JEAN â€“ THE LEVIâ€™SÂ® BRAND INTRODUCES
WASTE<LESS DENIM COLLECTION
Leviâ€™s introduces innovative denim collection made from recycled bottles as the next chapter in its sustainable design initiative. This new collection incorporates theÂ denim incorporating post-consumer waste, specifically recycled plastic bottlesÂ and food trays.

Each Leviâ€™sÂ® Waste<Less

The product will include a minimum of 20 percent postconsumer recycled content, or, on average, eight 12 to 20-ounce bottles per jean. The Leviâ€™sÂ®Â Waste<Less TM products, which will be available for both men and women as part of the Leviâ€™s Spring 2013 collection, represent the next chapter in the companyâ€™s ongoing commitment to sustainable design.
James Curleigh, global president of the Leviâ€™s brand says

â€œFrom the beginning, we have designed our products with purpose and intent. By adding value to waste, we hope to change the way people think about recycling, ultimately incentivizing them to do more of it.This collection proves
that you donâ€™t have to sacrifice quality, comfort or style to give an end a new beginning.â€

The Spring 2013 Leviâ€™sÂ® Waste<Less collection will utilize over 3.5 million recycled bottles. The Spring 2013 menâ€™s products, which will be available globally, will feature
- Â Leviâ€™sÂ® 511 Skinny jeans
- A new modern-looking Leviâ€™sÂ® 504 Straight Fit jean
- And the iconic Leviâ€™sÂ® Trucker jacket.
For women, Leviâ€™sÂ® Boyfriend Skinny jeans in a progressive fit will be available in the U.S. and Europe.Through the companyâ€™s partners, PET plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate materials â€“ including
brown beer bottles, green soda bottles, clear water bottles and black food trays â€“ are collected through municipal recycling programs across the United States. The bottles and food trays are sorted by color, crushed into flakes, and made into a polyester fiber. Next, the polyester fiber is blended with cotton fiber, which is finally woven with traditional cotton yarn by Cone Denim to create the denim used in the Leviâ€™sÂ® Waste<Less jeans and trucker jackets. The color of the
bottles used adds a beautiful undertone to the denim fabric creating a unique finish in the final product.

The new Waste<Less collection is only the latest chapter in the companyâ€™s commitment to doing more with less. In 2009, Levi Strauss & Co. introduced â€œA Care Tag for our Planet,â€ an
initiative to educate consumers on how to clean their clothes with less environmental impact; it also encourages them to donate used jeans to Goodwill rather than throwing them out. This initiative was followed up by the development of Water<Less , a revolutionary finishing technique designed to reduce the use of water in the finishing process by up to 96 percent for some styles. This year, the Leviâ€™sÂ® Water<Less collection saved over 360 million liters of water. Additionally, the company is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative, which reduces water and pesticide use during the cotton growing process, and economically supports hundreds ofÂ thousands of cotton farmers. Better Cotton Initiative is a group of companies that work with local nongovernmental organizations in Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Mali to teach farmers how to grow cotton with less water. The first of the cotton was harvested last year, and Leviâ€™s blended its share into more than 5 million pairs of jeans.. Each has about 5 percent of the low-water cotton, though the members of the initiative agreed not to label products using that special cotton as such.

Leviâ€™sÂ® Waste<Less products will be available in Leviâ€™sÂ® stores globally and on Levi.com in January 2013. the jeans will retail for $69 to $128
October 19, 2012
Fall Winter 2013/14 Denim Collection : Soorty

As we already mentioned, Denim by PV show is being held at Shanghai for the first time . Over 40 companies â€“ many of whom are reputed denim mills from around the worldÂ â€“ are presenting their collections at the show.Â One of the few companies from South Asia to participate in the show is Soorty Denim.Â Here is a brief on the collection that they will present at the show.Â Before that , letâ€™s see what the design team of Soorty have to say about this collection.

â€œAh autumn and winter! What a great time. Its like world is drowning in to a spectrum of shades.Â Itâ€™s like theater of world is showing its last play before unveiling new chapter of spring. The magic of the autumn colors and fragrances leaves us spell bound, inducing a feeling ofÂ excitement and warmth of joy in our hearts. While leafs are dancing, pushed around by subtle stream of cold wind, we witness natures in all its extravagant glory. In this mix of exultant emotions and breathtaking views, our clothes make a statement of our soul. We at Soorty presents Autumn/Winter 13/14 collection to help our customers celebrate this season and express themselves in purest possible expressionâ€¦â€

Full of Polka, snake, paisley, stars and a whole lot of other patterns inÂ both durable and washable prints in its printedÂ denim collection. The company also creates new patterns of demand.

Super soft fabrics -the collection comprises of fabrics made of regenerated fibers like Modal, Tencel and natural premium fibers like Linen.These fabrics are certified by Lenzing , Austria. These fabrics have the properties of shine, nice drape and areÂ durable. Suitable for Jeggings and super skinny jeans.

Flowers is a collection of â€œcolored denimâ€ stretch fabrics. The warp is rope dyed . It is available in both washable and non washable colors.

As they say â€œFour wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soulâ€.A good rider has balance, judgment, and a unique sense of style. If you combine the attitude of bikers with the carefree attitude of denim, the result will be Soortyâ€™s â€œMotorcycle worldâ€. No need to wear uncomfortable leather now. Get the same look and attitude with this collection. Motor Cycle World series is a collection of coated fabrics.

Ancient Cities is a collection inspired by places which have passed the test of
time. Even after hard conditions and battles they have managed to keep their
cultures and values intact. Similarly, this denim collection aims toÂ pass
the test of many washes and chemical treatments. It is collection of durable
Rigid and Stretch fabrics.

Alloys is a result of conventional denim elements amalgamated to form a denim fabric with extraordinary visual phenomenon. Soorty calls it a â€œsorcerer’s stoneâ€ of all fabrics. Denim fabric is treated with three key elements to form a fabric which reveals a different color on scraping and washing. This collection has deep dark denim fabrics, adopting an over dyeing technique which is innovative and attractive.

Traveler is a collection of water and stain repellent fabrics. This collection was inspired by
modern day travelers who wants to explore different parts of world without any worries

Wool denim is a premium fabric collection. It is a blend of wool and cotton. It provides a comfort and warmth of wool and comfort of cotton.

Soorty has evolved into an innovative company, with an extreme focus on Research and development development. Enigma collection is the result of those efforts. Enigma collection is both puzzling and intriguing in its behavior. Soorty designers say

â€œ Enigma will revolutionize the way denim fades and enhance ageing effect .â€

Elasto~soft is a synthetic fiber with physical characteristic of inherent stretch and softness.
Itâ€™s chemical characteristic lies between polyester and nylon. Denim with Elastoâ€soft weft
imparts unique properties on the fabric. When blended with cotton, the fabric retains the soul
of denim with excellent stretch which is comparable to other elastomeric fibers.

FOLO THE FABRIC TWICE AND FEEL THE MAGIC OF CONTRASTING COLORS

Sustainable is a collection based on recycled cotton and other natural fibers. The company aims toÂ reduce waste, energy and water to produce a high quality denim fabric . Garment and fabric wastes are recycled to produce the sustainable collection.

For more info on this collection , contact Mansoor Bilal from Soorty Denim here

October 19, 2012
10 Knitted Denim Fabric Suppliers from China

Knitted denims refers to knitted fabrics created with indigo dyed yarns to create fabrics which are knits but have a denim character typically due to the dyeing with indigo. The process normally involves converting of dyed indigo yarn beams to cheese form and then converting into knitted fabrics on circular or other type of knitting machines. These fabrics are then used to create different knit products like T-shirts, Jeggings, Shirts, Skirts and other products.

Though the indigo knits have been created for a long time, a huge increase in demand for these products came from the time Jeggings Trend in denim became popular. With the denim fabrics being initially used to create the super tight jeggings, the need for further comfort â€“ while maintaining denim looks â€“ was felt strongly and this is where Indigo knits played a big role. Knitted denim can be combined with other functional fibers like Tencel, bamboo fiber, soybean fiber, spandex and other fibers to create interesting new products. Jeggings trend gave a big filip to indigo knitted denims and China again became the biggest supplier of such fabrics and yarns. A number of mills â€“ small and big â€“ entered the fray and supplied indigo knit fabrics for converting to garments for top brands around the world including Liz Clairborne, Gap, AP, LEVI’S, CK, GUESS, H&M, UNIQLO, ZARA, ONLY , Landâ€™s End, Jockey , Wal Mart and many other retailers and brands . With many of these companies solely devoted to producing indigo yarns and knitted fabrics(indigo), the sizes are volumes are larger than can be found anywhere else in the world.

We are listing below 10 large suppliers of Indigo knitted fabrics and yarns from China. Most of them supply to top brands around the world.

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1.Zhangjiagang Aoersi Knitting Co Ltd

Address : Nongyi Development Zone, Chenghang Town, Zhangjiagang Jiangsu
215600, China
Website : www.aoersiknit.com
Phone : 86-512 5829 9908
Fax : 86-510 8615 5977
Email : sales@indigoknit.com
Description : Jiangyin Heng Liang Textile Co., Ltd. is mainly producing knitting fabrics and indigo pony roll yarn. The production is including knitting denim, indigo corduroy and the dying, weaving, printing, finishing of yarn dyed denim. There is a completed production and management system on the fashion knitting denim in the company.The company exports its production to European, America, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea etc.

2.Changzhou Mido Textile Co Ltd

Address : Room 5016, SOHO Modern City, N0 217 Huangshan Road Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
Website : www.mido8.com
Phone : 86-519-85100037
Fax : 86-519 8510 6037
Email : nicholas570@sohu.com
Description : Changzhou mido textile Co.LTD. is a professional private enterprise which iscommitted to develop, produce and marketing knitted denim fabric & indigo yarns . Mido textile is located in jiangsu province, in the China southern hometown of changzhou. the traffic is very convenient.The company provides full set production line, America Morrison rope dye machine,Taiwan import knitting machine, Taiwan finishing line. From dyeing and weaving, finishing,washing become a global knitted denim industry leader and key brand suppliers. Company annual production capacity is: indigo yarn 2,000 tons, knitted fabric 3000 tons.The company has various qualities in knitted denim including cotton, cotton polyester, cotton elastic, cotton polyester elastic, linen, organic cotton,whiching using indigo yarn dye,reactive dye,vat dye make the fabric always fashion and environment .

3.Changzhou Indigo Textile Co., Ltd.

Address : Mechatronic Industry Zone, Luoxi Town, Changzhou New Zone, Jiangsu, P.R CHINA
Website : www.czindigo.com
Phone : 86-519-83406168
Fax : 86-519-83200329
Email : sales@czindigo.com
Description : Indigo Textile Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive company specializing in the production of indigo cheese yarn and knitting denim fabric. It is equipped with warp dyeing multispindle winding combination machine, professional dyeing production line for knitting denim yarn, and indigo warp yarn doffing machine independently designed and produced by their company. The indigo denim cheese yarn produced by the company has the features such as no chromatic aberration, good evenness, less joint, large package, etc. At present, the specification includes 7~40S single and multiplied yarn for knitting denim and woven tatting dyeing. Knitting denim fabric has even color and various varieties thus it is preferred by people. The variety includes: looped fabric, mesh, single jersey, color striped fabric, pineapple fabric, twill, air layer fabric, etc. The monthly output is about 3000tons.

4.Knit Denim Hengliang Textile

Address : N0 583 Chengyang Road, Yunting Industrial District, Jiangyin , Jiangsu 214422, China
Website : www.knitdenim.com
Phone : 86-510 8615 5677
Fax : 86-510 8615 5977
Email : sales@indigoknit.com
Description : Jiangyin Heng Liang Textile Co., Ltd. is mainly producing knitting fabrics and indigo pony roll yarn. The production is including knitting denim, indigo corduroy and the dying, weaving, printing, finishing of yarn dyed denim. There is a completed production and management system on the fashion knitting denim in the company.The company exports its production to European, America, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea etc.

5.Changzhou Mingwei Textile Printing and Dyeing
Co., Ltd.

Address : No. 2 Jiangcun Road, Wujin Textiles Industry Park, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
Website : www.mwdenim.com
Phone : 86-519-82051588
Fax : 86-519-82051818
Email : sky@mwdenim.com
Description : In 1996, Changzhou Mingwei Textile Printing and Dyeing Co., Ltd. was a noted company specializing in researching and producing knitted denim and woven denim products.The company is located in Wujin Textile Industrial Park of Changzhou City and has over 500 employees. The company has rope-dyeing production line from Morrison Company of the US and GT-MAX rapier weaving machines from Belgium, and sizing machines from Sucker of Germany. For knitted denim , they have circular knitting machines from Japan,. Besides, they have Morrison lines for singeing, pre-shrinking, mercerizing and finishing of the denim. Major products of the company include indigo bobbin yarn, knitted denim and woven denim.

6.Jiangsu Landuo Knitting Garment Co., Ltd.

Address : 97#,Jianbao north road,Private industrial park, Jianhu County, Jiangsu, China
Website : www.landuoknitdenim.com
Phone : 86-515-86079777
Fax : 86-515-86079877
Email : wj@chinalanduo.com
Description : Jiangsu Landuo Knitting Garment Co., Ltd. is a new booming stray in the knitting jean industry of China. Located in Jianhu County Private Industrial Park in Jiangsu province, Landuo enjoys good location as it is situated in 3-hour economic ring of Shanghai; moreover, there are 3 expressways surrounding the park, including Yanhai expressway, Ningjingyan expressway and Jinghu expressway. Landuo claims to be supplying to companies including GAP, LEVIâ€™S, CK, GUESS, H&M, UNIQLO, ZARA, ONLY and WAL MART.

7.Kaiping City, Jason Textile Co., Ltd.

Address : Changsha, Kaiping City, Guangdong, China, Kaiping City, Guangdong Province, on the 19th Gold Avenue
Website : www.kpjiesen.cn
Phone : 86-750-2310802
Fax : 86-750-2330027

Description : Jiangmen, Kaiping City, Guangdong Province Jason Textile Co., Ltd. was established in 2000 and produces knitted and woven denim fabrics. The company is located in Kaiping City, cowboy town.The company covers an area of 300 acres with a registered capital of $ 11.6 million, more than 400 employees. The monthly total production capacity is more than 5000 tons The company has machines from top manufacturers like U.S. West Point by the machine, system of drum machines, circular knitting machine in Japan, Belgium G-TMAX rapier, Germany Sucker Sizing Machine, Morrison singeing dyeing production line, equipped with a full set of balls, pre-shrinking, mercerizing finishing line, and the Taiwan power root stereotypes production line and a series of world’s top denim production equipment. The the main are products Indigo Cheese, knitted denim, woven denim. The cowboy dyeing, weaving, finishing the implementation of one-stop production, with the scale of production and R & D capabilities.Indigo blue cone and knitted denim fabric capacity is annual output of 3,000 tons.

8.Changshu Rongwei Knitting Co., Ltd.

Address : Xi’nan Village, Bixi Town, Changshu City, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Website : www.csrwfz.com.cn
Phone : 86-512-52691007
Fax : 86-512-52690996
Description : Changshu Rongwei Knitting Co., Ltd. founded on the year of 2002, is a professional company in producing INDIGO KNITTED DENIM FABRIC AND 100% COTTON INDIGO DYED YARN. The company relies on the indigo dyeing foundation of the famous Black Peony Group of China .

9.Wuxi Letian Textile Co., Ltd.

Address : 1# Renming East Road, Wanshi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
Website : www.wuxiletian.company.weiku.com
Phone : 86-510-87856068
Fax : 86-510-87854333
Description : Wuxi Letian Textile Co., Ltd. which was established in 2006 is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. The company occupies 33000 square meters of land and 22000 square meters of building area. Its total investment reaches 200 million of RMB Yuan and there are 320 employees. For the production of knitting denim, the company has the whole series of top class worldwide equipment such as 4 sets of fully automatic spinning machines, 3 sets of RETR spinning machines imported from Switzerland, 2 sets of MORRISON ball warping dyeing production lines from America, two sets of computerized warpers, sectional warpers and bobbin making machines from America, large round knitting machines from Japan, setting machines from Taiwan, etc.The annual capacities of production are 12700 tons of knitted denim, 8700 tons of indigo blue yarn, 1.2 million meters of Korean plush.

10.Kaiping Shu Pat Textile Co.Ltd

Address : Kaiping City Changsha Street triple the village committees exchanges Garden Bridge next, China
Website : www.shupaite.com
Phone : 86-750-2258318
Fax : 86-750-2310871
Description : Kaiping Shu Pat Textile Co.Ltd. is a professional manufacturer of knitted denim fabric (Knitting denim), the company is located in the China Watchtower township, next to the the denim production base of China – Kaiping City, Guangdong Province, Changsha Street triple village committees AC Garden Bridge. The Shu Pat has the United States Morrison balls by rope dyeing production line, the world’s leading circular knitting machine, spinning, dyeing, weaving, finishing the setting production; train management and production. Knitted denim fabric with an annual output of 2500 tons.

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October 15, 2012
Sri Lanka Exports of Denim Apparel to US : 2006-2012

Sri lanka is an important apparel producing center with important apparel groups like Brandix and Hirdaramani and others who are world renowned .Sri Lankaâ€™s apparel industry has grown to be one of the largest contributors to the export revenue of the country. The country having established itself as a reliable supplier of quality garments at competitive prices, also upholds ethical practices backed by legislation, thus being identified as a producer of â€œgarments with no guiltâ€ .Being the single largest employer in the manufacturing sector the apparel industry provides close to 75% of Sri Lankaâ€™s employment either directly or indirectly. The industry has been positioned as a socially responsible and preferred destination for apparel sourcing. Sri Lanka is also the only outsourced apparel manufacturing country in Asia having signed up to 30 of the ILO conventions. It stands out as a reliable source that pays fair wages to its workers while discouraging sweat shops and child labor in its businesses.

Apparel exports from Sri Lanka is over $6 billion . But the share of denim apparel exports is a small part of this total . Though exports to EU are still higher, exports to US are limited. Lets look at the figures of exports of all denim apparel to US for the period 2006-12.

The exports to US have hardly crossed 10 million pieces in a year since 2006 and have been continously falling since 2010. The year 2012 is no better either . For the period 2011 (Jan-August) the exports have been about 5 million pieces while those in the same period in 2012 have been about 3 million pieces. This shows a sharp fall of 40% ! .
Sri Lanka is in no position to compete with other Asian countries like Bangladesh , China and Indonesia and it is able to serve the higher end of the market only. The average prices for the last 2-3 years have been over US $ 8 /piece.

Check out â€“ Buyers of denim apparel in Sri Lanka

October 12, 2012

EU Production Of Denim Fabrics 2005-2011

EU27 countries have been experiencing a continuous fall in their production capacities. This trend has been exarcabated since 2006 when the productions suddenly started closing . The premium denim wave of 2005 had just peaked and the mills started to find it difficult to maintain their productions at the costs which could be only justified by the usage in premium denim jeans.
While there were a large number of mills in Italy , Spain and some other countries in EU, now only a handful remains. And the production has sunk â€“ giving way to Asian mills.

In this report we will see :

a)Table showing actual productions of denim fabrics in EU 27 countries in the period 2005-2011.
b) Chart showing the trendline of this productions and how productions reduced to 1/3rd levels in 2011 as compared to 2005.
c) Chart showing the average value of these productions declared by the mills. These are given on an annual basis. This also gives an idea of EU declared production costs per sq mtr.
d) Analysis.

Also check out our latest report â€“ a compendium- on world denim industry â€“ click on image.

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EU Production of Denim Fabrics 2005-2011

Year	Qty. in million sq mtrs	Value in Euro per sq mtr
2005	322.2	2.55
2006	260.93	2.77
2007	294.93	2.61
2008	156.85	2.65
2009	111.26	2.40
2010	105.11	2.50
2011	99.59	2.74

From the above table , we can see that the production of denim fabrics in EU is about 1/3rd of the production in 2005. With less than 100 million sq mtr of production done in 2011, the linear meterage would be about 60-65 million linear meters only . In the following graph, we see the trendline of this falling production.

It may also be noted that the maximum reductions in production capacities occured in the year 2008 when the production actually nearly halved from that of 2007. This was also the period when many Spanish and Italian mills closed down and or changed business orientation. This included mills like Legler, Montebello from Italy and Santanderina from Spain closed productions during this period. Another mill, Jitka from Czech also closed closer to this period . Now with only mill left in Spain â€“ Tejidos Royo â€“ ,five mills in Italy and only mill â€“ Hellenic â€“ in Greece, the future of denim fabric production is not very bright in Europe. The period from 2009 to 2011 has been relatively stable with minor variations , indicating that the remaining mills are surviving and not giving up much . Mills like TRC are well reputed and even with their Italian costs , its fabric is much in demand. Similarly , same thing can be said about the Kaihara mill of Japan. Japan , being more expensive that Europe, it is not easy for mills to survive there. It is , thus, only the most innnovative and development oriented companies which can survive in the current market scenario â€“ when they are located in high cost production areas .

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October 12, 2012

Denim Washes And Finishes By Soorty

Pakistan is an important country when it comes to denim apparel manufacturing . It is the 4th largest exporter of jeans exporter to EU after China, Bangladesh and Turkey and is expected to get more important in EU with EU granting duty free status to Pakistan for a limited period(detailed report on this development will follow shortly). Not only a huge volume of jeans and other denim apparelÂ is being manufactured there, but we can see innovation in various stages of denim manufacturing . We were checking out for some interesting denim washes andÂ foundÂ someÂ by Soorty Denim â€“a large manufacturer with over 1.5 million pieces ofÂ denim jeans and apparel manufactured in a month. Some of their washes and finishes listed below are innovative and cool â€“ specially the one with the charcoal look !.

I.Modern Heritage

â€œIt is an honour which you take with you but it is the heritage you leave behindâ€ â€“ Branch Ricky.

Apart from innovative fabrics and wash techniques, Soorty isÂ redefining the conventional denim look . Its â€œModern Heritageâ€ collection is a testament of how old techniques and conventional denim elements can be used and amalgamated into something which is modern â€“ yet with all elements of classic denim intact.

Napoli

This fabric and wash is inspired by â€œNapoliâ€ which has passed the test of time. Even after hard conditions and battles it has managed to keep itâ€™s culture and values intact. Similarly, this denim is expected to remain strong and pass the test of many washes and chemical treatments.

Motorcycle World

A good rider has balance, judgment, and a unique sense of style. If you combine the attitude of bikers with the carefree attitude of denim, the result will be Soortyâ€™s â€œMotorcycle worldâ€. No need to wear uncomfortable leather now. Get the same look and attitude with this collection. Motor Cycle World series is a collection of coated fabrics

Enigma â€“Green Cast

Enhanced aging effects on a green cast fabric â€¦

Tire Track

Inspired by the marks left by tires on the mud, this fabric gives a very old school feel. This is a herringbone fabric, washed with the random bleached wash.

II.Hide and Seek

A novel wash for printed denim, in which some elements are hidden and some elements are exposed. With time, like every truth of life, all other elements will expose themselves gradually.

III.Charcoal Finish

In this finish we have used a unique wrapping technique for washing and then artistically hand spraying the garment, giving it a charcoal wrapped kind of look. This finish is a tribute to the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped in the mine for 69 days. They showed us that resilience and will power are the two important keys for survival.

IV. Tea TintÂ Wash

Taking a leaf out of ancient practices, Soorty developed a wash, in which garment was tinted with the dye derived from tea. This is a very sustainable and soothing kind of wash. Tea contains flavanols , which gives out yellowâ€greenishÂ shade to the cotton fabric. It has a deodorizing effect on the environment and it is very good for skin.

V. Color Splatter

About Soorty
Soorty has operations from spinning to garment manufacturing. With over 15,000 employees, 3.2 million meters of denim per month and 1.5 million pieces of garments (mainly denim) per month, it is a huge corporation dedicated to denim industry.Â With key retailers and brands like Rock and Republic ,Â Tom Tailor, Bershka, Zara and others, the company is in a growth mode capturing new markets and buyers. It is also one of the few denim mills from South Asia to be invited to participate in Denim by PV at Shanghai . Contact Mansoor Bilal from Soorty â€“ click here

October 9, 2012
Denim By PV At Shanghai Oct ‘12

For the first time , Denim by PV â€“ the famous denim supply chain show – is being held at Shanghai , China .Â The show is dedicated to jeans fabric, which in five years has become the must-attend event for the international jeanswear community (with its last May 2012 edition registering a record 10% growth rate). Denim by PV now exports its unique concept to the Asian continent.

China is the largest manufacturer as well as consumer of denim fabrics worldwide .. It is not a wonder that Denim by PV chose this place to hold its show .The new event, Denim by PremiÃ¨re Vision Asia, addresses the premium jeans market in China, Hong Kong and neighbouring Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Attendance by the top denim buyers and other participants from the denim supply chain is expected from this region as well as from other countries.

For its first edition, Denim by PremiÃ¨re Vision Asia will bring together some forty exhibitors. Worldwide key players such as Soorty Denim , Absolute Denim, Artistic Fabrics Mills, Artistic Milliners, Arvind, Bossa, Candiani, Freedom Denim, Golden Win, Isko, JWS, ITVomano, Montebello, Orta, Realkom, Sartex and Tejidos Royo.
Also present will be major Japanese denim producer Kaihara which, since 1893, has been creating fabrics of exceptional quality, thanks to production methods unmatched in the world of denim.
12 exhibiting countries are represented: Turkey (24%), Pakistan (15%), Italy (12%), Hong Kong (12%), China (10%), Spain, France, Japan, Thailande (5%), Bangladesh, Tunisia, India (2%).
The offer consists of exhibitors from the Paris show joined by companies selected from the region (China, Japan, Southeast Asia).
Denim by PremiÃ¨re Vision Asia aims to underline the added-value of premium jeans and the differentiation it provides, by supplying content that both informs and inspires current or future denim brands.
63% of the exhibitors are denim weavers, 20% integrated denim garments makers, 5% trimmings, complete by Designer Office, Equipment, Fiber and Technology. To show what premium denim is and to illustrate this specific know-how in terms of choice of materials, washing-out, finishing and cut, etc., a Denim by PremiÃ¨re Vision Asia collection will be specially created for the event, in collaboration with Italian experts well known in jeanswear : Umberto Brochetto and Massimo Munari from Creative Room and the laundry Martelli. The collection will be revealed at the show in a denim scenography. To support the understanding of premium denim to the market, Massimo Munari will give a seminar â€œPremium blue waveâ€ at 11.30 each day. Denim by PremiÃ¨re Vision Asia will be held in a building whose spirit is certain to resonate with the denim community: a former cotton mill dating from 1929, whose generous volumes were designed by a Japanese architect.

PremiÃ¨re Vision China will take place Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 October at East Dock in Shanghai. The show offers 2 days for business exchanges and meetings between top textile companies and the best of Chinese fashion professionals. For this 18th edition, dedicated to the Autumn Winter 13/14 season, the show hasÂ 61 participants coming from 11 countries (France, Italy, Turkey, China, Japan, Spain, South Korea, Bulgaria, India, Germany, United Kingdom).

October 8, 2012
Cone Burlington : Affinity Dyeing Process
Cone is probably the most famous denim mill in the denim industry ever. A recently formed business unit, Cone & Burlington Apparel Solutions, is bringing new dyeing innovation and flexibility to apparel brands with the introduction of Affinityâ„¢. Using an entirely new Eco Friendly way to dye fabrics, the Affinity process allows water to be recycled from one dye bath to another without the worries of remaining dyes and chemicals. The Affinity process mimics the ring dye look of indigo dyeing but with the flexibility of dyeing smaller quantities, as little as 100 units per color.

Gary Kernaghan, executive vice president Apparel Solutions, says

â€œInitial customer interest has been good. Currently Levi, Quiksilver Fossil, Esprit and Hugo Boss are sampling the product. Consumers can expect to see product at retail around the Spring/Summer of 2013â€.

â€œThe Affinity process catches peopleâ€™s attention because it is different and it answers several different needs,â€ says Kernaghan. â€œIt is early yet, but we believe it has good potential.â€ As he explains, colors are a big fashion item right now but they lend themselves to smaller lot sizes, and this seasonâ€™s hot color may not be next seasonâ€™s hot color. With Affinity garments, you can dye as many or few garments as you want and with more color choices. The Affinity process also supports the environmental commitments of apparel brands with the use of fewer chemicals, less water and energy, and virtually no residual dyes or chemicals left to dispose.

The Affinity Difference

To understand the Affinity process and why it is different you need to first understand the basics of dyeing and specifically indigo dyeing. The dyeing process involves chemical reactions that cause the dye to adhere to yarn or fabric. In its natural state, cotton yarn has a negative charge. Likewise indigo dye has a negative charge. As you know from basic chemistry, you must have opposite charges to attract. So in their natural states the dye would not stick to the yarn. To overcome this, salts and soda ash are added to the indigo dye bath to change the dye charge and allow the dye to adhere to the yarn. Another unique feature of indigo dyeing is that only the outside of the yarn is dyed while the core of the yarn remains the natural color. The Affinity process dyes the same so garments, when stonewashed or hand-sanded, can achieve the character commonly found in traditional indigo denims.

So what makes the Affinity process different? Using a two-step process,
1. The yarn is first treated using a patented process that changes the chemical charge of the yarn to positive. No dye is applied at this point. The yarn is then woven into denim using treated yarns in the warp and untreated yarns in the fill, and sewn into a garment as usual.
2. Next the garment is dyed in specially designed dye equipment. Because the yarn, now fabric, has a positive charge and the dye added has a negative charge, the dye adheres to the garment without any additional chemicals. This is where the process derives its name — the dye has an Affinity for the yarn.
See the process of Affinity dyeing in this video

Affinty dyeing proces : Denimsandjeans.com

The Affinity process uses reactive and/or direct dyes, in a full array of colors â€“ neutrals, brights, darks and pastels. There is no limit to color as there is in traditional indigo processes.

Almost all the dyes are completely exhausted or absorbed, onto the garment, leaving the water clear and ready for recycling to the next load. Cone Burlington claims that affinity dyed garments also have superior color fastness so that even the brightest of these shades maintain their vibrant shades throughout home launderings.

Currently Affinity garments are made in China using partner mills and garment factories. Trials are currently underway with ITGâ€™s Cone Denim Jiaxing (CDJ) facility to supply certain yarns for the garments.

To understand more about the process , we spoke to Gary Kernaghan and Sonny Fong from Cone Burlington and asked them about whether the normal indigo dyeing is possible once yarn is treated by their process and also to understand the extra costs involved in this process. They replied-

â€œAffinity process is a part of invention with machineries and combined with yarn treatment technique. The machines can adjust yarn size, quantity and volume in order to fit the requirements. Mechanical information in under patent processâ€¦.

Average cost is approx. 20+ % higher then normal pigment / wet garment dye. Remember, it is no minimum, no need to pre-plan stock or inventory and is a green and sustainable process. â€

Check out our latest report on the World Denim Industry :
October 4, 2012