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$3.99 VOLUME 82, NUMBER 7 AUGUST 7, 2026

INDUSTRY FOCUS: DENIM

Adding Affordability Into the Denim Mix Amid Economic Challenges By Dorothy Crouch Contributing Writer

The working-class origins of denim eventually bled into the culture of rebels and misfits—a far cry from high price points. Once denim became stylish, rising price points placed it farther from its humble beginnings. There is now denim across all fashion categories and retail pricing. Its versatility, durability and status as a fashion staple make it one of the most ubiquitous options for apparel. For denim and apparel insiders, from discount retailers to luxury fashion houses, this category might seem to be an easy sell during times of economic hardship, but convincing consumers to part with their hard-earned cash remains difficult. California Apparel News asked denim experts: What are the best solutions to present affordable options in the denim space amid global tariffs and challenged economies?

What are the best solutions to present affordable options in the denim space amid global tariffs and challenged economies?

Urbane Legend With By Louis, the moniker for the celebrated Louis Verdad’s newest collection, the designer dug deep into his archives to reimagine them with today’s trends in mind. “It’s oxygen for people like me,” Verdad said. “It’s the desire of continuously creating. It’s the idea that every day you come to a place and make something new.” For more looks, see page 3.

VINTAGEFX SPONSORED BY LYCRA® VINTAGEFX FIBER ➥ Denim page 4

INSIDE:

Where fashion gets down to business SM

2 Textile, sourcing shows report ... page 2

TONY DURAN

Inside the Industry ... page 2 Louis Verdad Fall ’26 collection ... page 3 www.apparelnews.net

TRADE-SHOW REPORT

Texworld and Apparel Sourcing provided inspiration and education during the July 21–23 Los Angeles edition at the California Market Center, which featured educational sessions such as “From Innovation to Adoption:

Inside the Industry

Scaling Next-Gen Bio-Based Materials From Innovation to Retail Reality” (pictured top left), an array of exhibitors such as Moda Style with Texlabel (center bottom), and trend installations.

L.A. Sourcing, Textile Shows Provide Greater Options By Dorothy Crouch Contributing Writer

As July wound down, Los Angeles welcomed a roster of apparel textile and sourcing shows across categories. Messe Frankfurt hosted its summer Los Angeles Texworld and Apparel Sourcing L.A. editions July 21–23 at the California Market Center in downtown’s fashion district to showcase supplychain resources from textile providers to apparel manufacturers. Comexposium’s Interfilière Los Angeles launched as a colocated event with Texworld and Apparel Sourcing to provide supply-chain options in intimates, active and swim. Preface Los Angeles hosted its summer event July 29–30 at Mica Studios in the arts district, partnering with consultancy firm Denim Dudes and denim-industry event Here|After for an intimate take on sourcing and supply-chain options.

Texworld and Apparel Sourcing LA treat visitors to ‘one-stop’ sourcing Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Los Angeles provided variety to support attendees’

sourcing decisions, yet the shows are also popular for the calendar of Textile Talks education sessions. This year’s education schedule included topics such as “The AI-Powered Product Journey: Design, Production and

Jay Wetherald (818) 613-2385 SoCal Textile Group Showroom Cooper Design Space Building, Suite M6 Jbyrdtextiles@aol.com / Updated website! www.SocalTG.com

SoCal TextIle Group ECLAT TEXTILES Performance Knits

Leading provider of circular knits to higher-end athleisure and activewear brands. Los Angeles stock program for domestic production. Heather Moss Jersey, Interlocks, TENCEL, and many more performance-knit options to choose from. Also, knit-to-order from Taiwan.

VICTORYTEX Performance Wovens Victory is a woven converter based in Taiwan. Excellent source for stretch and non- stretch wovens. Minimum order quantity is 3,000 per fabric / 1,000 yards per color. Can be flexible on MOQ.

REX FABRICS Los Angeles Stock

Rex Fabrics is a converter located in Los Angeles offering a large selection of stock fabrics for yoga, sport, swim, gymnastics, and dance. Minimum order quantity is only 5 yards per color. Large color selection, and color cards available upon request.

TANGANA TEXTILES

Tangana Textiles is a European producer and your wholesale source of eco-friendly cotton and poly knitted fabrics, as well fine blank garments that are perfect for imprints. From GMO-free cotton, through mixed compositions, to recycled polyester-based products - our fabrics are the perfect canvas for your brand’s casual apparel, athleisure, high fashion collections or even lingerie.

Upcoming Trade Shows Functional Fabric Fair Portland, Ore., Oct. 27-28, Booth #925 The Fabric Show San Francisco, Nov. 8–9 / 2 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS

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Commerce in 2026,” “Weaving Tomorrow’s Narratives: Fall/Winter 2027/28 presented by Peclers Paris” and “From Innovation to Adoption: Scaling Next-Gen Bio-Based Materials From Innovation to Retail Reality,” which drew the attention of Kathirine Jameson, creative director of San Diego casual womenswear brand Liliai, who was interested in sourcing fabrics made with sustainable, natural fibers “There is a lot of different information,” Jameson said. “You can source different types of things and it’s a one-stop place.” Lavini Tang, a technical designer and owner of Los Angeles–based N49 Studio, Inc., was grateful for the opportunity to explore sourcing, factories and trims in a local setting. “I found a factory and they have great prices to produce my styles and I found a trim company,” Tang shared. “We don’t have many options to really connect with international vendors. I am grateful they’re doing this show here. I don’t want to go to New York or Las Vegas.” First-time exhibitor Monica Mazzucchelli of Moda Style represented Texlabel, whose focus is producing care labels. The need for accuracy and transparency has made the companies within this segment of apparel manufacturing crucial partners for designers and brands. “There are new regulations and the Digital Product Passport is starting soon, so it’s becoming a reality for clients to know they have to be compliant with the information that they put on the care labels,” said Mazzucchelli. “The concern for the client is ‘Is my garment going to have the correct information?’ and ‘How do I know if that is right or not?’ We offer the service of making sure the labels are compliant for all the countries you’re going to sell in.”

Inaugural Interfilière LA affords access to sourcing intimates, active, swim The launch of Interfilière’s Los Angeles show drew attendees representing the intimates, active and swim categories in search of fresh materials and production partners. Searching for the perfect new fabric or a factory more aligned with a brand’s mission was top of mind for visitors, but the show also afforded opportunities to connect and collaborate. “Our conference program explored the trends shaping the 2027/2028 seasons, featured a candid roundtable talk with leading

➥ Trade-show report page 8

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS, Customer Service, 127 E. Ninth St., Suite 212, Los Angeles, CA 90015. CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS ®: (ISSN 0008-0896) Published by TLM PUBLISHING INC. APPAREL NEWS GROUP Publishers of: California Apparel News®, Market Week Magazine®, New Resources®, Waterw ear ® , New York Apparel News ® , Dallas Apparel News®, Apparel News South®, Chicago Apparel News®, The Apparel News (National), Bridal Apparel News®, Southwest Images ® , Stylist ® and MAN (Men’s Apparel News ® ). Properties of TLM PUBLISHING INC., 127 E. Ninth St., Suite 212, Los Angeles, CA 90015, (213) 627-3737. © Copyright 2026 TLM Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, CA, and additional entry offices. The publishers of the paper do not assume responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competition. Opinions expressed in signed editorial columns or articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Subscription rates: U.S.: 1 year, $89; 2 years, $140. Foreign: $180 U.S. funds (1-year subscription only). Singlecopy price $3.99. Send subscription requests to: California Apparel News, Customer Service, 127 E. Ninth St., Suite 212, Los Angeles, CA 90015 or visit www.apparelnews.net. For customer service, call (213) 627-3737.

Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS has announced that registration is now open for the Oct. 27–28 edition at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. New this season on Oct. 26 is the Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference, developed in partnership with the Outdoor Industry Association. Designed for both attendees and exhibitors, the conference precedes exhibit-hall sourcing and Expert Talks education programming, bringing together designers, product developers and material decision-makers focused on performance, sustainability and innovation. “Our exhibitors and attendees have been asking for more than just depth on supply-chain sustainability and compliance; they’ve wanted more peer-to-peer engagement, and OIA is the right partner to help us deliver both,” said Steve McCullough, event vice president, Functional Fabric Fair.

Covation Biomaterials LLC has introduced Sorona elasterell-p fiber. Made with partially plant-based Sorona polymer, it is the first U.S.produced bicomponent stretch fiber offered by CovationBio. Sorona elasterell-p fiber delivers durable stretch and exceptional shape retention without the use of elastane. Designed for apparel applications that rely on responsive and durable stretch, including activewear and workwear, Sorona elasterell-p fiber offers the added benefit of its bio-based foundation, giving apparel brands the dual benefit of garments that perform and have a lower environmental footprint. “Sorona elasterell-p fiber is our first branded fiber,” said CovationBio CEO Steven Ackerman. “As a partially bio-based polymer, Sorona has been an ingredient in innovative textile solutions used by leading apparel brands worldwide for what they need next.” The Dallas Men’s Show wrapped its July run at Dallas Market Center with the strongest total store attendance the summer edition has seen in at least five years. Temporary exhibitors and permanent showrooms also shared a single roof at the World Trade Center, a small logistical change that buyers said made an already strong show seamless. “We received positive feedback on having everything under one roof, which makes the show even easier to work,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of the DMC. “We value the time of our retailers, who want to fly or drive in, meet with brands, take time for discovery, make decisions then depart with the confidence they accomplished a lot in a couple of days.” United Leather has supplied hides from the L.A. Fashion District to fashion designers, interior designers and entertainers for four decades. In 2023, the company brought on a new generation to lead: Kiana Dadbin as head of sales and Zach Cadwallader as head of online marketing and innovation. Their first move targeted how emerging designers source now. Cadwallader built an AI visualizer that renders any hide in United’s catalog as a finished product: a bag, a shoe, a whip, anything imaginable, so a designer can judge the leather before ordering. It’s made for the emerging and DTC brands that source remotely, move fast and rarely set foot in a warehouse. It also changes how designers think. Check it out at UnitedLeather.com.

TONY DURAN

FASHION

Louis Verdad Revisits Classics to Create Empowering Fall ’26 Collection With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Louis Verdad went into his archives to inform his Fall 2026 collection, named By Louis. The designer downplays the concept of being inspired, instead expressing the design process as vital to his existence. “It’s oxygen for people like me,” Verdad said. “It’s the desire of continuously creating. It’s the idea that every day you come to a place and make something new.” Verdad planned his direction by examining his style library, where he looked through almost a quarter century’s worth of his patterns, updating them to make the styles relevant to today’s trends. “It becomes effortless. I have a library of so many patterns and adjust for the current fashion. That library has been my archival history. From there, I pick up what I used to do,” said Verdad. “I am still a tailor and believe in clothes that fit the body. It’s a misconception that because you fit the body it has to be uncomfortable.” This understanding of designing tailored pieces with comfort in mind has led Verdad to create his signature suiting with small yet powerful feminine details. Verdad also nods to Bi-

anca Jagger—actor, activist and Studio 54 regular—who famously wore a powerful Yves Saint Laurent suit at her wedding to The Rolling Stones frontman Mick. “I reinterpreted the suit that Bianca Jagger wore in the ’70s. It’s been very successful. The suit has a soft, tailored jacket. It’s been a winner for everyone,” Verdad noted. “The brand is recognized for good, soft tailoring and beautiful blouses.” Softer tailoring is the hallmark of Louis Verdad’s pieces, which the designer sees as clothing that supports strong women. The designer aims to create silhouettes that relay strength but speak to a feminine power. “The whole juxtaposition of having something softer with something masculine is appropriate for women who like to empower themselves,” Verdad said. “It is a celebration, and saying, ‘Look, I can be just as strong as you are by wearing the same shirt, but mine has a little bit of [feminine features]—it’s the same feeling. The way the industry is going, there are no boundaries for men and women’s fashion. A lot of men are wearing skirts.” The new collection is represented by French & Co. Show-

room owner Elizabeth French, who noted that many of Verdad’s clients have been fans of the designer’s work for decades. The new collection can be found in shops such as Lou Los Olivos in Los Olivos, Calif., Bleu Clothing in Los Angeles, Garbarini in Denver, Chatta Box in Baton Rouge, La., and the Estilo Boutique in Austin, Texas. “He always has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening. He’s always got a fresh approach. It just looks feminine and powerful and beautiful, and yet, the one new thing about the brand is it’s much more wearable now,” explained French. “He is really diving into stretch denim. We mastered this suit. Not one person who bought the line for Fall didn’t buy this stretch denim suit. It’s an amazing wardrobe builder. Everybody needs it, and it’s super flattering.” By Louis bottoms are available in sizes 0–10, with tops and jackets made in sizes 2–10. The collection retails from $350 to $650. Additional information regarding Louis Verdad and wholesale opportunities is available at louisverdad.com. —Dorothy Crouch

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COTTONBRO STUDIO

INDUSTRY FOCUS: DENIM

What are the best solutions to present affordable options in the denim space amid global tariffs and challenged economies?

Denim Continued from page 1

Christina Choi Founder DE: Part Denim The best solutions are to make smarter decisions throughout the supply chain rather than simply lowering quality or raising prices. For us, one of the solutions is producing closer to market when possible. While the unit cost may be higher, shorter lead times and lower minimums help reduce inventory risk and overproduction, which are often much more expensive in the long run. Also, it’s important to create products that customers genuinely value. In a challenged economy, consumers become much more intentional with their purchases. If you deliver exceptional fit and quality at a fair price, people are often willing to invest because the product lasts. Affordability isn’t always about having the lowest price—it’s about delivering the best value.

tion costs and process complexity, while also offering environmental benefits through the reduced use of electroplating treatments. Their naturally industrial and understated appearance is particularly well suited to denim, where authenticity, functionality and a worn-in aesthetic remain central. Rather than representing a compromise, raw metals can become a deliberate design choice: contemporary, functional and consistent with the identity of the garment. The best affordable solutions, therefore, are not simply lower-cost alternatives. They emerge from the combination of intelligent material selection, process efficiency and aesthetic relevance. In this way, brands can manage costs, reduce environmental impact and continue to offer denim products with a strong and distinctive identity.

Chad Doub Global Market Segment Manager, Casual Wear and Home Eastman Naia

Affordability is increasingly about delivering greater value rather than simply lowering the cost of the fabric. At ISKO, we focus on developing solutions that combine performance, comfort, durability and design appeal, allowing brands to create products that deliver long-term value to consumers. At the same time, we are seeing greater interest in versatile and commercially relevant fabrics that can work across different fits, categories and collections. Technologies that enhance comfort or performance without adding unnecessary complexity can help brands optimize product development and production. Scale and efficiency are also becoming increasingly important. By combining advanced textile technologies with industrialscale manufacturing capabilities, we can support brands in developing differentiated denim solutions while responding to cost pressures across the supply chain. Ultimately, the goal is to find the right balance between price, quality, performance and desirability, ensuring that denim remains accessible without compromising the product experience.

T h e m o s t e ff e c t i v e solutions are those that c o m b i n e p r o x i m i t y, flexibility and performance, helping the value chain manage costs and tariff exposure without reducing product value. Brands and mills need solutions that can adapt to different markets, applications and price points while also being developed closer to where products are made and sold. In denim, for example, the U.S. market plays a central role due to its strong heritage and brand ecosystem. This makes collaboration with regional supply chains essential, including mills in Mexico and the broader network that comes together in initiatives such as the Apparel Sourcing Show in Guatemala City. These connections help link material innovation with regional production capabilities and support more-localized sourcing strategies. Versatility is equally important, across performance requirements and price points. The Naia Renew denim proposition is structured around three directions. Authentic Denim blends Naia Renew with cotton to preserve denim’s familiar character while enhancing softness and dry comfort. Fashion Denim combines it with lyocell for lighter, more-fluid constructions. Performance Denim pairs it with polyester or recycled polyester to support moisture management, quick-dry performance and odor management. This adaptability allows mills and brands to build differentiated products from a shared fiber platform, responding more efficiently to different consumer expectations, end uses and market segments.

Laura Corna Sales Manager ACM

Anatt Finkler Creative Director Global Denim

Onur Çınar Senior Marketing Executive ISKO

At ACM, we are seeing growing demand for raw, non-electroplated metals such as aluminium and steel. Compared with more elaborate electroplated finishes, these materials can help reduce both produc4 CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS

AUGUST 7, 2026

When the market is under pressure and uncertainty becomes the norm, relationships matter more than ever. This is the moment to remind customers, supplychain partners and the brands we work with that APPARELNEWS.NET

VINTAGEFX SPONSORED BY LYCRA® VINTAGEFX FIBER we’re committed for the long term, not just when business is easy. Trust is built over years, and periods like this are when it proves its value. From a product perspective, core programs become the strongest strategy. When confidence drops, brands are naturally less inclined to take risks on highly directional products. That doesn’t mean innovation disappears. It simply shifts. Instead of chasing the next big thing, innovation comes from improving what already works: developing better fabrics, integrating more-responsible materials, optimizing processes and delivering greater value without compromising quality. Timeless, versatile products tend to outperform trenddriven ones in uncertain markets. From a sourcing standpoint, nearshoring has become one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to tariffs and supply-chain volatility. Producing closer to the end market shortens lead times, lowers freight and currency risk, and provides greater agility when demand shifts. That’s where mills like ours in Mexico can play an important role. At the same time, nearshoring shouldn’t come at the expense of long-standing supplier relationships. The strongest supply chains are built on diversification, not replacement. Brands that balance trusted global partners with reliable regional manufacturing and collaborations are ultimately more resilient than those constantly chasing the lowest landed cost. In the end, the same principle applies across the board: long-term partnerships, consistency and reliability will always create more value than short-term decisions driven solely by cost.

Paolo Gnutti Creative Director ISKO LUXURY BY PB In times of global tariffs and economic uncertainty, the challenge is not simply to make denim more affordable but to make it smarter. For decades, denim has been the world’s most democratic fabric. It has always combined quality, functionality and accessibility, becoming a universal language that transcends generations, cultures and lifestyles. I believe this is still its greatest strength. When costs increase, the most immediate reaction is often to reduce them. I prefer to look at it from a different perspective: increasing the value of what we create. A product with a strong identity, designed to last and to create an emotional connection, will always be a better investment than one that simply costs less. Today we have incredible opportunities through innovation. Advanced materials, responsible dyeing technologies, new finishing techniques and more-efficient production processes allow us to offer greater value without necessarily increasing the final price. I also believe consumers are changing. They are no longer looking only for a garment; they are looking for authenticity, quality and products with a story worth wearing. They want pieces that remain relevant beyond a single season.

For me, the future of denim is about balancing tradition with innovation, creativity with technology and accessibility with lasting value. Denim should continue to be the world’s most democratic fabric while becoming one of its most innovative. The future doesn’t belong to the products that cost less. It belongs to the products that are worth more.

Juan Carlos Gordillo Independent Designer The conversation around affordable denim often starts with tariffs. I believe it should start with value. Tariffs certainly increase costs, but they are not the root cause of the industry’s challenges. They simply expose a business model that has spent decades teaching consumers to expect more for less. The solution is not to make denim cheaper. The solution is to make it more valuable. That begins with educating consumers through honest storytelling. When people understand why a well-made pair of jeans lasts longer, uses better materials, reflects skilled craftsmanship and is produced under responsible labor and environmental standards, they stop comparing only prices and begin recognizing true value. At the same time, I believe the industry should continue strengthening regional manufacturing and producing closer to the markets it serves. Shorter supply chains improve resilience, quality, collaboration, transparency and accountability while creating a healthier balance between business and responsibility. A responsibly made garment will never compete with fast fashion on price alone— and it shouldn’t have to. They are fundamentally different products created for different expectations and different consumers. The future of denim will not be defined by who offers the lowest price. It will be defined by who earns the greatest trust through thoughtful design, lasting quality, transparency and purpose. Affordability should not mean making denim cheaper. It should mean creating denim that is truly worth its price.

Philippe Mignot Project Manager NextPrinting For us, digital textile printing represents a particularly effective response to market uncertainty. It enables brands to develop and produce smaller quantities without having to commit to high minimum-order volumes, aligning production more closely with actual demand and limiting the risk of overproduction. Faster development and execution times also allow companies to respond more quickly to changes in the market and consumer preferences. Digital printing also offers significant advantages during sampling, prototyping and

➥ Denim page 6

INDUSTRY FOCUS: DENIM

What are the best solutions to present affordable options in the denim space amid global tariffs and challenged economies? Denim Continued from page 4 collection development. By reducing preparation times and allowing rapid modifications, it enables brands to maintain greater flexibility until the final stages of the process, avoiding premature investment in high volumes or solutions that have not yet been fully validated. A further advantage is the possibility of integrating printing and finishing within the same design and development process. This makes it possible to achieve denim, vintage, leather and trompe-l’œil effects with a high degree of precision and repeatability, increasing the perceived value of the product with out necessarily relying on more-complex traditional processes. In a context of strong cost pressure, the most effective response is to offer speed, quality, service, customization and the ability to transform an idea rapidly into a reliable and distinctive product. This is where digital printing can help make denim more accessible, reducing risk, lead times and complexity, without diminishing its creative value.

Ebru Ozaydin Product Category Director—Denim, Wovens and Ready-to-Wear The LYCRA Company Global tariffs, inflation and cautious consumer spending are redefining value in denim. While some brands may respond by lowering quality to reduce costs, The LYCRA Company believes affordability should be measured by cost per wear, not simply purchase price. The jeans consumers value most are those that maintain their fit, comfort and appearance over time. Our LYCRA XTRA LIFE brand platform is designed to extend garment life by addressing the reasons consumers stop wearing their favorite jeans. LYCRA VintageFX fiber remains the market’s only comfort-stretch solution that delivers authentic rigid denim aesthetics with lasting comfort and recovery. LYCRA ADAPTIV fiber adapts to everyday movement and natural fluctuations in body size, helping garments stay comfortable and wearable longer. LYCRA T400 fiber serves as the fabric’s performance engine, delivering durable stretch, recovery and shape retention. LYCRA Anti-Slip fiber—the denim industry’s only value-chain solution—improves garment construction by reducing seam slippage and is now also available as renewable LYCRA Anti-Slip fiber. These technologies can be combined into layered performance systems. For example, LYCRA VintageFX EcoMade fiber paired with renewable LYCRA fiber delivers authentic vintage styling, lasting comfort and renewable content in one fabric solution. Beyond fiber innovation, The LYCRA Company brings decades of expertise across the entire denim value chain, partnering with mills, garment manufacturers, laundries and brands to engineer better-performing garments. Ultimately, affordable denim is not about making cheaper jeans—it is about creating jeans that last longer, perform better and deliver greater value with every wear.

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VINTAGEFX SPONSORED BY LYCRA® VINTAGEFX FIBER

Stefano Parrotta Technical Manager SOKO

rethink how products are made so that lower cost becomes the natural outcome of a betterdesigned system.

Everyone in this industry is getting their margins squeezed. The goal isn’t just using cheaper ingredients—it’s about building smarter processes. When we help laundries cut down on energy, water and processing time, brands can keep their collection affordable without compromising on quality.

Alice Tonello Chief Brand and Strategy Officer Tonello

Katie Tague Senior Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales Artistic Milliners PVT LTD Affordability doesn’t have to come at the expense of innovation or product integrity. The most successful brands are finding value by investing in versatile fabrics that deliver multiple benefits—from comfort and durability to performance fibers—while creating efficiencies throughout the supply chain. Rather than chasing the lowest cost, we’re focused on helping our partners build stronger assortments with fabrics that perform across multiple categories and price points. Innovation that improves manufacturing efficiency, reduces waste and extends product longevity ultimately creates value for both brands and consumers, making denim more accessible even in a challenging global environment.

Adam Taubenfligel Co-founder and Creative Director Triarchy Affordability is often framed as a pricing problem, but I think it’s fundamentally a systems problem. When tariffs rise or economies tighten, brands are forced to absorb higher costs, pass them on to consumers or compromise somewhere else. That usually means lower quality, more promotions or increased pressure throughout the supply chain. The better solution isn’t simply finding a cheaper way to make denim. It’s designing a production system that removes unnecessary cost in the first place. Fashion still relies on processes that consume enormous amounts of water, energy, chemicals, transportation and inventory. Each one adds cost before a garment ever reaches a customer. If we can eliminate those steps rather than optimize them, affordability and sustainability stop competing with one another. That’s why I believe the industry’s biggest opportunity is redesign rather than efficiency. Better systems don’t just reduce environmental impact—they create more-resilient businesses that are less vulnerable to external shocks, whether that’s tariffs, inflation or supply-chain disruption. Consumers deserve products that are well made and fairly priced, especially during challenging economic times. The brands that succeed won’t simply be the ones that absorb today’s pressures. They’ll be the ones that

AUGUST 7, 2026

APPARELNEWS.NET

The best way to offer more-affordable options in denim is to rethink the process itself. Alternative technologies can deliver the authentic looks the market expects while reducing the real cost of production. This means using less water and energy, lowering wastewater treatment costs, reducing harmful chemicals and achieving more-consistent results. A fast return on investment is essential, but so is quality. Fewer defects, less reprocessing and fewer second-quality garments can make a significant difference to the final cost without compromising the product.

Andrea Venier Managing Director Officina39 In a market affected by tariffs, inflationary pressure and cautious consumers, cost remains critical. Denim must compete not only on affordability, but on quality, emotion, aesthetics and product relevance. At Officina39, this is where imaginable and performable strategic pillars come together. Imaginable represents the creative power of chemistry: technologies that help brands and laundries create stronger visual identities and renewed desirability. Platforms such as Marvel Coating, with its leather-like, brilliant, metallic and laser-enhanced surface effects, or Recycrom, which transforms textile waste into a new language of color, show how finishing can make denim more distinctive, premium and emotionally relevant. Performable makes this creativity industrially realistic. Technologies such as ZERO PP ALL.IN, designed to replace potassium permanganate through a simplified and cost-neutral process with laser and ozone, or AQUALESS ALL-IN-ONE, developed to replace pumice stones while reducing water, sludge, handling and garment damage, demonstrate that efficiency can support both responsibility and product value. The solution is a denim with a stronger value equation: more beauty, more differentiation and more quality, produced through smarter processes. When efficiency serves creativity, denim can remain accessible without becoming ordinary—and can regain the desirability that has always made it an icon.

Alejandro Ventura Sales Director Tejidos Royo In today’s environment, affordability is not about making cheaper denim. It is about creating more value through innovation, efficiency and supply-chain resilience. We believe the best so-

lutions start with industrial efficiency and vertical integration. Our new vertical manufacturing platform in Alcudia de Crespins (Valencia, Spain) streamlines processes, increases flexibility, shortens lead times and improves cost efficiency while maintaining the quality, consistency and service global brands require. Traceability and transparency are equally important. As brands navigate tariffs, regulations and changing sourcing strategies, fully traceable products help reduce risk, improve planning and build consumer confidence. Innovation remains a key driver of affordability. Through technologies such as Dry Indigo, advanced finishes and differentiated coatings, we help brands create premium products with lower resource consumption and greater manufacturing efficiency. Our fabric developments combine Spanish regenerative cotton, lyocell and proprietary stretch technologies to deliver softness, comfort, elasticity and recovery. The result is a garment that looks better, lasts longer and retains its fit throughout its life cycle. We also see durability, circularity and recyclability as critical value drivers. Our portfolio includes 100 percent recycled fabrics, recyclable constructions and regenerative fiber solutions that reduce dependence on virgin resources while supporting a circular model. We continue investing in research and development, and our technical division has developed a range of premium-denim fabrics, made to protect workers in demanding industrial environments with the comfort and aesthetics of everyday denim. Affordability and innovation are not opposing forces. Together, they create lasting value for brands, consumers and the entire denim ecosystem.

Luciana Vivolo Chief Product Officer Vivolo Making a product more affordable should not mean compromising on quality. The most effective solution is often to optimize processes while also increasing flexibility. At Vivolo, we work closely with denim brands to develop alternative solutions that preserve the premium look and identity of the garment while keeping component costs under control. Lightweight metal finishes, Jacron labels and carefully selected materials can deliver strong visual impact without adding unnecessary complexity or expense. Another key aspect is designing trims that comply with environmental requirements and can be more easily integrated into recyclable products. This enables brands to reduce waste, limit regulatory and customs-related risks, and make more-efficient sourcing decisions. Production flexibility is equally important. Lower minimum-order quantities allow brands to test new collections without overloading inventory while rapid prototyping makes it possible to assess and refine solutions before moving into large-scale production. The goal, ultimately, is not simply to make the product cheaper but to make every design and production decision more efficient. This can also result in a more-accessible price point, which is particularly relevant in the current economic climate. ● Responses have been edited for clarity and space.

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TRADE-SHOW REPORT

Interfilière debuted its Los Angeles edition as an event colocated with Texworld and Apparel Sourcing at the California Market Center. The event afforded swim-, intimates- and active-centered sourcing on

Trade-show report Continued from page 2

based textile manufacturer noticed attendees were attracted to neon, pastels and prints, while texture and raised patterns were ticking. “A lot of people are coming and looking for swimwear,” said Lee. “They are still looking for texture in swimwear. For lingerie, everybody still likes softer and functional fabrics.”

PREFACE partners with Denim Dudes and Here|After to promote community Boutique sourcing show PREFACE returned to Los Angeles with event founder Betsy Franjola celebrating its 18th edition with a second collaboration with Denim Dudes and Here|After. Franjola noted the theme of the show was SEEDS, which need the correct conditions to flourish—similar to innovation. The same could be said of the partnership. “Here|After and Denim Dudes bring deep denim expertise, cultural insight and a wonderfully engaged community. PREFACE brings a broader textile and supply-chain perspective,” Franjola said. “We share a belief that an industry event should offer more than a marketplace. It should create conversation, encourage curiosity and give people something meaningful to take back into their work.” Many industry leaders supported the show through meaningful contributions. Aligning with the SEEDS theme, Eastman Naia participated in an installation featuring seed imagery printed on fabrics made with Naia fibers. “We were thrilled to be part of the installation with Naia fabric hanging,” said Joy Gruver, Naia business development leader for the Americas. “The word is getting out, and

the fact PREFACE partnered with Amy and Denim Dudes is amazing.” Over the show’s two days, attendees were invited to participate in discussions to move the industry forward and find inspiration. Topics included “Denim Dudes Fall/Winter 2027/2028 Forecast,” “A Cutting, Not a Copy: AW27 Seasonal Trend” and “Heritage 2.0: From Preservation to Reinvention.” Show sponsor SFI sought to inspire attendees with its Vintage Denim Archive installation. The show attracted serious denim and apparel professionals who yearned for connecting with their peers and engaging in enriching discussions. “These trade shows are always great for connecting. I run into people I haven’t seen in years,” said Loren Cronk, cofounder, and head of operations and curation for The Denim Institute & Museum. The show’s boutique feel was a welcome change from the enormous expo-style events that attract a larger, more varied group of attendees. “After COVID-19, all the shows changed. We are looking for the premium show,” Wayne Chiang of Taipei, Taiwan’s 496 Fabric. “The really big shows have thousands of visitors, lots of mills from around the world. We need to be more focused on what we’re doing right now.” Meeting in Los Angeles remains a priority for companies that want to help brands in the region set global trends. “L.A. is important because this place is premium,” said Alihan Kesim, deputy general manager with Maritas. “A lot of brands—in Europe especially—follow L.A. brands. ●

MAIA

West Coast designers on the evolving needs of today’s market and examined the growing demand for natural fibers and biobased material innovations,” explained Kirsten Griffin, visitorpromotions director of Comexposium U.S.’s fashion division, “These conversations highlighted how creativity, technology and responsible sourcing are driving the future of fashion.” According to Griffin, attendees were largely interested in circular materials, bio-based fibers, seamless technologies and specialty trims. Loulia Gotsis, a swim designer with Miken Clothing, which can be found at retailers including Macy’s, Nordstrom and Walmart, was looking for nylon and spandex. “I am looking more for textures like crochet; a lot of jacquards—especially for swim, because they’re very easy to find for sweaters and tops but it’s a little harder for swimsuits,” Gotsis said. “I am trying to find some that potentially have a little bit of nylon because a lot of brands are trying to elevate their bikinis. I am going more for the texture and the content.” Interfilière also gave Gotsis an opportunity to explore factory options. She notes that manufacturers in China stand out for swimsuit production, but there are additional factories in other regions that are starting to catch her attention. “Keeping the relationship between China and other countries and the U.S. is important because there is talent overseas,” she said. “India and Bangladesh, too, but the quality in China is still excellent.” At the Grandfine Textiles booth, exhibitor Kina Lee, global director of sales and marketing for the Guangdong, China–

the West Coast, as a selection of global mills and suppliers met with designers, creative teams, buyers and executives to plan ahead with fresh and innovative textiles, and manufacturing solutions.

Preface returned to Los Angeles with its second Denim Dudes–Here|After partnership. “Travel budgets have tightened since COVID, and designers’ capacity to prioritize time for new ideas, headspace and inspiration has never been tighter. We meet them where they’re at and transport them away for a few hours. We all know that these moments are

good for us and even essential to the creative process, but making them happen is hard,” said Amy Leverton, Denim Dudes founder and Here|After co-founder. Pictured from left, SEEDS installation, SFI archive, The Denim Institute and Museum, a SEEDS exhibit and fabric made using Naia fiber.

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