Kipas Denim Aces Heritage and Quality
For nearly 35 years, Kipas Denim has focused on making high quality denim in Turkey, and that tradition has permeated its present collections.
Carved in Blue caught up with Umut Tahmaz, Marketing Manager to find out a bit about what’s going on with Kipas and denim. For one, it’s all about Kipas Heritage.
“Kipas Heritage is an idea that is combining denim experience from cotton to garment—keeping it simple yet elegant, seasonless, unique and sustainable,” Umut said.
The current collection, Innocence, draws elements from nature, recognizing that every aspect of the product touches the customer, and assigning the appropriate level of attention and care to suit.
“We are trying to build a sustainability project with high technical and commercial abilities,” Umut said.
When it comes to its collection of denim and non-denim fabrics, dubbed LUMIX—which stands for lift-up, ultra soft, maximum comfort, imperial sheen and extra shape—it’s all about quality and comfort.
“It represents a luxurious outlook, ultra soft handfeel, superior performance and best possible brightness,” Umut said.
Kipas has collaborated with various brands to promote its LUMIX fabric, even marketing direct to end consumers with branding on swing tickets in stores.
In keeping with its sustainability efforts, Kipas developed LUMIX Eco using Lenzing Modal® for the benefits it provides.
“Using Lenzing Modal® in the LUMIX Eco line makes the product sustainable without compromising performance,” Umut said. “It also improves general outlook performance and desired handfeel.”
TENCEL® lyocell also finds its way into Kipas’ collections, and one collection includes styles with 100 percent TENCEL® or blends with TENCEL®.
Umut, who owns 11 pairs of jeans at this moment, though he spends most of his time wearing just two of them, says his favorite denim is a LUMIX fabric called Radja, which is used as a men’s slim chino.
“It’s ultra comfortable and helps you move freely,” he said.
To find inspiration for its collections, Kipas believes in looking straight to the consumer. Sometimes inspiration can even be found in less expected places, like science or art.
“We carefully observe the need and pay attention to the values of our customers,” Umut said. “The market will say what it needs if you listen carefully.”
Turkish mills have mastered denim and many are at the cutting edge of innovation.
And as Umut explained, “Turkey has one of the most powerful denim cluster all over the world. Specifically, fabric know-how meets with garment experience and laundry expertise. We can and will serve both in small and large volumes, basic to high-end fashion, both can be purchased from the same region.”
Kipas has made its presence known globally, reaching markets including the U.K., Spain, North America, Central Europe, Australia and North Africa to name just some.
In terms of what’s next for denim, Umut said it will be all about value added.
“Value added products (cosmetic, technology, easy care) will be the next frontier for denim,” he said. “Fashion is going to meet with functionality more and more.”
One trend Umut never wants to see again? Sagging.
“I think sagging jeans for men should be the worst trend ever,” he said.
When asked what Carved in Blue means to him, Umut said, “Carved in Blue is a very well defined denim blog that serves efficiently.”