#Denim

2022-11-17

75 diamonds for 75 years: Wrangler® to auction custom belt buckle in support of next generation cowboy & cowgirl

Global denim icon Wrangler® announced today the digital auction of a one-of-one belt buckle hand-crafted by legendary buckle and jewelry company Montana Silversmiths®, which costs more than $40,000 in celebration of the brand’s diamond anniversary. Wrangler will donate 100% of all proceeds to Western Sports Foundation and Lead Changes, two independent non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the western way of life.

All proceeds generated by the diamond-encrusted showpiece will benefit nonprofits focused on cultivating youth participation in the western lifestyle and sport of rodeo.

“Wrangler has drawn inspiration from the code of the west since its inception in 1947, and we couldn’t be more excited to honor our roots by working to preserve the culture and heritage of the great American cowboy,” said Allen Montgomery, vice president western and workwear – Wrangler. “We couldn’t think of a better finale to our 75th anniversary than working with two incredible organizations that are dedicated to empowering youth through embracing the power of the Cowboy Spirit."

Celebrating the beauty and originality of the buckle and the legends who represent the spirit of the west, a “Hands of Wrangler” photo series on @wrangler and @wranglernetwork social channels will highlight the buckle’s tour across the U.S. to meet iconic brand ambassadors of past and present, including Cody Johnson, JB Mauney, Leon Bridges and more.

With Wrangler celebrating 75 years, bidding opens today at a fitting $7,500 for the 6.34-carat buckle featuring 75 diamonds, yellow gold, blue topaz and sterling silver accents. Facilitated by WSMAuctioneers.com, a premier digital auction platform, the sale will support the missions of the selected charities, with earnings split evenly between the two.

For Western Sports Foundation and Lead Changes, in-person training events and camps play a significant role in connecting young people with the values and lifestyle of the west. Proceeds from this charitable auction will help facilitate these touchpoints and continue cultivating well-rounded cowboys and cowgirls for the future.

The auction will be live through December 30, 2022, at 5 p.m. and the winner will be announced in January 2023. To learn more about the Wrangler 75th Anniversary diamond belt buckle, visit WSM.com and wranglernetwork.com.

Kontoor Brands announces USD300 Million share repurchase program

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB), a global lifestyle apparel company, with a portfolio led by two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Wrangler® and Lee®, today reported that the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $300 million of the Company’s common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces the existing share repurchase program announced on August 5, 2021.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

Techtextil 2026 recognition for the UK’s FET

Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will receive the Techtextil 2026 New Production Technology Innovation Award at next week’s Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21-24). The Leeds-based member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has developed the FET-500, a new toxic solvent-free gel small scale system for the production of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Lower CO2, stronger bonds: Indorama Ventures enables customers’ performance at Techtextil

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Indorama Ventures presents its latest material innovations aimed at supporting customers in achieving both performance and sustainability targets. The company highlights solutions based on recycled and bio-based raw materials as well as advanced binder fibers, addressing current market demands for lower CO₂ emissions, improved efficiency, and reliable supply.

Stylish design made from sustainable materials – two DITF research projects receive Techtextil Innovation Awards

Materials made from domestic, renewable raw materials reduce CO₂ emissions, prevent microplastics from entering the environment, and close the material cycle. The German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are developing nature-based alternatives to synthetically produced and predominantly petroleum-based materials. Two research projects have received a prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award. NUO Flexholz and the lignin-coated material FormLig demonstrate that sustainable concepts can meet high standards of functionality and design. Both projects were carried out in close collaboration with industry.