1. We understand Calik is inviting 30 Designers from different parts of globe for a project. Can you explain about this project and what Calik aims to achieve with it ?

As we approached our 30th anniversary we wanted to create a special project inspired by denim’s ubiquitous nature in both fashion but also across so many different aspects of our lives. And as a youthful and innovative brand with a passion for denim, we also wanted to celebrate and support upcoming young talent in the industry – hence how the idea for our “Denim Loves Art” exhibition came into being. Collaborating with 30 young talented international designers seemed the perfect way to celebrate 30 years.

To mark our three decades of Çalık Denim, we started by inviting young designers from around the world to create their own unique denim-inspired artworks for our three international exhibitions in Istanbul, Amsterdam and LA. We had a lot of designers interested in submitting projects from an array of leading design schools such as Parsons, AMFI, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, FIDM and Hannover University. As we had so much interest, the 30 projects for the exhibition were selected by our international jury, namely Dio Kurazawa, Lucia Rosin and myself. An important part of the project for us was being able to support the designers throughout the whole process – by providing the fabrics, support for their production of the art works and their travel to the three events.

The final 30 denim creations are really outstanding – each piece is so unique and creative, reflecting all the different places and cultures that the designers come from around the world. We feel really proud to have collaborated with such talented young people and their work highlights just how much denim is interwoven into every aspect of our lives because as well as clothing, we had a variety of submissions including denim furniture, accessories, shoes, bags and rugs.The Denim Loves Art exhibition first opened to great acclaim in Istanbul on 11th October. We then moved onto Amsterdam, where we collaborated with Kingpins, on 25th and 26th October – and we will be now be relocating to the USA for the finale of these three special events celebrating Calik Denim’s 30th anniversary in Los Angeles on 6th December 2017.

2. As Calik Denim is celebrating its 30th Year, How do you see ,as an organisation its journey till date ?

At 30 years, we feel proud to have built one of the world’s leading denim producing brands – one that is both innovative and dynamic but also deep-rooted and socially and environmentally responsible. It’s been a real journey from our beginnings in Turkey supplying the domestic market in the 1980s when it was virtually impossible to find any blue jeans in the country; to today becoming a global leader of premium denim exporting to the world’s most prestigious denim brands in more than 40 countries. At the heart of our journey and its success is a combination of a really outstanding young and dynamic team, the power of technology and being committed to investing in our future over the years.

Our 30^th anniversary milestone is also a chance for us to look forward to the next 30 years – and so it was the perfect time for us to launch a new brand identity that really gets to the essence of who we are. It’s the result of our collaboration with a marketing company and detailed research into the views of the Çalık Denim team, suppliers, customers and key players in the industry – to really define our DNA, who we are and what’s important to us – which is to always be striving for better, to spearhead innovation and creating a better future for all. That’s how we arrived at our new motto “Ever Evolving”.

Indeed, throughout our 30 years in the denim sector, we have pioneered many world-first high-tech fabrics with our innovations in production technology:

High resistance denim fabrics, Retina (the application of warp thread coating), Natural Antibiotic denim fabric (the integration of Aloe Vera micro beads), Outlast Denim (with a Thermo-climatic effect), Elastech and Oxygene technologies. As we continue on our journey we’ll be “Ever Evolving” with every step that we take, striving always to innovate for better.

3. ​Turkish companies have been producing the best denim fabric in the world and out of many reputed denim mills including Calik, ISKO, Orta, Bossa. Denim carries its own unique identity , what makes you different from others ?

We believe we are the leaders in terms of innovation. As our new brand image attests to, we are always innovating with both technology and our work processes to help our clients grow further and really stand out with their products. We believe that as we stride into the future we will continue to make further gains with our new strong global Çalık Denim brand and a work model that aims always to innovate for better.

4. What are the future plans of Calik Denim , in terms of Capacities, client focus, expansion and Technological Advancements.

We now have ever greater capacity as a result of our $120m investment over the past seven years. As we look to the future we will be looking to increase our capacity even further to 60m metres with another $120m investment between 2018 and 2021. As we mentioned, we currently export to 40 countries, with our main markets being the USA and Europe. With our increased capacity and continued innovations and added value. One of our key aims in the long term is to grow our market share in the Far East.

As well as focussing on innovation, we also highly value the partnerships we have and what they mean for our brand. It’s important that the end-consumer also gets a sense of the “Çalık Denim” mark of quality with our innovative and hi-tech denim products. That’s why we’re also developing several partnerships with international brands and with fashion and design schools. In the long term our goal is for the consumer to want their jeans produced with Çalık Denim fabric; as well as for design student to be familiar with the Çalık Denim brand when they graduate so that they choose to work with our fabrics as they develop their careers.

5. Apart from US and EU do you see any region which is important for you as a premium denim mill ?

As well as America and Europe, we believe East Asia is one of the most important regions in the world for premium denim production – in part due to its size and interest in fashion, with Japan having a special place as a global trendsetter; but also due to the brands and producers that already exist there.

6. We understand you have initiated several steps for sustainability. Do you really think they help you in reaching out to new customers and cover the additional costs. Do explain something about these initiatives.

From the very first day of setting up Çalık Denim, corporate responsibility and ethical values have been an integral part of who we are and what we do. Our aim is to be a company that adds value to economic, environmental and social realms with our sustainable approach and thus we carry out an array of activities and investments in the field of sustainable development in both the national and international arenas. We are receptive to the needs and priorities of our internal and external stakeholders and provide an environment that is respectful of the rights and thoughts of everyone in our team.

In terms of specific actions, we as Çalık Denim work hard to reduce our environmental impact at every stage of the production process, from the collection of raw materials to the production, distribution and recycling, to which our international certificates in this field attest to. We are constantly monitoring and evaluating all aspects of our business, to foresee and prevent any negative effects on our staff, clients or the society at large – including assessing and managing any possible environmental risks through our advanced R&D, system improvements and product development programs.

We’re also working hard to develop sustainable products for our clients and the customer. With our new more environmentally friendly production processes we use fewer resources and we have been able to create new product lines that have created new demand as well as garnering a lot of interest from sustainable and mainstream fashion brands. For instance, our Oxygene concept launched a new era in sustainability in the sector as we use less energy and water, fewer chemicals and it takes less time to produce – thus significantly reducing its environmental impact. We are proud of the impact not only we have had within our company and sector but also the wider industry as many textile and clothing producers are now following our lead and investing in sustainable methods. In addition we will be publishing our first standalone CSR report in the first quarter of 2018.

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

Orta, the Turkish denim mill, brings out an innovative denim collection – ORTA BLUFREQUENCY – for the SS’17 season. The collection comprises some high tech fabrics aimed to appeal to the technology driven generation. The company aims the collection to be a sustainable, technology driven product and targets it for smart city residents of tomorrow.

In Orta’s own words

“ORTA’s immersive technology, ORTABLUFREQUENCY aims to sense our skin’s frequency and responds in harmony. It is embedded in the denim fibers that support our body. These fibers “feel” what is happening around us, detecting any movement in our physiology. In other words, movement is translated by ORTA’s adaptİve stretch patterns, enacted by human body. Our body’s frequency describes the field of energy and information that surrounds and interpenetrates the surface of our skin. ORTABLUFREQUENCY ultimately adapts to our movement and allows the smart fibers to resonate with our skin’s frequency. Frequency changes everything. ORTABLUFREQUENCY responds to our behaviour. It impacts the way we feel and the way we move every day. With it, we feel taller, slimmer and more alive. ORTABLUFREQUENCY resonates with the collective and senses the frequency. It is the ultimate feeling of the sound of blue. ORTABLUFREQUENCY denim is a catalyst, an energetic exchange that responds to our movement and surroundings.”

SYMBIOSIS

A unique concept designed by ORTA with Emana® technology, Symbiosis is built with yarn made of polyamide with bioactive crystals, absorbing heat and transforming it into long infrared rays. The rays interact with the body, stimulating the skin. The effect,as per ORTA, helps in feeling taller, slimmer and more alive.Bio-Kinetic Denim absorbs body heat and returns it in the form of far infrared rays to improve the appearance of the skin.ORTA claims that  Bio-Kinetic Denim delivers a constant bioactivity, taking care of  the body even when you’re not!  Bio-Kinetic Denim is constructed with Emana® Black, the dark and stylish edition of Emana®, a polyamide 6.6-based smart yarn with incorporated bioactive minerals. By absorbing body heat, these minerals emanates far infrared rays back to the skin improving its firmness and reducing its imperfections.

Bio-Kinetic Denim allows for improving blood microcirculation in the skin as per the company and helps in ;

• increasing elasticity, tonicity and softness of the skin;
• reducing cutaneous imperfections and orange peel skin;

In order to achieve the aesthetic results, it is recommended to wear Bio-Kinetic Denim with Emana® Black for at least 30 consecutive days, 6 hours daily.

AMPLIFY

Amplify features a multi-directional “Cognitive Stretch” built with ORTA’s new smart fibers. The perfect denim to push past limitations with high authenticity and recovery coupled with a zero-gravity feeling. The fabrics are designed to be high stretch and high recovery.

OCTAVE

Octave defines denim equilibrium from heat to sleet. and  can be broken down into three distinct summer flavors:
Black Iceâ„¢– reflects the power of the sun, utilizing a permanent UV protection factor over 30.
White Lightâ„¢ – acts as an external guard against liquids
Cool Airâ„¢ – keeps the wearer dry on the inside with moisture wicking qualities.

REVERB

Reverb brings together vintage authenticity and looks with modern functionality. Featuring that cloudy salt and pepper aesthetic of a well worn pair without the stiffness of outdated denims, with Cognitive Stretchâ„¢

SYNTHESIS

Synthesis soothes the skin when the heat blankets our bodies, providing temperature control for the summer months. Utilizing a combination of lightweight elasticity and alchemic fabrication, ORTA says that  the denim hugs the body with a gentle touch, making fun in the sun last all day long.

VAPOR

A cure-all for the consumer who wants everything and won’t settle for less. Luxuriously light and comfortable, Vapor offers a kind of freedom to go with the wind, permeating even the most inaccessible reaches of our world with ease.

Mavi has teamed up with ORTA to protect endangered sea turtles by supporting the Ecological Research Society’s (EKAD) Indigo Turtles project.Mavi, designer of contemporary denim styles inspired by the Mediterranean spirit, and Orta Anadolu, developer of innovative denim fabrics – both from Turkey – have joined forces to unite sea turtles – also called Indigo Turtles because of their color-  with their natural habitat.

The Indigo Turtles project aims to protect two species of sea turtles native to the Mediterranean, Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas, each of which has been navigating the earth for over a hundred million years. The project kicked off last year, helping fifteen thousand hatchling turtles reach the relative safety of the sea. Facing many difficulties, only forty percent of hatchling turtles reach the water and only one in a thousand survive there after. The Indigo Turtles project not only offers the little turtles hands-on help in the field, but also utilizes its  network to raise awareness about the problem and its potential solutions.

Along with hundreds of university volunteers, customers and followers, Mavi and ORTA employees join EKAD’s efforts in Belek, near Antalya/Turkey, from June to September. Volunteers from around the world help hatchlings climb out of their nests and begin their journey towards the open ocean.

One T-shirt, ten sea turtles!

Mavi has also created a special t-shirt for supporting this activity. Every purchase of a Mavi Indigo Turtle t-shirt can possibly safeguard the lives of ten baby sea turtles and makes a contribution to the Mediterranean basin. The t-shirts will generate resources to protect fifteen thousand hatchlings from four hundred nests. Indigo Turtles T-shirts are available online in Mavi USA

Some Facts On Indigo Turtles

• The Ecological Research Society (EKAD) was established by academics, most of whom are specialists on biodiversity and natural conservation

• The sea turtles have great importance for the Mediterranean’s marine and shoreline ecosystems, and a large proportion of Mediterranean sea turtle’s nesting grounds are on Turkey’s beaches

• It takes fifteen years for a turtle to reach reproductive maturity. Providing a secure environment for them to mature in is vital for the Mediterranean’s ecology

• In a secure environment, sea turtles live an average of sixty years.

• Turtles spend most of their lives at sea. Only female sea turtles return to the beaches where they hatched to dig nests and lay eggs

• As most of their time is spent at feeding sites and on over-wintering migration, sea turtles generally nest only once every three years
• On average, a female sea turtle lays three thousand two hundred eggs and builds forty nests in her lifetime

ORTA, Turkey , brings out a new angle to sustainability with their VEGAN Denim, a collection of denim fabrics produced exclusively with vegetable and natural dyestuff at an industrial scale.

What makes the concept special is its unique dyeing methodology that has never been applied at industry scale before. ORTA claims that it is the first in the industry to produce fabric using this method at an industrial scale with VEGAN Denim.

The art of dyeing is as old as human civilization. Man learnt to use different kinds of natural coloring agents to dye cloths. The major obstacle for dyeing fabric with natural dyestuff has been the difficulty in producing good color intensity and shade consistency. This problem was due to the vegetal dyestuff’s lack of efficacy when applied to cotton.

Orta has developed a new dyeing technique that thoroughly overcomes the problems of affinity and consistency. As a result of long-term research and study, this technology ensures an increase in affinity of dyestuff to cotton. The results show greater stability and consistency in dyeing. Thanks to the VEGAN methodology, it is easy to obtain intense shades in both vegetal indigo and natural colors. ORTA VEGAN Denim is an effort by the company towards sustainability. A responsible product, ORTA VEGAN Denim seems to uses less water, less energy and fewer chemicals than conventional dyeing methods. As per the company , the energy consumed is 30%less ,the water consumption is 70 lt less/kg fabric.

ORTA has obtained a legal patent for the process and it is subsidized by European Union Research Funds.

GreenScreen

Orta Anadolu and Garmon Chemicals join forces to be the first in the industry to apply the GreenScreen® methodology on denim fabrics.

Environmental solutions are required as a response to game-changing business transformations that are starting to take place in the apparel industry. Those changes are driven by an increasing pressure coming from public opinion asking the textile industry for a way more ethical approach. To retain their positions of strength, fashion / lifestyle brands and industrial actors alike nowadays have to re-think the level of responsibility of the chemistry present on their products and prioritize it alongside the consumer insights and technical expertise required to conceive and produce the innovative products they need. This has allowed Garmon Chemicals and Orta Anadolu to pioneer a successful breakthrough approach to a new breed of highly conscious denim materials.

“GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals” is a revolutionary, publicly available and transparent chemical hazard screening method developed by the NGO “Clean Production Action” (CPA) to help our society move quickly and effectively towards the use of greener and safer chemicals. It’s an assessing methodology purely based on toxicology and aimed at identifying safer chemicals.

Garmon Chemicals is the first company to have obtained GreenScreen® certification on a large number amount of their chemicals and currently leads the way, by far, in garment processing. Orta Anadolu has decided to pioneer the adoption of garment chemistry onto textile, leading to the development of denim fabric advancements. Orta Anadolu and Garmon Chemicals, through their GreenScreen® collaboration, pave a new way of working based on the simultaneous presence of very diverse disciplines. This cross-functionality is efficiently used to generate new knowledge and set an example to follow.

Orta Anadolu launched its sustainability division ‘OrtaBlu’ in 2010 in order to communicate company’s sustainability efforts and to promote responsible production plus lifestyles. Garmon sets its ecological standards by sustainability by innovation and efficiency. The company believes that sustainability brings the opportunity to innovate and become a pioneer in textile industry and builds greater emotional connection between brand and the community. Being well aware of these facts, and Orta Anadolu and Garmon Chemicals volunteered for the environmental missionary as they burden to introduce GreenScreen® Methodology.

Greenscreen finished products are not a specific collection but are for the customers who request for the same. Currently mainly chemicals used in finishing are certified and it is hoped that later the indigo and other chemicals used in dyeing could also be certified.

I asked Ebru Ozaydin , marketing manager at Orta Anadolu , if using such technologies will make difference to sustainability and if the customers are ready to pay extra for such products. She replied

“We always believe our industry can find greener and safer solutions and create awareness for the end consumer.That is why we established our sustainability division 5 years ago. It is not only Vegan Denim or GreenScreen finished products but also other best practices such as Better Cotton, AlchemyOne…
We can not ask the cost of sustainability from the end consumer, it is more of a culture, a philosophy, an approach, seeing the overall picture and being aware of the realities while doing business and try to come up with better solutions. And it is the responsibility of all members in the supply chain. The customer is now more aware, knowledgeable and asks for more, better, safer, cleaner.I think we’re far from the point thinking that it is a marketing gimmick. On the contrary, it is a necessity.”

Arctic Whites

“Capturing the golden age of aviation in the 1920’s and 30’s, and the spirit, elegance and romance of the first female pilots that took to the skies. The courage and style of heroines such as Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson became Orta’s inspiration. This concept brings together original antique aviation clothing from The Vintage Showroom’s collection with Orta’s fabrics to create a wardrobe fit. Arctic Whites uses the shades of glaciers of the Arctic Ocean. Beautiful stone wash finishes, dirty off whites and greys capture the drama of this landscape of shadow and light while perfectly showcasing the fabrics chosen for the concept.”

Body Science

“In this concept, Orta used science to create a kind of denim that fits for everybody’s desire. With high stretch and great recovery, it’s flexible to your needs and has the endurance to keep up. Incredibly soft to the touch and luxurious against the skin, it offers you the comforts of home no matter where you go and what you do. Body Science knows how to keep you happy. With a dressy silhouette, impeccable drape and uncommon luster, it helps you look your best and lets you shine like the star you are.”

Comfort Squared

“A new stretch technology developed by Orta for men to feel good to look good. Comfort Square creates a better range of motion for active men who require both form and function simultaneously in their daily wardrobe. Prorating the total 40% stretch in both warp and weft direction ensures good elasticity, whilst maintaining a denim look.”

Fitswell

“The concept of Fits Well is devoted to an active lifestyle,comfortable and stylish enough for long days, and sharp enough for the nights that follow. Developed for both men and women, FitsWell yields freedom of motion. The highly engineered constructions are designed for a super slimming effect, whilst pampering your skin. Lift technology, defines the silhouette and retains its shape throughout the day. The micro PES fiber features amazing fluidity as well as incredible softness and moreover, Fits Well is a performance plus denim concept thanks to duo-core technology.”

Rebel Blues

“From Marlon Brando to James Dean, Ginsberg to Kerouac, the legacy of the 1950’s rebellious spirit still stands strong. The legacy of the rebellious youth is still very much with us everywhere from classic cars to motorcycles, basket houses to dive bars. Rebel Blues shows the heritage fabrics in Orta’s collection and their roots in this era. Playing with iconic 50’s biker rebel figures whilst reinterpreting classic silhouettes with vintage inspired washes to showcase the fabrics.”

Round Midnight

“Round Midnight is a modern nod to the rock icons of the 60’s and 70’s. The 60’s and 70’s were a time of great change in the world, particularly in fashion. This change is personified by the rock icons of the time. From classic front men like Morrison, Jagger and Hendrix to punk bands like The Clash and The Ramones. ‘Round Midnight is a modern nod to these musical innovators.Developed for both men and women, it is a mix of breathable comfort underneath, with bold and sleek coatings on top. There are three new coatings: Glaze (soft feeling with a leather-like shine), Haze (smooth matte for a smart casual look with clean twill lines) and Craze(subtle, natural shine which develops a unique character with wear). This collection, designed by Serdar Uzuntas, is as wild and fresh as its inspiration.”

• The Global Lifestyle Monitor survey found that Turkish consumers shop more often for clothes than their European counterparts and agree about the value of durable apparel and good prices.
• 65% of Turkish shoppers say they love or enjoy wearing denim.
• Younger consumers are more likely than older consumers to say they love or enjoy wearing denim (76% versus 49%).
• Turkish consumers own an average of eight denim garments, five of which are denim jeans. When compared to the U.S. and Europe, denim ownership is lower among consumers in Turkey.
• However, younger Turkish consumers’ denim ownership is more in line with their European counterparts, as they own more denim garments (10 versus 7) and jeans (6 versus 4) than older Turks.
• Overall, Turkish consumers’ denim wardrobes are less fragmented than the denim wardrobes of consumers in the U.S. and Europe; two-thirds of Turkish consumers’ denim wardrobes are dedicated to jeans, compared to 45% in the U.S. and 43% in Europe.

The Turkish consumers reduced their purchase from unorganized retail – as happens in most economies which are growing fast. In 2012, 32% of Turkish consumers shopped at unorganized retail channels, down significantly from 41% in 2008. Specialty stores, where 43% of Turkish consumers purchase most of their clothing, are the most popular shopping destinations.

However, internet shopping is still nascent and at a miniscule 1%..

The consumers also showed their preference for cotton clothes but at 75% of consumers saying so, it was significantly lower than those from countries like Germany and UK where almost 85-90% consumers want Cotton…!!

Turkish Exports of Denim Fabric / Mens and Women’s Jeans to US and EU