Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1004249
I nterest in performance tech and sustainability measures has been brewing in the denim business in recent years, but now with suppliers advancing customization and the fashion world keen on workwear, denim brings a lot to the innovation party. Strong relevance to outdoor was apparent at t he K ing pins Show held in New York City in June. Messaging at exhibitor booths highlighted forward thinking approaches toward environmental and social responsibility along with material enhancements in color-fastness, stretch and durability. Cordura showed SuperCharged Noir denim. A dense, dark black denim, the new offering is a blend of five key performance features, referred to as "5S technology" that includes: Stay True Color, Strength, Softness Sustainability and Stretch. Stay True Color, a color-fastness process that doesn't sacrifice durability, is achieved via solution dyed nylon, a process with considerable water savings and an area where Cordura has made significant investment. Cordura's SuperCharged Noir is a collaboration with Lenzing (Tencel) and Artistic Milliners. Invista unveiled three stretch technologies under its Lycra Xfit platform, signaling that it is no longer enough to just offer "stretch." Indeed, customization of stretch denim has arrived. "We can offer a variety of tech to meet different needs," says Jean Hegedus, global segment director for denim. "We think the next horizon is really around bi-stretch and new technologies to take comfort even further." Traditional outdoor fabrications are central to denim trends forecasted for next season. High- pile fleeces, durable canvas and Sherpa trims mix with denim in hybrid garment constructions that have a snowsports DNA and a streetwear twist. Forecaster Amy Leverton, of Denim Dudes, identifies this trend as "Altitude," a look she describes as "Retro utility gear and 90s hip-hop hitting the slopes together." Workwear Is Trending Up Utility is the buzzy phrase for classic workwear silhouettes such as trucker jackets, carpenter pants and jumpsuits outfitted with functional pocketing. This is not lost on the fashion crowd. The latest trend report from WhoWhatWear announces workwear as the trend "Poised to Be the Next Athleisure." With a foundation built on functionality, workwear is something the outdoor industry surely understands and should capitalize on with the latest sport tech and styles inf luenced by today's urban outdoorists. This all circles back to the Kingpins show. It should be noted that the vibe at Kingpins is a dead ringer for the Venture Out scene at Outdoor Retailer. Business is very relationship driven, socially relaxed and community-ori- ented. Both gatherings serve as micro-industries tuned into today's urban audience yet holds dear the romance of heritage makers. As Venture Out continues to gain traction as the new outdoor, denim is a kindred spirit. However, denim is important to outdoor because it brings greater reach, and extensive crossover potential beyond the backcountry roots of trails and slopes. Party on. Q What You Need to Know About Denim DENIM OluKai has launched Hawaiian Blue. Each pair of shoes in the small-batch collection is unique due to being hand crafted and hand-dyed with indigo plants grown in Hawaii. OluKai partnered with Hawaiian Blue artists Donna Miyashiro and Tokunari Fujibayashi to create beautiful indigo fabric, which is the centerpiece of this limited edition release. DENIM FOOTWEAR? YES, IT'S A THING. The Jeans Business is Worth Watching By Emily Walzer 28 • Outdoor Insight • August 2018 outdoorinsightmag.com Jeans by Boulder Denim