Introducing: Kingpins 2029, The Transformers

The denim industry must undergo a massive transformation in order to ensure its successful survival by the year 2029, argues Andrew Olah, the founder of boutique denim trade fair Kingpins. Therefore, in order to kick-start this much needed change the trade fair's organization is set to launch a new concept for its exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York and Amsterdam, dubbed 'The Transformers.'

Set to debut during the Amsterdam Denim Days on April 17, in collaboration with House of Denim, the Dutch platform for craftsmanship and innovation in the denim industry, which includes the School of Jeans, the new concept incorporates a conference programme which focuses sharing knowledge gathered by denim professionals who are dedicated to creating, implementing and sharing the changes that need to happen to make the denim industry environmentally friendly, socially responsible and financially sound in 2029.

"Our concept is that jeans industry must undergo a sea change if we want to be around in 2029," explained Andrew Olah, founder of Kingpins and The Transformers. "The Transformers are those along the supply chain that recognize that we must evolve and invent new and better ways to do everything from making dye stuffs to making fibers, weaving fabrics to laundering and finishing and everything in between." The inaugural event will focus on the use of water in the denim industry and consist of a two-part panel discussion on water usage during the production process of jeans.

"A pair of jeans requires huge amounts of water in all stages of the manufacturing process. Transformers are those who offer us new technologies and alternative practices to significantly reduce the jean industry’s water usage," added Mariette Hoitink, co-founder House of Denim. "We must actively pursue, explore and develop these techniques."

During the conference, topics such as fibers, fabrics and finishes will also be covered. Participating denim companies include Crailar from Canada, ITV Denim from Italy and Royo from Spain.