#Denim

2022-09-22

Music and denim collided during New York Fashion Week with the launch of Wrangler® and Leon Bridges Collab

Last week, during New York Fashion Week, Wrangler® hosted an intimate event with Grammy Award-winning recording artist Leon Bridges as part of a yearlong 75th-anniversary celebration, debuting a soulful collaboration nodding to silhouettes from the brand’s iconic archives and Bridges’ personal style. With each piece in the collection telling a different story, the Leon Bridges x Wrangler Collection was teased at Baby’s All Right in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Bridges brought his authentic Texas roots to the occasion, sharing an intimate performance from his latest album with invite-only guests. He also described the inspiration behind the collaboration, which he provided creative direction for while on tour, revealing how the designs nod to urban and contemporary music culture alongside the time-honored western aesthetics of Wrangler.

After the performance, Wrangler unveiled their one-and-only Legendary-Tier NFT, which was sold via an online auction. This NFT drop follows the spring release of the digitally animated Icon-Tier NFTs featuring Bridges’ dance moves. The auction winner received a custom-crafted retro-futuristic suitcase that holds one of the two custom Wrangler denim suits in existence, the other in Bridges’ private clothing collection. Stitched together with hidden digital content, the winner has exclusive access to content and holds the accompanying 1-of-1 digital NFT, representing ownership of this work of art on the blockchain, which will live exclusively on LTD.INC’s platform.

The Leon Briges x Wrangler Collection will be released later this month and available on Wrangler.com and select major retailers.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

Eastman Naia™ debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam, transforming Denim from the inside out

At Kingpins Amsterdam (April 15–16, 2026), Naia™ by Eastman Chemical Company makes its debut, presenting its approach to circularity and comfort in denim at Stand 1, Ground Level (Blue Area). The brand also highlights its growing global ecosystem, connecting mill partners, designers and brands working to expand denim possibilities through fiber innovation.

ISKO introduces a new chapter of denim innovation at Kingpins Amsterdam with FW 27/28

At Kingpins Amsterdam, ISKO presents its latest FW27/28 collection, a forward-looking exploration of denim that merges advanced color technologies, innovative fabric engineering, and contemporary finishing techniques. Designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry, the collection reflects ISKO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of authenticity, performance, and responsible innovation, while also embracing a strong lifestyle perspective.

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.