Kingpins Amsterdam @10: Assessing the Denim'ite Journey of an Inspiring Event

Carmen Silla
Marketing Director
Jeanologia

texfash: What was your showcase at Kingpins Amsterdam this year? Was there any particular reason why you chose this event for this launch/announcement?
Carmen Silla: This year, Jeanologia celebrated the 25th anniversary of our pioneering laser technology at Kingpins Amsterdam with a special installation and capsule collection. Our showcase took visitors on a visual journey through a quarter-century of denim innovation, underscoring how laser technology has reshaped the industry toward greater sustainability, efficiency, and creative freedom. Launching this celebration at Kingpins Amsterdam was a strategic choice, as Kingpins has historically been instrumental in the early acceptance and adoption of Jeanologia’s laser technology, notably through the influential ‘Truth & Light’ exhibitions that helped bring our innovations to the global denim market. Kingpins shares our vision of sustainability and innovation in denim, and this year offered a dual milestone: Kingpins is celebrating a decade in Amsterdam and 10 years globally, making it the perfect setting for a shared tribute to denim innovation.

How important are trade events in 2024? And what's so special about Kingpins Amsterdam?
Carmen Silla: Trade events in 2024 remain invaluable platforms for showcasing new ideas, strengthening relationships, and sharing sustainability advancements. Kingpins Amsterdam stands out as it has become a nexus for the denim industry’s most forward-thinking minds and eco-conscious leaders. At Kingpins, brands, designers, and manufacturers collaborate to drive meaningful change. It’s more than an industry showcase; it’s where sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship meet, enabling direct exchanges that inspire more responsible production models. For Jeanologia, Kingpins Amsterdam is an opportunity to celebrate our journey alongside the broader “denim tribe,” paying homage to the global community that has embraced laser technology in creating a greener future.

With all the focus on sustainability, and denim being still much maligned, what new innovations from others caught your eye this year?
Carmen Silla: This year has shown remarkable advancements across various areas key to a sustainable denim industry. Innovations in circularity stand out, with increased focus on designing for recyclability and exploring new materials compatible with advanced technologies, such as recycled fibres and biodegradable components. We’re also inspired by durability improvements in textiles, which not only extend garment life but reduce the frequency of disposal and waste generation.

In terms of resource conservation, developments in water-saving techniques continue to be critical, particularly with new finishing methods that minimise water use without compromising quality. Additionally, the introduction of safer, low-impact chemicals demonstrates the industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.

At Jeanologia, we continuously collaborate with all industry players to unite efforts and create a stronger, more sustainable ecosystem. Together, we’re working towards a denim industry that is more ethical, sustainable, and efficient, driven by innovation and shared responsibility.

Eda Dikmen
Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager 
Soorty

texfash: What was your showcase at Kingpins Amsterdam this year? Was there any particular reason why you chose this event for this launch/announcement?
Eda Dikmen: Kingpins Amsterdam is a biannual event, and we usually launch our new collections, innovations, partnerships, and all the things we’ve been working on for the past 6 months there. This edition we showcased our SS26 collection, Denim Horizons, which includes three core lines—Roam, California, and Beyond. Each line is crafted with specific consumer interests in mind, focusing on sustainability, performance, and style; ‘Roam’ leaning towards denim products designed for those who seek freedom in movement and adventure in every day which is perfect for outdoors but also for everyday functionality, California for timeless, easy-to-wear silhouettes that pay tribute to classic American fashion and Beyond designed for those who dare to be different. 

We chose Kingpins Amsterdam for the launch because it’s the ideal global platform to present denim innovations and sustainable fashion. The event naturally aligns with our mission to drive forward the future of denim through innovation, with highlights like Collagen Denim for skin comfort and FATE (Fade After True Experiences), which connects wearers more personally to their garments.

How important are trade events in 2024? And what's so special about Kingpins Amsterdam?
Eda Dikmen: The denim industry relies on a vast value chain, making collaboration among supply chain partners essential to drive sustainable innovation for a better future. Trade events like Kingpins play a vital role in fostering this collective spirit. These events are never solely about showcasing achievements or recent collections to customers; they’re about building meaningful connections. While we reassessed the importance of exhibitions post-COVID, we continue to attend select shows globally, prioritizing those that truly matter. The right events provide an opportunity to engage directly with the denim community, share our latest advancements, and foster partnerships. Kingpins Amsterdam stands out with its community as well as strong focus on sustainability, and innovation which align with Soorty’s brand values. Attending allows us to connect with our global clients and industry leaders, explore trends, and exchange ideas that will shape the future of denim.

With all the focus on sustainability, and denim being still much-maligned, what new innovations from others caught your eye this year?
Eda Dikmen: This year at Kingpins, we saw many inspiring sustainable innovations. A strong trend emerged across global mills, driven by climate change and the demand for added comfort. Competitors emphasised qualities like softness, durability, and stretch—key elements we’ve also incorporated into our collection. We noticed creative advancements in workwear and new dyeing technologies, and initiatives we support, such as the Denim Deal and Circ, were prominently represented.

Our showcase featured exciting developments, including salt-free dyeing and quick-wash technology that reduce water and chemical use while balancing aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility. As the main sponsor of Kingpins giveaways, we provided reusable bottle bags made from production waste that we collect to create our Second Life fibres, reinforcing our commitment to circularity and reminding attendees to stay hydrated. Additionally, we highlighted our collaboration with Rudolf Chemicals on the Roam collection, inspired by biomimicry—a field that looks to nature for innovative problem-solving. This collection includes features like anti-microbial properties, water repellency, enhanced breathability, and even progress toward self-cleaning denim.