The new formula for future fashion: Diesel style + ISKOâ„¢ technology, for the revolutionary JOGG JEANS & Diesel shoes made by the extraordinary 3D Denim known as ISKO Scratch & Jeanâ„¢.

When distinctive Diesel style was blended with the extraordinary quality of ISKOâ„¢ fabrics, the result was JOGG JEANS, the revolutionary ‘jeanetically modified denim’ that combines iconic jeans fashion with the comfort typically associated with jogging pants. Labeling on the jeans’ inside pocket conveys the exceptional value offered by the collaboration. Described as: ‘One small step for Diesel, one giant leap for denim-kind’, the durability and softness that JOGG JEANS provide is guaranteed by ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢ patented technology, for a perfect fit all day long.

The collaboration between ISKOâ„¢ and Diesel continues, with the addition of Diesel shoes made by ISKO Scratch & Jeanâ„¢ . This fabric is known as ISKOâ„¢ ‘s revolutionary 3D denim made by using ISKOâ„¢ ‘s patented technology, which allows the fabric to take extraordinary effects.

www.diesel.com

Replay Reinvents Athleisure With ISKOâ„¢ ‘s New Development Blue Skinâ„¢ and created Hyperskin

Wellness is not a trend; it’s the perfect balance between body, soul and the environment: it’s a philosophy and a lifestyle. Replay took this as an inspiration to merge it with its denim DNA and created Hyperskin. The technology behind this product is ISKO BLUE SKIN^TM: entirely based on 360 degree freedom of movement. The construction offers total comfort and freedom by defying gravity with its 4 way holding power. The real second skin experience.

The Jeans come in four different washes: a Raw Grey shade washing which keeps an original raw fabric look, a Blue shade washing achieved with a light bleaching process to obtain an intense mid-blue shade and a super softener for an amazing feel, a Marble and Dark Black.

www.replayjeans.com

Pierre Cardin and ISKO join forces and launch FUTUREFLEX, the future of flexibility.

Well-known brand Pierre Cardin expands its clientele with a premium denim line that boosts maximum functionality. A highly regarded brand its dedication to quality brought the FUTUREFLEX collection to life and was specifically designed for someone who wants to look good and feel comfortable all day.

ISKO POWERFLEXâ„¢, was the perfect fit for this collaboration, it’s the perfect travel mate for anyone who wants 24/7 flexibility and freedom of movement, together with unique style and a perfect fit.

FUTUREFLEX jeans come in three colors:

• Black on black: a saturated and classic black.
• Kanto blue: dedicated to real denim enthusiasts, Kanto blues is a pure, deep but bright indigo shade inspired by the typical Japanese super-saturated indigos, but with a chip off/contrast effect.
• Reef green: A blackened green cast perfect for the vintage Aficionados.

www.pierrecardin.com

AYR Introduces Flex Tech, Powered by ISKOâ„¢ Premium Denim Technology, in Collaboration with modelFIT

With all the flexibility and recovery of a second skin, this premium denim technology powered by ISKOâ„¢ has 4 way holding power, offering complete comfort and freedom. Flex Tech was designed with 80% stretch, making it the ultimate performance jean, defying gravity and complimenting the body with a balance of stretch and recovery that is unprecedented in denim.

In collaboration with ISKOâ„¢ and modelFIT, AYR introduces the scope of movement and beauty of versatility in their Flex Tech denim video. Shot at the modelFIT studio in downtown Manhattan featuring ballerina/muse Suzanne Diaz, the video highlights the versatility of the most future forward fabric on the market.

www.ayr.com

Premium children’s line IMPS & ELFS brings in ISKO^TM for the most adorable collaboration yet!

IMPS & ELFS is the first kid’s brand ISKO^TM has collaborated with. The Dutch premium label for the younger generation focuses on Design, Comfort & Quality. The brand is sold over 500 boutiques worldwide and shares a clear vision on ‘how they want to be a child again and how a child would love to see the world.

Two special denim lines for S/S 2016 are made up of all ISKO patent technologies.

‘Fashion in Action’ allows the kids to play & run with freedom, comfort and most importantly in style, using JEGGINGSâ„¢, ISKO POPâ„¢ and ISKO REFORM XPâ„¢

“We are all artist” is made of ISKOâ„¢ SCRATCH’N JEAN fabric specially crafted for children who love to draw and doodle. With a simple scraping technique, kids and parents can make every piece a one of a kind masterpiece.

“Collaborating with ISKOâ„¢ has been a great success, bringing our designs to life and giving kids the freedom of movement in a high-quality fabric. Performance is key for kids as jumping, running, and being active is what they do” says Fons Cohen, CEO of IMPS&ELFS.

www.imps-elfs.com/isko

Think comfort and seduction, femininity and contemporary look: that is the BOTTOM UP AMAZING FIT collection, born of the collaboration between LIU JO and ISKOâ„¢. All BOTTOM UP AMAZING FIT collection garments are constructed in ISKO BLUE SKINâ„¢. It’s a stunning innovation that meets the unique design of LIU JO for an eye-popping collection that’s totally dedicated to today’s busy and stylish women.

Barbour International launched its first denim collection for women using ISKOâ„¢ fabric technology.

Barbour selects ISKOâ„¢ renowned REFORMâ„¢ technology fabrics enhanced with ISKO STAY BLACKâ„¢ and ISKO PJ SOFTâ„¢ to ensure perfect fit and outstanding softness in their new womens collection.

The collection comes in a variety of washes on indigo denim or a sleek black finish with ISKO STAY BLACKâ„¢ technology, special finishing allowing jeans to maintain their saturated black colour and long-lasting biker look.

ISKO PJ SOFTâ„¢ finishing gives the garments a super soft hand feel inside and out.

Check out the new line

www.barbour.com/blog/elle-biker-blueprint

JULES introduced a new line dedicated to ultimate freedom of movement

The French brand JULES presented a new collection featuring the ISKO REFORMâ„¢ advanced technologies, to be communicated under the JULES LAB umbrella. This special line, enhanced by ISKOâ„¢ ingredient added value, is leveraging the idea of 24/7 fashion comfort, catering to the urban lifestyle for the contemporary man made possible by smart and practical innovation.

www.jules.com

Bodycon: a revolution in Denim

By encircling traditional cotton yarn with a tight coil of stretch fibers, innovative ISKO REFORMâ„¢ fabric gives Bodycon denim extra stretch power. The greater the pull on the fabric, the more it rebounds, both holding curves in and smoothing them out – making Bodycon jeans the most flattering jeans of their kind. Since its launch, the Bodycon collection has expanded with new fits including the Bodycon 5 Pockets, Bodycon Marrakesh and Bodycon Zipper Skirt.

www.mih-jeans.com/the-bodycon

ISKOâ„¢ announces the collaboration with MCGUIRE Denim

ISKO™ collaborated with McGuire Denim to create a guerrilla marketing campaign launched via posters in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Inspired by classic 60s and 70s film icons, the campaign featured model Olivia Frischer photographed by New York photographer Darren Keith. McGuireʼs glamorous take on heritage denim was enabled by high performance ISKO REFORM™ stretch technology .

www.mcguiredenim.com

ISKOâ„¢ & Pull In ‘Dening’ Collaboration

Pull In, who is the well-known underwear specialist from France launched denim pants four years ago, but wasn’t satisfied with the outcome. However, after conducting some research within the denim sector, Pull In contacted ISKOâ„¢ for the ISKO Future Faceâ„¢ concept. After frequent discussions, ISKOâ„¢& Pull In have launched ‘Dening’ to support the growing global trend towards ‘urban leisure’. Pull In has chosen to collaborate with ISKOâ„¢ for the creation of their new collection that puts denim into action. ISKO Future Faceâ„¢ was indeed the ultimate selection for this collaboration.

www.pull-in.com

TOPMAN chose ISKOâ„¢’s innovative modern denim to develop its TOPMAN PREMIUM DENIM collection using patented ISKO XMEN’Sâ„¢ and ISKO RECALLâ„¢ fabrics.

www.topman.com

Both denim and sparkling jewelry are must-haves, and key icons of style. This common trait is the inspiration of why ISKOâ„¢ has partnered up with Stroilli, to launch their new ‘Bling Bling Denim’ collection, which brings together denim and jewels. This collection perfectly expresses the innovative genius of both brands through twelve completely new models, including rings, bracelets and earrings, which combine denim and precious materials. As the global leader in denim innovation, ISKOâ„¢ is the perfect partner for Stroilli, bringing its style, ‘blue’ creativity and experience to the table along with Stroilli’s designs to generate a highly original collection.

www.stroilioro.com

ISKOâ„¢ announced the co-branding with GERRY WEBER EDITION

Working together, ISKOâ„¢ and GERRY WEBER EDITION have developed a co-branded collection using patented ISKO BLUEJYMâ„¢ fabric to create a true fashion breakthrough. The result is an innovative collection, powered by ISKO BLUEJYMâ„¢, a fabric technology that exudes a sporty attitude. Combining a knit look and feel with denim performance, the collection represents a fabulous fashion fusion of jeans styling and sweatpants’ comfort, to produce one distinctive personality.

www.gerryweber.com

Gaudì Jeans puts its trust in ISKOâ„¢’s excellence for an exclusive denim collection

Powered by ISKO™, the Gaudì collection is truly unique, created with a focus on the minutest details. Garments are made with top quality raw materials, including ISKO FUTURE FACE™, fabric with the tough look of denim plus exceptional softness that elegantly embraces the bodyʼs curves, without constricting movement. For its FITTING BLUE collection, Gaudì Jeans chose ISKO REFORM™ advanced stretch technology for the assurance of perfect fit, superior shape retention and the magic power to make you look a size slimmer.

www.gaudi.it

Get ready to experience the comfort of being fashionable

ISKOâ„¢ and GANG joined forces to put denim into action for two collections rich in sporty attitude: ‘Sweatie Denim’ for women and ‘Fitness Denim Culture’ for men. For its second consecutive season, GANG chose ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢ to create jeans with perfect fit and outstanding freedom of movement, both for men and women. This one-of-a-kind patented ISKOâ„¢ denim technology uses an advanced shuttle-woven fabric, which looks like circular knitting and lends jeans an incredibly soft feeling with maximum flexibility for a superior fit.

www.gang-fashion.com

Guess introduced Powerdenim and Powershape using the technology of ISKOâ„¢

Guess features ISKOâ„¢ patented technologies in a new selection of high performance denim. The jeans maintain a truly rigid, purist look with distinct twill lines and yarn character, while ensuring ease and versatility for every lifestyle. The authentic spirit of this resistant fabric is combined with one-of-a-kind performance for flexibility and freedom of movement. For women, the ultra-feminine Power Shape range is based on ISKO™ʼs 100% JEGGINGSâ„¢ technology, an incredibly light fabric that adapts perfectly to the bodyʼs curves, embracing the silhouette and creating the wonderful sensation of a second skin. Guess has also developed their new Power Skinny Denim with ISKO Reform XPâ„¢, to provide the brand’s most flattering and effective jeans yet. These jeans are designed to make you look one size smaller, but yet keep it’s comfort.

www.guess.com

ISKOâ„¢ teams up with MAVI for the New POPSTAR Collection

Mavi, innovator in denim design and manufacturing, teams up with Turkey’s leading denim fabric producer ISKOâ„¢ to launch Mavi POPSTAR, which is an exclusive addition to the Mavi Gold collection for Fall 2015.

www.mavi.com

Blue FF Denim next and “Emotion”

Following successful collaborations in previous seasons with its Blue Future Face Denim collection, in 2013 leading-edge Japanese brand Moussy developed an outstanding collaboration with ISKOâ„¢ based on the ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢ fabric. . For 2014, Moussy again chose ISKOâ„¢, using ISKO REFORM XPâ„¢ to create its engaging Emotion collection.

www.moussy.ne.jp

James Jeans and ISKOâ„¢ launch the James Twiggy Dancer Jeans collection

ISKOâ„¢ joined James Jeans to create James Twiggy Dancer Jeans, a whole new expression of denim style. With a perfect fit 24 hours a day, they ensure that women wearing them feel comfortable and special all the time. James Twiggy Dancer Jeans use a mix of two cutting-edge technologies: ISKO PJ SOFTâ„¢, powered by 50% Modal fibers for 24/7 comfort and ISKO REFORMâ„¢ for elasticity.

www.jamesjeans.us

“Naturally” jeans: Tom Tailor and ISKOâ„¢ present “We Care”

German high-end casual clothing brand Tom Tailor and ISKOâ„¢ have worked closely together to launch the ‘We Care’ denim collection. Using recycled cotton and the most advanced eco-friendly techniques and treatments, including lasers, the range is produced in ways that ensure significant savings in terms of water and CO2 while creating a stylish, fashionable look.

www.tom-tailor.com

Performance, innovation, personalization: the brand-new partnership between ISKO™ and 3×1

American brand 3X1 chose ISKOâ„¢ for its women’s collection to maximize personalized performance. The collections feature ISKO REFORMâ„¢, plus İSKOâ„¢’s trademarked coatings such as Soft Jeather to incorporate the most innovative finishing techniques. The collaboration between 3X1 and ISKOâ„¢ ensures that every garment embodies the craftsmanship, glamour and optimum fit to best flatter each individual and suit their lifestyle, character and personality.

www.3×1.us

HUDSON and ISKOâ„¢, innovation in our DNA

Premium denim leader HUDSON is collaborating with ISKOâ„¢ to deliver novel new products with uncompromising quality and value in their DNA. HUDSON’s REFORM collection is powered by patented ISKO REFORMâ„¢ technology to create superior 360-degree stretch coupled with maximum retention and recovery. It follows an earlier collaboration when ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢ fabric brought innovative knitted denim technology to market offering HUDSON Jeans outstanding freedom of movement.

www.hudsonjeans.com

Sustainable fashion process that underlines Nudie Jeans Post Recycled Dry collection.

With ISKOâ„¢ RECYCLED, old worn-out Nudie Jeans are cut into pieces, then milled down to a cotton-like pulp, which in turn becomes a new yarn and used for new fabrics. The advanced method for recovering and re-using denim fabrics enables the creation of a product that enjoys a “new life” .

www.nudiejeans.com

Let exceptionality become a habit… HABITUAL and ISKO™, together for a brand new collaboration in style

Los Angeles-based brand HABITUAL used advanced ISKOâ„¢ patented technology to introduce a new collection reflecting a modern classic mood. As it says on the garment hangtag: “We use ISKO POPâ„¢ to deliver unparalleled silk-like softness that you will experience wear after wear…” .

www.habitual.com

Looking cool, feeling smooth, a style of ISKOâ„¢ and Jeckerson!

Looking cool, feeling smooth, Jeckerson collaborated with ISKOâ„¢ to create an exclusive collection for the modern metropolitan man. Jeckerson chose ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢, a woven fabric with the softness of a knit to create extraordinary garments that are strong and supple, smart and casual. It also used ISKO technologies for its original Cult collection to express a cosmopolitan yet comfortable style.

ISKOâ„¢’s recent collaboration with Jecerkson was made with ISKOâ„¢’s Creative Roomâ„¢, who developed the new collection of jJEANS by Jeckerson. jJEANS is a sub-brand of Jeckerson dedicated to a younger target market, and the whole collection was made by a mixture of ISKOâ„¢’s fabrics; including ISKO X-Men’sâ„¢, ISKO Comfortâ„¢, ISKO Bluejymâ„¢ and ISKO Reform XPâ„¢.

www.jeckerson.com

Elegant functionality and sophisticated comfort

C.P. Company chose ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢ fabric to create elegant functionality and sophisticated comfort for a new collection of jackets with a natural feel and cotton touch. ISKOâ„¢ innovation allowed C.P. Company to capture all of the comfort, lightness and softness of a knit but with superior shape retention for a perfect fit and complete 360-degree freedom of movement.

www.cpcompany.co.uk

Welcome to a super flex era

With collections designed in Oslo, Bik Bok aims to be the first choice among fashion-conscious girls who follow all the twists and turns of the fashion world. Collections are continually updated with new and inspiring clothes every week. Powered by ISKOâ„¢ fabric technologies, Bik Bok’s super flex jeans couple super high elasticity with a very comfortable fit that perfectly adapts to the body’s form.

www.bikbok.com

Spotlights on ISKOâ„¢ and Esprit, to drive fashion forward with the collection 24 Hours 2.0

Esprit partnered with ISKOâ„¢ to produce a collection of denim garments for any occasion. This further comfort evolution is perfect for any event and activity, allowing for 360-degree movement with ISKO FUTURE FACEâ„¢ technology. The exceptional patented shuttle-woven fabric has a look like circular knitting, yet is denim with surprisingly soft features and fit.

www.esprit.co.uk

Once upon a futureâ„¢, tomorrow is now

Denim brand Haikure combines contemporary Italian design with high-performance eco-friendly materials and processes. With high stretch and shape recovery, ISKO RECALLâ„¢ fabric ensures that Haikure jeans maintain a flattering fit. The ISKOâ„¢ fabric is made using organic fibers and is part of the Once Upon a Future partnership between Haikure and ISKOâ„¢ that aims to promote sustainability within the denim supply chain.

www.haikure.com

NakedandFamous -the brand from Canada, tries to bring a Sakiori denim back with some alterations. The Canadian brand is always at the forefront of bringing some different denim products to the customers. The fabric is made using a specially developed yarn that gives the appearance of Sakiori when woven into fabric. The yarn is created by twisted colored yarns along with white big slub yarns, resulting in a random horizontal stripe yarn. 3 different shades of blue were used to create the twisted yarns. When weaving, the yarns are used in rotation to produce the look of Sakiori fabric.

Sakiori Denim compared to 150 year old Edo period sakiori cloth. Exterior (Top) Interior (Bottom)

Special yarns developed to create Sakiori denim.

The Sakiori Denim is available now exclusively at Barneys New York .Naked & Famous Denim’s Sakiori jeans are crafted of dark blue cotton-blend Japanese raw denim with some details below :

• Five-pocket style, belt loops, slightly tapered legs, logo-stamped blue leather patch at back waistband, logo-embossed silvertone rivets and button
• 96% cotton, 4% polyethylene
• Made in Canada

A large laundry by European standards, Pizarro works with many famous brands in Europe and outside. With a capacity of over 25,000 garments per day and printing over 10,000 garments per day, Pizarro is always on the lookout for the next big thing. Not only they try to develop uncoventional washing looks for their customers but provide a package of services which is normally difficult to find in Europe. A little over an year ago they worked with an Italian company to perfect Ice washing process and now they have come out with a printing process which enables them to do sublimation print on all kinds of garments made from natural fibers on an industrial scale. Though sublimation print is normally possible on man made fiber apparel , the technology to effect it on natural fibers was not perfected. Pizarro laundries claim to have developed the right process to do the same.
I spoke to Vasco Pizarro, the Marketing Director at Pizarro Laundries to find out more details on this new technology and to understand this would affect the industry .

1. Hi Vasco, pl tell us more about Pizarro Laundries and what is its main focus currently.

Hello Sandeep! As you know our group is composed not only by the laundries, dyeing, printing, finishing and by our vertical service. Having this said, you already knew that we are innovative in all our different services specially in developing ecological washes and dyeings or just newer looks, but I think that we have hit something really big with the sublimation print in natural fibers.

2. Yes, I heard that you have launched a new patented technology which enables you to do sublimation print on all fibers besides the man made ones. Its exciting ! Pl tell us more about it.

It’s indeed exciting Sandeep! We have developed internally the chemical recipe, the process itself, the machine where we do it and the after process treatment, so we decided to patent it. We are doing it in garments so it can be more flexible to the clients and on top of this we can do it in 100% Cotton, 100% Wool, 100% Linen, etc. It also works beautifully on mixes like Cotton/Linen or other kinds.

3. How do you think that this kind of technology can make a difference to the apparel industry?

The first difference it can make is the range of fibers that you can do it and if for the 100% Cotton garments you have the digital print in fabric as a competitor service it can not reproduce the same on heavier Cotton or Wool, beside this you can mix sublimation prints with dyeing processes. It is also possible to reproduce problematic dyeing processes such as batiks or degrades. You can see that the possibilities are endless!

4. What specifically can be the effect on denim industry ?

Talking about the effect specifically on the denim industry, we believe that it can a very good specially on flexibility, because you can do all over or localized prints without having to order big fabric quantities.

5. Will you be licensing this technology so that it can have a more widespread use ?

Regarding this, we are open to licensing this technology to companies that can meet our standards in health and safety at work, environmental and quality, as well as the company values that guide us. Besides this when the patent become public the companies can do this service but paying royalties.

Google  announced it is working on a new technology dubbed ‘Project Jacquard ‘  with US jean maker Levi Strauss to make clothing from specially woven fabric with touch-screen control capabilities. The new technology was revealed at its annual developers conference in San Francisco and mentioned Levi Strauss as its first partner.

Project Jacquard is named after the Jacquard looms which bring out the most intricate weaves in the textile industry.  Project Jacquard is in the hands of a small Google team called Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP), which is different from the Google (x) lab that develops big-vision innovations such as self-driving cars.

“We are enabling interactive textiles,” Emre Karagozler of Google ATAP told viewers at the conference display.

The special threads can be woven into different types of fabrics, and be made to visually stand out or go unnoticed depending on how the designer’s want their fabrics to look like. Also the whole garment or a part of it could be made conductive.  See the video from the Project Jacquard below.

“It is stretchable; it is washable. We do it by weaving conductive threads into fabric.”,” Mr Karagozler said, as people in the hall  controlled lights or computer screens with finger strokes on a blue cloth covering a table in the display area behind him. As Project Jacquard team points out, very fine conductive threads have been made and woven in the fabric. This opens limitless possibilities of making the fabrics interactive and controlling various computing devices through simple gestures.

Conductive yarn is connected to tiny circuits, no bigger than jacket buttons, with miniaturized electronics that can use algorithms to recognize touches or swipes, ATAP said.

Project Jacquard makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms, according to Google.Anything involving fabric, from suits or dresses to furniture or carpet, could potentially have computer touch-pad style control capabilities woven.The data can be sent wirelessly to smartphones or other devices, enabling actions such as making phone calls or sending messages with brushes of fabric.

“In our hyper-digital world, people constantly struggle to be physically present in their environment while maintaining a digital connection,” Levi Strauss’ head of global product innovation Paul Dillinger said. “The work that Google and Levi’s are embarking upon with Project Jacquard delivers an entirely new value to consumers with apparel that is emotional, aspirational and functional.” He said.

The new technology has wide implications if it is successfully integrated into textile and apparel industry. Think about being able to control your television, make mobile calls  , fridge and even your car by rubbing your jeans pocket !  It could have widespread ramifications on the design, structure and wash techniques applied on denim and other textile products. And it is so seamless that even the most tech non-savvy person could use it .

It would be interesting to see the progress of this technology and how it changes our industry. Can Google do to textile industry what it did to technology?? Time will tell !

Why is active wear as a segment getting more important from denim perspective?.

There is an important change of life style. In the past the active wear was mostly limited to people making sport, today is expanding to people that do not, and they just feel more comfortable and they like to be ideally more close to a look that is more healthy and active. They have been jeans "aficionados" .

Yoga pants  seem to be highly popular . Are they taking share away from the denim market ?

They are, and they definitely are taking space and consumers from the denim brands. But it is not only about this, the yoga pants are just the top of a big iceberg. In my opinion the market in general, including denim, is going in a direction that is not the traditional one where we been working for decades. Consumers are going into new fabrications that are  much more comfortable also in the classic five pocket. The knit denim, the real one, made with the circular machines, is substtituting the woven denim including the fake knit woven that has stretchability only in one way. We will see in those fabric not only yoga leggings but also training pants, boyfriend jeans and classic five pockets.

You have been working on creating new game changing stretch fabrics made with blended cotton, nylon and polyester which have been creating ripples in the denim market. Pl tell us know more about these fabrics. How do you think they will help denim industry to grow further.

As you probably know in the past I been working a lot in fabric innovations, bringing stretch abilities never seen before and mixing fiber and making blends in order to make the jean more comfortable. I arrived to a point when I developed the two way stretch that I understood that it was the right time to invent something totally new. This was not an evolution but a revolution. I started thinking that people love the indigo but there was a need of new constructions. So,now  bringing the circular machines in the denim world we change completely the industry. I been working in a new generation of fabrics that all the time are stretch at 360 degrees. Basically I been working in two directions in the same family of products. I take the indigo ropes and instead going to the looms I use the circular machines. The first family is with a very high stretch performance as i mix the cotton indigo yarns with nylons or polyesters creating a product that is in between a denim and a performance fabric for the more active design The second direction is still with the indigo yarn but developed in more stable knits that can substitute the classic denim in more traditional fits.
I strongly believe that the denim industry survives all the time because we bring innovation that is keeping the attention and the interest of consumers. In this case this revolution will be probably bloody but very beneficial..

Are these knit denims dimensionally stable  and are these products  tested by brands? What kind of fibers have been used in such fabrics..

Most of them are on a poly base in the back that is giving a lot of stability. They are in development at many brands and they  will be in the market in January. In general they are 60% indigo yarn, 30% Poly or Nylon and 10% Spandax.

Do you think this direction could take a sizeable portion of denim market in coming times ?

It is very early to forecast the size of this business, for sure we need to have a test in the market but I feel it will be really big. This is a product that can be very important and be used from denim brands but also for sport brands. In addition we don`t have to forget that making a legging is much cheaper then making a Jean. So for sure they will be an opening price that naturally will generate a serious volume. What I have in my mind is that in the future could be 30% of the women denim business.

You are often referred to as ‘Godfather of Denim’. What do you think about the broad directions the industry seems to be taking.

I don`t care about how they call me.. What I care is about bringing more interest and business to our industry. I feel that this new direction will add a lot to our segment. We don`t have to forget that today we are under "attack" from the sport giants and new sport brands and I feel that is crucial to have anadequate answer and get back our market.

Eco Sustainability – it seems to be becoming a buzzword in denim . Though brands/retailers like Levi’s ,M&S and H&M are taking it seriously still a very small portion of world denim is eco friendly.  Do you think we might reach a stage in next few years where a small % of total denim would be eco sustainable making a visible impact on the environment..

Regarding eco sustainability, we started small and it will be big as long we all understand that it is not just a marketing tool but a practice that we use every day in everything we do. It is our next big challenge and we need to be winners.

Samurai Jeans has always been considered a leader in bringing out such outrageous jeans and is closely followed by denim brands like Iron heart. In this article we are featuring one of their latest , and limited edition , jeans which have been created on their 15th anniversary to cater to their die hard fans.

Features

• Model Name : S5000VX25oz-15TH
• Type : Limited Edition 15th Anniversary Model
• *Each pair serial numbered on the patch
• 25oz Samurai Original Japanese selvage denim
• 100% Cotton. Pure Indigo
• Raw / Unwashed (will shrink approx. 4-6% with washing)
• Available at BIG at around $430.

Front pocket bags have an original Jacquard pattern interwoven with thin Beige threads which reads “Shogyo Mujo” (諸行無常), a basic belief principle that all things of this world are transient and impermanent; also translated as “Everything is transient and always changing” or “All Things Change”.

The rivets are made of copper with the underside of the front rivets reading サムライ “Samurai” . The selvage ID contains strands of metallic lamé symbolizing the sword which the samurai possesses. The S5000VX25oz uses gold lamé so it is also referred to as “Golden Sword Selvage“. Golden Steel tack buttons at the fly give that golden look .

FDMTL – with a long complete name of Full Agreement Luxury-
is a denim label from Tokyo, Japan which aims to be differentiate itself from other brands in Japan. While most brands in Japan focus on Raw denim, FDMIL’s main emphasis is on distressed denims. They also work out interesting and not so regular looks with their denims. We spoke to the founder and creative designer Tsuyoshi Gaku to know more about the label.
When we asked him about the concept behind his label and its long name, he described :

“FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT LUXURY” produces mainly denim garments which are made in the world-wide manufacturing capital for denim Okayama, Japan Their uncompromising products are carefully made with such incredible detail that is difficult to obtain by mass production means.The brand name is derived from the literal interpretation of its words. FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT = having a basic agreement with our customers to provide them with quality product. Our promise. LUXURY = suggests that our product is a cut above the rest in every way”

To stress further the make of the brand , he further said :

“FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT LUXURY denim is “JAPAN MADE”. This includes the fabric, sewing and manufacturing. The vast knowledge and experience from skilled workmen is put into each product, resulting in detailed special product that you can ‘ t achieve through mass production.

Check out their video on jeans manufacturing here

When we wanted to clarify with him the reason for focusing on distressed denim while most Japanese brands tend to be oriented towards raw denim, he said:

“I like jeans because i think jeans is an industrial product just like TV, iPod etc ,but at the same time, jeans are more like creatures ,because they change…depending on the shape of the person who wears etc…i like the distressing process, and this is why i’m making distress jeans, but i would say it’s an aging jeans jeans in which you can feel the background. And our customers are quite comfortable in distressed jeans. …..All our jeans are hand made, we use small machines too, but work with hands too. For the sewing process, we use vintage sewing machines too – Union Special machines. And the distressing is done by hands and not large laundries.

For its FW’13 collection, FDMTL follows two concepts –

• Bi color
• Military

Putting 2 or more kinds of fabric together and trying to show new feeling of fabrics is what is the focus for this collection as per Tsuyoshi Gaku . He further says

“i like making clothing only with denim fabric, but for the current season most items are made with the combination of some kinds of fabrics…”.

Looks from part of his collection follow . The bi-color and bi-fabric combinations are particularly interesting in some of them especially where military fabrics have been conjoined with the denim fabrics. Distressing on some of the jeans is quite intricate and the hard work appreciable. The retail price point of FDML range from $150-$350 .

3D Construction
In contrast to conventional flat denim with simple leg construction, the A-Crotch has an extra inner leg panel and a dart at the knee. This construction creates the ‘A’ symbol from which the pant takes its name and creates a more ergonomic fit and distinctive profile.
Back Pockets
The rear looks different !. To reflect the pants unconventional design, the rear pockets of the A-Crotch are angular and exaggerated. Each pocket carries the symbol of the A-Crotch: the letter ‘A’ in contrast double-stitch.

A Complete Line The iconic A-Crotch has now been translated into an entire range of denim shirts and jackets. Every piece includes the distinctive A-Crotch pocket and 3D construction.

The 3D approach that started with the G-Star Elwood in 1996, the original A-Crotch was introduced in 2000. The panel inserted on the inside of the leg creates a 3D silhouette, which is further articulated by the horizontal seam (a dart) on the inside leg panel.

A-Crotch Taperd in lexicon denim, dark aged destroy

A crotch taperd, dekay denim, medium aged.

Note the A pocket stitch, coin pocket at waistband and angular belt loop detailIn a denim fabric featuring a grey cast and defined high-low contrast fading finished with mustaches and crinkling effects. Some great washing effects indeed ! The following A crotch jeans in :
Loose fit: Loose fit at waist and hip, with wide leg from thigh to knee. Long rise at front and back.
Fabric: 3×1 right hand twill, 12 oz. 100% cotton. Dark aged.

The following jeans in a high density broken twill with a red-blue cast. The destroyed finish features repaired holes with paint, rust and oil spot, and fray and abrasion at pockets and fly.
Loose fit: Loose fit at waist and hip, with wide leg from thigh to knee. Long rise at front and back.
Fabric: 3×1 right hand twill, 12 oz. 100% cotton. Medium aged destroy.

Some A crotch looks on the runway.

Womens

A-CROTCH 3D LOOSE TAPERED WMN

There are also A-Crotch designs for the women with elongated back pockets and unique A-line construction for a sturdy feminine look.In a dark aged denim with good stretchability and recovery. The denim features a special deep blue green cast derived from the combination of dark gray weft, blue warp and colour coating applied to the surface.Loose tapered fit: Loose fit at waist, hip and thigh; tapered from knee to ankle. Low waist and dropped crotch.
Fabric: Comfort shell denim, ring/ring spun 3×1 right hand twill. 9.75 oz. 98% cotton and 2% elastane.
Wash: Dark aged.

The surface of this next 3D raw denim is deep and saturated blue with a red cast. This quality offers a clean and contemporary look with an excellent stretch and recovery.
Loose tapered fit: Loose fit at waist, hip and thigh; tapered from knee to ankle. Low waist and dropped crotch.
Fabric: 3×1 right hand twill. 10.5 oz. 92.5% cotton 6% polyester 1.5% elastane. 3D raw

A-Crotch 3d looses tapered, dekay denim, medium aged

World Denim Production and Consumption Report

Would you like to own one of these vintage jeans ?

And what if you found that these jeans do not fade further ?

And that  these are actually not jeans  made of denim fabrics??

These are actually made up of uniquely digitally printed fleece and according to Stylesight , are talk of the Japanese blogging world.  This is a collection by the Talk About The Abstraction  and made with a theme derived from vintage denim.  Also see report by Slamxhype .
Though not actually not denim, the product is expected to be a hit with digital printing technology bringing great new looks to a  simple fleece product. Soft feel of the fleece fabric will further add attraction to this product. 
So we have another cool product Inspired By Denim  and will hopefully keep on having many such innovations dropping in at regular intervals. However, none of these products threaten the denim domain as long as technology to dye and process denim remains as expensive as it is today.