Next-Gen Denim: Cone Denim’s Caitlyn Holt
It would be easy to assume that today’s young denimheads want to get out with the old and in with the new, but that would be a mistake. For young guns like Caitlyn Holt of Cone Denim’s Elevate Textiles, denim’s heritage is more than worth hanging on to–it’s simply crucial.
In the first in our new series highlighting the young minds in denim, Carved in Blue talked with Caitlyn about what inspires her, the benefits of coming from an always-on generation, and the advantages of looking at things with a fresh lens.
Carved in Blue: What does the next generation bring to denim that maybe previous generations haven’t?
Caitlyn: I think each new generation brings a fresh perspective – a new approach. My generation has grown up with access to the internet and social media in the palm of our hand. We are accustomed to quick responses and no questions left unanswered. I see this generation challenging the overall speed of the industry and pushing the limits.
Carved in Blue: What should be the approach today for those designing and making denim? What types of things should they be considering?
Caitlyn: Sustainability is key. Cone is making it a point to include a sustainable aspect in every fabric we make. I also think that it will be important to recognize the functionality of every garment. Consumers are becoming more savvy – almost less trendy from my perspective. Every garment in their closet has to serve a purpose and last beyond one season.
Younger generations also need to feel good about their garments and the brands they purchase. Sustainable and responsibly sourced products are key. Our challenge is how do we design fabrics and garments that serve all these purposes that consumers are willing to invest in?
Carved in Blue: In your opinion, what is the denim industry in desperate need of?
Caitlyn: Newness! When Cone created SGene® over 10 years ago that completely transformed stretch denim. What’s next? We’re working on it …
Carved in Blue: What’s one thing in the old world of denim that we’d do best to leave in the past?
Caitlyn: I can’t think of anything! Part of what I love about Cone is that we utilize our heritage and transform it into something new.
Carved in Blue: Where do you see yourself in 10 yrs from now?
Caitlyn: I think about this a lot. I see myself in denim and driving new denim innovations at Cone. I started interning for Cone nine years ago; after my first day I told my mom that I could see myself working at Cone forever. I still think that’s true.
Carved in Blue: What’s your first denim memory?
Caitlyn: My father and my grandfather worked at the Cone Denim White Oak facility. I grew up in Greensboro and can remember in elementary school my dad driving me by the White Oak plant and explaining the cotton warehouses, the weave room, the workshop he worked in.
I also distinctly remember my first day at White Oak as a Cone employee. I walked through the front office into the breezeway and smelled the indigo dyeing. Not an appetizing smell to the average person but it felt so familiar to me. Honestly, Cone felt like home.
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about denim?
Caitlyn: I love the community. The people are what makes this industry so fun. I also love indigo and the way no two pairs of jeans are the same.
Carved in Blue: Where do you turn for denim inspiration? What helps you keep your perspective fresh?
Caitlyn: I love looking through the archives for inspiration on slub patterns and shades. I also enjoy reading about the industry on Carved in Blue and other trade sites.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Caitlyn: Carved in Blue brings the industry together to discuss innovation and sustainability. It is a forum for the denim family to brainstorm what’s next.