Blog 2015

The second Global Denim Awards will be held October 29 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The objective is to showcase new, creative ideas for denim apparel by merging the mills and the artists. Photo by Team Peter Stigter.

The debut of the event in 2014 featured designers with no previous experience in denim, along with some of the top mills throughout the world. The runway at last year’s event, sponsored by sustainable cotton program e3, featured innovative collections of denim outfits from designers from such countries as Italy, Turkey and England. Denims and Jeans reported that the debut runway show featured use of “clean fabrics, modern designs, mixed patterns…and standout stitches.”

In addition, to the interesting DIY denim projects we discover, there are noteworthy start-up businesses that are realizing the potential of denim. FNL Denim, a young company founded by a duo from Wichita, Kansas, were unhappy with an overpriced designer jean. After learning about the production of denim jeans and gaining experience in the industry, they quickly became comfortable using sewing machines for various styles of stitching.

Prior to this new skill, the two entrepreneurs had no experience in the field. Following ethics utilized while playing sports, they dedicated time to practicing the craft of sewing and stitching. They now use ten industrial sewing machines and produce all the denim jeans themselves. 

St. Luke’s in Durham, North Carolina, has found an amazing use for denim fabric. They have applied the material to the walls of their Parish hall.

“Just wanted you to know we finished fabricating and installing the 1,000 square feet of acoustical panels in our Parish hall. The fabric you supplied looks great with the existing light blue paint and the space has no longer the "empty barn" sound reverberation that made it unsuitable for meetings. I would call this a win for both form and function. Thanks for your help.” -Scott C.