Denim Premiere Vision was held in Spain, May 27 to 28. It welcomed 97 exhibitors and a pool of visitors from 60 countries. Mills were eager to promote their innovations for the autumn/winter ’16-’17 season, with conversations generally leading to the hand feel, stretch and sustainability of their products.

While fashion trends veered toward shine, glitter and leathery textures, mills continued to get high marks for soft finishes. Italian mill Niggeler & Kupfer is experimenting with flocked Tencel on women’s fabrications for a lush and opulent look.

For a smooth hand feel, Artistic Denim Mills used a spun polyester yarn—instead of a filament—for a range of hyper stretch denim. The appeal of soft and luxurious denims has evolved into denim collections that feel cozy.

Men’s stretch denim continues to be a conundrum for mills as the market demands fabrications with an authentic appearance. Men want it to look like denim. Orta is betting on its D-Craft collection of mono-stretch denim to answer the demand for rigid-looking denim. The fabrication has a slubby, cross-hatch, salt and pepper look associated with authentic denim.

Sustainable denim is top of mind for many mills. AFM is introducing recycled denim made using plastic water bottles.

denimpremierevision.com/