The denim industry is often described as a close-knit global community, and it may be even more connected in the coming seasons.
This week, Mexico-based garment manufacturer Aztex presented key denim fabric and wash trends at Sourcing at MAGIC in Las Vegas, highlighting garment concepts that hinge on collaboration, innovation and sustainability—three qualities that executive director Patricia Medina says are dependent on one another.
“Through collaboration you can innovate,” she said. “To innovate, you can create sustainability.”
Among the examples that Medina used to showcase this connectivity in denim manufacturing was Planet Rehab, the capsule collection designed by Juan Carlos Gordillo and produced by an international partnership of companies in the denim supply chain committed to reducing their impact on the environment. Intended to inspire other companies to combines their areas of expertise for positive change, the collection uses fabrics from Tejidos Royo with Tencel and Tencel x Refibra branded lyocell fibers. Fabrics were dyed using Officina+39’s Reycrom dye technology derived from textile waste and sustainably finished by Tonello.
The resulting look of Planet Rehab also reflects the growing interest in the market for dye effects—one of Aztex’s leading fashion trends at the show. A combination of Recycrom dyeing and water-less overdyeing achieved a myriad of dye effects that mimic the reflection of water or the grit of concrete. Washed down denim imitated ’70s tie-dye. For other garments, dye was applied via sponge for more localized placement.
Garments by PG Denim and its founder Paolo Gnutti focused on texture, another trend to watch.
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Denim and twill with viscose flocked surfaces added a surprising hand feel to garments like Trucker jackets and work shirts. While a rinse washing enhanced the coziness and softness of garments, the flocked fabrics could also take on a rugged appearance with scraping and 3D whiskers.
Aztex also presented PG Denim’s elevated take on denim fabrications targeted to luxury brands. Described as “gala denim,” the Italian R&D house made indigo and black denim with a weft made with real silver thread. The final product served the ultimate high-low look. For an edgier vibe, Aztex touted PG Denim’s “garage denim” feature, a black fabric with layers of gold laser effects, vivid laminations and splashes of glitter.
For more bold fashion statements, Aztex displayed a variety of mixed media denims from textile mill, Corduroy. Highlights included snake- and camouflage-printed patchwork jeans, and jeans made with both camouflage and floral printed denim. Rather than clash, the prints shared monochromatic color palettes, which added harmony to the novelty pieces.
Aztex also urged attendees to think outside the confines of a five-pocket jean by showcasing upcycled hybrid garments—think jean shorts transformed into jumpsuits—and ultra-feminine denim dresses designed with ruffles, bows and bohemian silhouettes.