Denim Première Vision Paris took place on November 2nd and 3rd, 2016. The show was deemed a success by most mills, brands and designers. It offered the latest fabrics and sustainability initiatives designed to make denim stand out. Denim connoisseurs were given the opportunity to browse and buy a selection of the finest vintage garments.

Emerging trends and future challenges affecting the growing and increasingly complex industry were discussed. It was argued that price focus was causing a stasis in trends and development. For instance stretch has been the main look for more than a decade. It was suggested that authentic, rigid denim fabrics could offer more potential for creativity and newness.

The price-quality ratio was underlined, particularly for premium denim brands competing against fast fashion rivals. If something was being retailed at a high price, it needs to look as if it costs that much, not like something that can be picked up at a fast fashion retailer for a third of the price.

Sustainability and limiting environmental impact was a big part of many exhibitors’ presentations. So there were firms showcasing yarn made with recycled fibers or denim made using 100 per cent Better Cotton Initiative cotton. Prosperity Textile has become the first Chinese denim mill to join the Bluesign environmental system.