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“[Denim] is consolidating its position in the market,” said Manon Mangin, head of fashion products at Denim Première Vision.
Although the denim industry has once again found its best shape, it is also cautious about putting all its eggs in one basket as it did ten years ago, when most industries depended on the sale of super stretch skinny jeans to make ends meet.
At Denim Première Vision in Milan on Wednesday-the first physical event in nearly two years-Mangin outlined three key themes that have swept the denim fabric and apparel industry.
Mangin said that the spring and summer of 2023 marked a “turning point” for the denim industry to develop into new hybrid concepts and unexpected varieties. The surprising combination of textiles and “unusual behavior” enable the fabric to surpass its original characteristics. She added that when textile mills enhance fabrics through tactile density, softness and fluidity, the focus this season is on feel.
In Urban Denim, this category transforms the style cues of practical workwear into durable everyday fashion.
Here, the hemp mixture takes shape, partly due to the inherent strength of the fiber. Mangin said that the classic denim fabric made of organic cotton and a sturdy 3×1 structure meets consumers’ demand for functional fashion. Intricate weaving and jacquard with dense yarns increase tactile appeal. She said that jackets with multiple patch pockets and stitching are the key items this season, but they are not as hard as bottoms. The waterproof finish enhances the city-friendly theme.
Urban Denim also provides a more fashionable way to deconstruct denim. Jeans with strategic tailoring emphasize the pattern-making stage of the garment craft. Sustainable patchwork—whether it is made from waste fabrics or new cloth made from recycled fibers—is clean and can form a harmonious color combination.
Generally speaking, sustainability is at the core of modern themes. Denim is made of recycled cotton, linen, hemp, tencel and organic cotton, and combined with energy-saving and water-saving finishing technology, has become the new normal. However, more and more fabrics are made with only one type of fiber, which shows how factories can simplify the recycling process at the end of the life of the garment.
The second theme of Denim Première Vision, Denim Offshoots, stems from consumers’ firm demand for comfort. Mangin said that the theme is fashion “relaxation, freedom and liberation” and strongly pays tribute to sportswear.
This demand for comfort and well-being is driving factories to increase the variety of knitted denim. The “non-restrictive” knitted denim items for the spring and summer of 23 include sportswear, jogging pants and shorts, and sharp-looking suit jackets.
Reconnecting with nature has become a popular hobby of many people, and this trend is permeating fashion in various ways. The fabric with aquatic print and wavy surface brings a calming feeling to the denim. Mineral effects and natural dyes contribute to ground collection. Over time, the subtle floral laser printing seems to have faded. Mangin said that retro-inspired patterns are especially important for denim-based “urban bras” or corsets.
Spa-style denim is to make jeans feel better. She said that the viscose blend gives the fabric a peach skin feel, and breathable robes and kimono-style jackets made of lyocell and modal blends are becoming the main products of this season.
The third trend story, Enhanced Denim, covers all levels of fantasy from exquisite luster to “all-out luxury”.
Graphic jacquard with organic and abstract patterns is a popular theme. She said that the color tone, camouflage effect and loose yarn make the 100% cotton fabric on the surface bulky. The same color organza on the waistband and back pocket adds a subtle sheen to the denim. Other styles, such as corsets and button shirts with organza inserts on the sleeves, reveal a touch of skin. “It has the spirit of advanced customization,” Mangin added.
The rampant millennium bug affects the attractiveness of Gen Z and young consumers. Ultra-feminine details—from sequins, heart-shaped crystals and shiny fabrics to bold pinks and animal prints—suitable for emerging people. Mangin said the key is to find accessories and decorations that can be easily disassembled for recycling.
Post time: Oct-15-2021