From 24 to 25 October, the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam (NL) was once again a major attraction for denim specialists from the Benelux and neighbouring countries. Embedded in the Amsterdam Denim Days 2018, the event enabled buyers and creative minds to meet with reputed international denim makers and finishers, predominantly from Asia and Turkey, as well as trimmings manufacturers and fibre specialists such as Invista and Lenzing. However, the early timing of the fair prevented some Italian denim weavers from taking part because their collections were not yet sufficiently advanced.

For Andreas Eickelmann, owner of German textiles agency Onetex, which distributes the denims of Chinese company Foshan Seazon Textile and Garment Co., Ltd throughout Europe, Kingpins has become Europe’s most important trade fair and information platform for denim. He praised the mix of exhibitors comprising high-quality denim manufacturers from all over the world, the Dutch location of Amsterdam with its denim school and the many brands that the Netherlands has brought forth. Michael Feller, owner of the eponymous German agency, described it in the following words: “In recent years, the Kingpins Show has steadily evolved into the ‘number one’ denim fair.”

Soorty, Pakistan’s biggest denim producer, was one of many exhibitors who were already singing its praises after just one day. The company was delighted to meet important customers there, also from Germany. The Rudolf Group, which is based in Geretsried (D) and specialises in chemical finishes, showcased sustainable finishes for innovative, but also everyday denim looks. “The topic of sustainability obviously pervades everything and is becoming ever more important,” emphasises Michael Feller. He also believes that pure and sturdy Levi’s 501 denim will be in greater demand towards the summer of 2020, along with the Salt and Pepper look. Lightweight, stretch and soft handles continue into the summer.