Next-Gen Denim: Global Denim’s Anatt Finkler
The newest faces in denim are offering a different perspective on how to shape denim’s future—and these are the minds that will drive the sector forward onto its more sustainable path.
And we want to hear from them.
In the continuation of our series highlighting the fresh, new minds in denim, Carved in Blue caught up with Global Denim’s Anatt Finkler to find out how denim drives her, what she thinks the industry is missing and what she would like to see change.
Carved in Blue: What does the next generation bring to denim that maybe previous generations haven’t?
Anatt: With every new generation comes a new mindset, a new culture and new practices; so given this change the new generation continues to bring to denim so much new innovation and the introduction of new technologies that allow denim to become much more elevated. Constructions are changing; different fibers are being applied, cleaner chemicals and a new wave of eco-consciousness that wasn’t fully needed, used or developed before is now ruling the business.
Carved in Blue: What should be the approach today for those designing and making denim?
Anatt: The most important thing today for those designing and making denim, should be sustainability, circularity and technology to drive innovation. We can’t make and design today without thinking of the end life of a product. Products need to be fully circular, we need to recycle, reuse and remake and eliminate waste. The use of recycled fibers, biodegradable and compostable is key, as well as protecting our resources and aiming for better practices.
On this front as an example we at Global Denim are very proud of our ongoing Ecoloop program, where we recycle pre and post-consumer denim to turn it into new cotton yarn to make new fabrics. We are aiming for all of our fabrics to include a percentage of recycled content in the near future to keep driving circularity and sustainability into our business.
Also, every element on the design process has to be taken into consideration, from where you are responsible sourcing your materials, to all the way to how and where you are going to manufacture, the trims and packaging you will be using to the transportation of the goods and lastly how will you educate the end consumer and translate your vision.
Carved in Blue: In your opinion, what is the denim industry in desperate need of?
Anatt: Apart for continued innovation and technology immersed on fabrics to really change the denim game, our industry is in desperate need of being able to communicate properly and educate the final consumer into good buying practices and into the sustainability front. Denim mills create and drive innovation and make advances in sustainability, but if there is not an educated audience that is willing to buy and make a demand for these products, then real change can’t happen.
Carved in Blue: What’s one thing in the old world of denim that we’d do best to leave in the past?
Anatt: I think what makes denim so amazing is its history and heritage, so I wouldn’t leave anything out from the old world of denim per se, but I would use it to learn from it and drive positive change; such as the change on how we source materials or the different fibers we can use in addition from cotton, such as TENCEL™ Lyocell or hemp.
Carved in Blue: Where do you see yourself in 10 yrs from now?
Anatt: This can be the hardest question of all but as I am so passionate about denim, its industry and its community, I can’t see myself doing anything else. I was once told that when you are bitten by the blue bug, you never get out, and that’s so true; so, in 10 years I would want to see myself still working for the industry and driving a positive change to it by being involved in lots of collaborations, bringing the international denim community together, and I would love to be on the education front, teaching the new generations.
Carved in Blue: What’s your first denim memory?
Anatt: As a little girl my mom always loved dressing me in double denim all the time, so practically all my outfits included denim, but I remember my first real interest for premium denim was when I was in middle school, I remember begging my dad for a 7 FAM or a True Religion one, as all the cool kids were using it, and when I finally got the pair I was so proud of it. I remember many of the memories I made while using those jeans even to this day.
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about denim?
Anatt: It’s very hard to name just one thing I love the most about denim so I will name a few; first starting with its rich and remarkable history and how it started as such cultural fabric with a rebellious air, to how it has transformed today to the most transparent and progressive fabric in all the industry. I also love the Indigo, and how as it fades it translates into stories of the wearer; and lastly the amazing denim community.
Carved in Blue: Where do you turn for denim inspiration? What helps you keep your perspective fresh?
Anatt: I think inspiration can come from anywhere; you just have to keep your eyes always open to it. I find lots of inspiration while traveling and visiting different shops and also by just looking at people, what they wear and even their attitude in relation with their clothes. I like to read a lot so I try to keep myself always up to date on industry related material and news to be well informed and know all the trends happening at the moment. To keep my perspective fresh, I always like to take a step back and clear my mind, so when I go back I can see things from a different angle.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Anatt: Carved in Blue means a medium and opportunity where all the international denim community can be interconnected, keep up to date and drive change and innovation together.