Denim Première Vision Put ‘Collective Creativity’ on Display
Sourcing diversification has become a top priority for the industry, and at Denim Première Vision in Milan last week on May 21 and 22, attendees had the chance to meet suppliers from all over the global map.
Whether buyers were looking to source nearby in Europe or in popular production locales in Asia, they were covered with more than 80 exhibitors from 18 national destinations like Italy, Türkiye, Morocco, Japan, China, France and the United States. Participating vendors also encompassed all steps of the denim value chain, from fibers and yarns to fabrics, manufacturing, accessories and trims, and laundry. There were also segments for technologies and promotion solutions.
This marked Denim Première Vision’s 35th edition and the fourth consecutive show in the fashion capital of Milan. “Back in Milan, Denim Première Vision is once again showcasing the denim industry,” said Florence Rousson, chairwoman of the executive board of Première Vision and CEO of The Creative Pole, the fashion division of the GL events group. “A permanent fixture on the Italian scene, this event, under the patronage of the city of Milan, offers the sector’s industries all the business opportunities, innovations and meetings that accompany one of the world’s most emblematic textile sectors, at the service of a collective creativity in motion.’
The two-day show at Superstudio Più was focused on the future of denim, with a look toward Fall/Winter 2026 trends. One area of the show floor, The Forums, highlighted Hybrid Denim. This concept was also explored in a trend seminar by denim design consultant Anne Oudard, which covered innovations in fibers, constructions and more. The Trends Forum space put innovation on display, showcasing three creative projects from Aurélia Leblanc, Teintures de France and Kelly Konings, with the participation of Gommatex and Emmetex, that took denim in unexpected directions.
For another look at the upcoming season, Pioneer Denim put on a catwalk show at the end of day one. And in a seminar session, Denim Dudes’ Amy Leverton provided a forecast for Fall/Winter 2026-27.
Rounding out the conference agenda were sessions on circularity, production developments like wool-based denim and jacquard weaves, sustainability and the future of stretch. Simply Suzette’s Ani Wells gave a talk about social procurement, and how companies can make an impact on individuals’ economic and social well-being with their sourcing choices.
Speaking to the next generation, the show also included the educational program Project Tomorrow that is geared toward fashion, design and art school students.
Since 2022, Denim PV has also included a Denim Fashion District, which showcases collections from ready-to-wear and accessories brands.
Earlier this year, the denim industry lost one of its pioneers, Luigi Martelli, who founded the textile finishing firm Martelli Lavorazioni Tessili. His innovations helped shape the denim industry as it stands today, and his legacy was celebrated at the show through an exhibition in partnership with denim mill Isko. The display, directed by Fabio Adami Dalla Val and OPAA in collaboration with Luigi’s friends Adriano Goldschmied and Giovanni Petrin and with the support of the Martelli family, traced five decades of denim history. Rare archival pieces from MODE were on display to tell the story of Luigi and his legacy.
Click through the slideshow below for some show highlights snapped by the Carved in Blue team.
