Transformers ED Event Expands with Digital Series
Denim nonprofit organization Transformers Foundation is bringing its student- and consumer-facing educational event online this fall.
Transformers ED has previously been a day-long in-person event, but as it switches to a new digital format in light of Covid, it is also extending the content over three days. From Oct. 14-16, attendees can tune into talks at Transformers ED via Zoom. The event is produced in partnership with Ravensbourne University London, and as a result of the virtual access, this edition of the event can also engage students across the pond in the U.S.
There will be three hours of programming per day, with presentations scheduled to accommodate attendees across U.K. and U.S. time zones. Day one will focus on the creation of denim fabric, including sessions delving into raw materials including cotton and manmade cellulosic fibers. The following day will explore sustainability with a focus on production innovation, circularity and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Rounding out the programming on Oct. 16 will be sessions on building a denim career. This day will also take a look at quality, creative design and trend forecasting.
Among the speakers on the roster is Michael Kininmonth, global denim development manager for Lenzing. Attendees will also hear from:
Andrew Olah, Transformers Foundation | Mohsin Sajid, ENDRIME® / DENIM HISTORY | Miguel Sanchez, Transformers Foundation | Helen Latham, The LYCRA Company | Simon Giuliani, Candiani Denim | Alberto DeConti, Rudolf Group | Jason Denham, DENHAM | Kerry Bannigan, Conscious Fashion Campaign | Ebru Ozaydin, Artistic Milliners | Alberto Candiani, Candiani Denim | Alice Tonello, Tonello | Salli Deighton, OSD Ltd | Rowan Hunt, Denim Research | Claire Ford, Claire Ford Consultancy / Outland Denim | Amy Roberton, Denim Specialist | Janelle Hanna, White Weft | Neha Celly, Bluehemia / Nece Gene | Jessica Gebhart, i and me | Malin Ekengren, Denim Specialist | Sue Barrett, Denim Forum | Laura Dixon, Three by one Europe® | Miles Johnson, Johnson Design Consultancy | Nick Williams, 4TH Avenue Graphics | Leanne Jae, Denim Specialist | Amy Leverton, Denim Dudes | Donwan Harrell, Art Meets Chaos
Hosting the event will be Mohsin Sajid, a denim historian and educator with more than 20 years of experience in the business and the co-founder of Endrime Studio, Denim Design Consultancy and the Denim History platform.
“We expanded this third edition of Transformers ED to three days, as we wanted to invite as many established designers and leaders in our denim industry that would resonate with the students,” said Mohsin. “We honestly have the best of the best presenting. We have lectures on how denim is made, cotton history, elastomeric fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers, bast fibers (hemp), European indigo history, chemicals in denim.
“We also cover very important UN Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability in denim fabric production, innovation in garment wash-downs and processing machinery. We cover product development, making the right sustainable choices, how current denim garments decompose,” he said. “We have an exciting panel talk on circularity in denim, lectures on good research, and gaining inspiration, customer profiling and mindsets and even how to make a comprehensive tech pack. We have provoking lectures on what does it truly mean to design a ‘quality’ garment, and even found time to include sustainable graphics branding and packaging.
“We end with lectures on the different roles of a designer within the denim industry, and how trends have changed over the years to where we’re at now,” Mohsin added. “I personally can’t wait! It’s been a delight planning this edition of Transformers ED over the summer.”
Consumers, students and members of the denim industry can register to attend Transformers ED here.
Want to know more about the event? Join us Monday, October 12th 9PST / 12 EST/ 5 BST for an Instagram LIVE chat on @CarvedInBlue with Mohsin Sajid.