Advance Teams with Paolo Gnutti on Innovative, Responsible Denim
Denim weaver Advance Denim is blending Eastern and Western aesthetics by joining forces with Italian denim specialist Paolo Gnutti.
Known for his innovative creations, such as denim with metallic threads and 3-D designs, Paolo brings an artistic touch to the partnership. Along with design creativity, the collection also reflects both parties’ shared commitment to sustainability, which has manifested in responsible raw material usage.
The first Advance Denim by Paolo Gnutti capsule will launch starting in October 2020 with a total of about 40 fabrics. Catering to both a U.S. and Asian audience, the line will feature textiles that are targeted to the different regional markets. Keeping the price competitive, Advance is producing the collection at its facility in Vietnam.
Carved in Blue caught up with Advance Denim’s general manager Amy Wang and Paolo to discuss the idea behind their collaboration and working across continents during COVID.
Carved in Blue: How did this collaboration come together? When did Amy and Paolo first meet?
Amy and Paolo: We met about seven or eight years ago during the Kingpins Amsterdam and we had the stands facing each other when Paolo was still in ITV. The collaboration was born for bilateral business needs of the market; we talked about it and we decided to create this synergy.
Carved in Blue: Paolo, What attracted you to work with Advance Denim?
Paolo: I have known Advance for many years and I respect their approach to the market. They have the most advanced and cutting-edge technologies for the production of denim. I wanted to mix their know-how with mine to create unique collections.
Carved in Blue: Amy, Paolo has a denim family heritage, is this important in working together?
Amy: I went to Italy with Enrico to visit Paolo few years ago and I could feel the passion from him is all about denim when we were visiting his workshop. I believe this is because of his denim family heritage background and this is very important to have such elements in this collaboration. We all believe Paolo can bring his experience and the taste of Italian denim heritage to Advance Denim to the next level.
Carved in Blue: Did the collaboration accelerate or change due to COVID and global consumer adjustments?
Amy and Paolo: Certainly the collaboration started more slowly. We could not meet, and therefore many production steps were made only electronically, more difficult but not impossible. For the approach to the market, on the other hand, we have taken into account the considerable change on the part of the consumer. We have built a smart collection, unique and highly effective. Today, more than ever, we need to think of an incisive and unique product.
Carved in Blue: There are some may aspects to environmental sustainability. Which will you focus?
Amy and Paolo: The whole collection is focused on sustainability, on the most advanced techniques to consume less, waste practically nothing and use only products that respect our planet in all respects.
Carved in Blue: What are your thoughts on circularity and use of REFIBRA™ technology?
Amy and Paolo: As mentioned before, our commitment in these new collections is to make the best use of raw materials, certainly starting from the recovery of processing waste, and REFIBRA™ will certainly be part of these capsules.
Carved in Blue: Without shows and limited travel how will you show brands the latest?
Amy and Paolo: Today we are working closely with many brands. The lack of fairs and shows has led us to have an even closer bond with our customers. Today more than ever the services offered by our companies are essential to ensure compliance with the market and brands Paolo Gnutti and Advance Denim.