Bluezone

ORTA x Long John

ORTA x Long John presents:

The Biggest Sustainable Jeans!

13. January 2024

ORTA x Long John Presents: The biggest sustainable jeans!

The well-known Turkish denim manufacturer ORTA, celebrated its 70th anniversary last year teams up with Wouter Munnichs, founder of online denim magazine Long John and freelance denim specialist for brands and retail, to create the biggest sustainable pair of blue jeans ever made. This huge collaboration jeans will be on display at denim fabric trade show Bluezone in Munich, Germany on the 23rd and 24th of January, 2024.

This January, ORTA and Long John will join forces in a very special jeans collaboration. Together they developed the biggest sustainable jeans ever produced to set a new milestone within the denim industry. This display jeans is made with a waist size 133 and a total length of around 4,5 meters. For the inspiration of this collaboration jeans, they looked at the past when huge display jeans were made as a promotion for a denim brand. These originals were used to showcase a jeans brand in a unique and unmissable way in front of retailers and at rodeo events in the West of America from the 1920’s onwards.

Showcasing the new sustainable denim fabric

The idea of making something that stands out came when ORTA developed a new sustainable denim fabric with code 4853A, colored Steel Blue. This rigid 2/1 Z twill denim fabric weighs 10.6 oz and is made with a composition of 80% better cotton + 20% post-consumer recycled cotton. The fibers as well as the fabric were all manufactured in Turkey locally. As a long partner of ORTA, Long John sat down with the ORTA to think about a way they could present this innovative denim fabric that can’t be missed by each visitor of the Bluezone trade show in Munich. Soon, they were thinking of creating this enormous pair of jeans.

The inspiration for the display jeans

The design of the ORTA x Long John display jeans is inspired on the original miner jeans that were worn during the kick-off of the so-called ‘Gold Rush’ period around 1850 in California, USA. During this period, many people from all over the world came to California when gold was discovered in the mines. To get the job done, a sturdy and durable pair of blue jeans was needed. This is seen by many as the kick-off of the history of denim. The rest is history.

The ORTA x Long John display jeans is produced with an eye for detail, just like the originals. Key detail features on this pair are included such as one back pocket, a cinch back, suspender buttons on the waistband, and even a crotch rivet on the front. Also, for this display pair, a huge hangtag is produced, the same as a back patch from sustainable cotton fabric showing both ORTA and Long John logos.

Displayed at Bluezone

The biggest sustainable jeans ever produced by ORTA x Long John will be showcased for the very first time at the denim fabric trade show Bluezone in Munich on the 23rd and 24th of January. Don’t miss this chance to get yourself photographed in front of this big 133-sized pair of blue jeans.

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by Chantal Graeff

BLUEZONE CONEXXION Autumn.Winter 24/25 - Part IV

Discover the latest innovations from BLUEZONE - Part IV

17. October 2023

With around 90 international denim, street & sportswear suppliers, BLUEZONE once again offered the complete portfolio of denim innovations in its own halls 6 + 7. Under the leitmotif DISCOVERY, the denim community shared moments, discovered the latest highlights and innovations. We present some material innovations, new perspectives and changes in the industry here:

ORTA

ORTANOW collection embodies ORTA’s 70 years of rich denim history with an innovation leading eco–modern handprint. The collection speaks of ORTA icons: from marble ring early nineties Japanese influence to Homespun ultimate X-Hatch of the 00s, from our first generation of multi-count fabrics to evolved techno shine flex to the Alchemy finish for cashmere touch, and the denim disruption of 100% bi-stretch with ORTA legends like 5616, Calgary, Taos and many more.

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REALTEKS

REALTEKS started on its adventure in 1997 with a dream in the pocket. In 2022, REALTEKS owned a denim mill to do more for the carbon print on its 25th anniversary called “RE-BORN”. Their SEASONLESS Collection is all about Futurity Antique, The Essential Feature, Rigid Stretch, Simple Motion, Monochromatic, RE-Blue as concepts created in REALTEKS. In a world full of trends, they are not here to be average, they want to remain UNIQUE. They believe in NATURAL SOULS, they believe in DREAMS, they believe in REAL friendships, they believe in REAL LOVE. What is your super power?

REALTEKS

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SHARABATI DENIM

Sharabati Denim presents three major concepts for this season: Blacklight is about the dark indigo colors, blacks, overdyes and coated fabrics. Their overdye technique gives the fabric a range of colors on both sides for extra versatility. Indigo coating lends denim deep dark hues and creates a denim look when applied to gaberdine. Kaleidoscope is about the millennium time looks. Hi-tech and retro at the same time. More colorful, cheerful with heavy washes. 50/50 rewrites the dress code rules with hybrid working. Find comfortable and smart-looking fabrics suitable for work time.

SHARABATI DENIM

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TEJIDOS ROYO

Pioneers in the development of the most sustainable ZERO WATER dyeing technology in denim… now for piece dyeing! They dye fabrics without using water, achieving excellent fastness. This is how ROYO POLICROM was born, the magic of transformation. An endless number of colour possibilities, with very trendy finishes such as the most authentic leather effect, the futuristic metallic finish or the denim color, among others. In DENIM they highlight ICON – fabrics made from 100% recycled components and sustainable practices. ICON is recycled and recyclable, therefore, ETERNAL. Its colour is DRY INDIGO and DRY BLACK = ZERO WATER. Undoubtedly, it is the future of denim.

TEJIDOS ROYO

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IMPRESSIONS OF THE BLUEZONE CONEXXION

MORE ABOUT CONEXXION

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by Chantal Graeff

CONNEXXION - SAAT MUNICH

Connexxion – 20 Years of togetherness in denim

H 6 | B 0 7

29. June 2023

Connexxion – The association

The perfect connection is characterized by the fact that the SAATMUNICH Design Studio has been developing conceptual outfits for the Bluezone Hostess in collaboration with exclusive partners since 2016. The selection of these partners is based on the innovation of a weaver and the expertise of the manufacturer in the transformation of the nominated theme.

 

Connexxion – The relationship

Sajna Weber and Thorsten Bulander, the creative minds behind SAAT, designs conceptual looks for Bluezone every year. SAAT’s unique concept developments underline their long- term experience in the fields of design, denim, and workwear.

The SAATMUNICH Design Studio has established itself as an innovative and reliable partner in the sustainable production of denim products and corporate wear.

 

Connexxion – The combination

SAAT means “together” in the Indian language and “that which arises from the seed sown” in the German language. Thus, SAAT’s fashion is a harmonious interplay of different factors that always creates something new. The result is a timeless way of work fashion, stylish and individually tailored to the customer’s needs.

Connexxion – The correlation

The Bluezone hostesses’ anniversary look is a selection of Key-Pieces from the previous year’s outfits. The looks represent the exhibitors and the essential components needed to create something unique in the apparel industry.

“THE HOSTESS LOOK” – The boxy crewneck T-shirt, quilted denim vest and denim shorts echo the Connexxion theme and links all the components of the apparel industry, such as, fabrics, graphics and manufacturers needed to create unique and sustainable products for the fashion world.

Discover more industry-changing innovations at our upcoming trade shows:

BLUEZONE

18/07 – 19/07/2023

www.bluezone.show

MUNICH FABRIC START

18/07 – 20/07/2023

www.munichfabricstart.com

THE SOURCE

18/07 – 19/07/2023

www.thesource.show

by Chantal Graeff

BLUEZONE DISCOVERY - Part III

Discover the latest innovations from BLUEZONE - Part III

23. May 2023

With around 90 international denim, street & sportswear suppliers, BLUEZONE once again offered the complete portfolio of denim innovations in its own Halls 6 + 7. Under the leitmotif DISCOVERY, the denim community shared moments, discovered the latest highlights and innovations. Some material innovations, new perspectives and changes in the industry we present to you here:

ISKO TM LUXURY BY PG

A new range of products is taking the denim world to the next level as ISKO teams up with Paolo Gnutti. Combining ISKO’s advanced denim technologies with PG’s creative vision, the result is the special ISKO™ Luxury collection by PG. Moods reworking selvedge, or inspired by the animal world, then colors, foils, prints, flocked fabrics: experimentations once again ‘Born to Amaze’.

ISKO TM LUXURY BY PG

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ISKO

ISKO’s 2024 Vol.1 Collection marks the debut of Ctrl+Z, materials science innovation. Ctrl+Z, fabrics are made from a pure blend of recycled cotton and polyester with regenerated cellulosic fibers: the results look and feel identical to traditional compositions offering unmatched durability. This consistency is even more key when it comes to high-performance fabrics, stretch technologies and comfort fits, signature staples of ISKO’s expertise.

ISKO

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STROM

STROM is a fully vertical factory & laundry established in 2008. They are one of the leading companies in Jeanswear manufacturing in Istanbul, Turkey with a long tradition of quality and customer satisfaction.

The focus is on innovation and flexibility; and a vertically integrated process enables them to meet the various demands of our partners, from ideas and design through to finished products. With their own sustainable laundry, sampling, design and pattern facilities, production in-house and dedicated sourcing capabilities, they achieve the highest ethical and manufacturing standards.

STROM

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VICUNHA

Recognized around the world for its high standards of quality and sustainability, Vicunha is one of the three largest global producers of indigo and twill and number one in Latin America. Vicunha is daily committed to create products and techniques that continually reduce its impact on the environment. The differentiators include, among others, the use of recycled and recovered pre-consumed cotton, special fibers such as REFIBRA TM and Hemp, and water saving up to 95%.

VICUNHA

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INSIGHTS OF BLUEZONE DISCOVERY

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by Chantal Graeff

Meet Saitex - the vertical Vietnamese Denim Entity

Meet Saitex:

Welcoming the Vietnamese vertical Denim Entity to BLUEZONE 2023

16. January 2023

Global jeans manufacturer Saitex is going vertical as it officially announces the opening of its first denim fabric making mill in Vietnam. The new 100,000 square meter facility is located 40 minutes from its cut & sew factory near Ho Chi Minh City where 18,000 pairs of jeans are made on average per day.

The new mill covers all operations from yarn spinning to weaving and to fabric dyeing and finishing. Saitex has announced it will produce 2 million meters of fabric per month, or 24 million yearly, and some 750 tonnes of yarn per month. These new operations have created 630 new jobs and the company says it will employ 1,000 at full capacity. As it has already done at its cut & sew factory, 20% of the jobs will be filled by people with disabilities.

Like Saitex’s “Factory of the Future” in Los Angeles, CA, the new facility incorporates the latest and lowest impact technologies. The mill is equipped to produce yarns in pure cotton or in blends in dual-core, multiple-core and SiroSPUN technologies.

For indigo dyeing, Saitex has installed the Smart Indigo system that pre-reduces indigo via an electrochemical process. This, the company says, leads to lower CO2 emissions by 90%, requires 70% less energy and 30% less water, with oxygen as the only product released. Karl Mayer rope dyeing machines lead to further environmental savings, thanks to fewer dye bathes, and a 30% reduction in indigo and chemical usage.

Other eco-responsible features at the new site include LEED Gold Certified materials for the building, 15,000 solar panels, greywater recycling and rainwater collection systems. A vegetable garden covers 40% of the total site to feed workers and local communities. Saitex says it has also planted 6,000 trees in the industrial park, and has offset its carbon emissions by planting 50 hectares of mangroves in Vietnam, as part of its plan to contribute to climate neutrality by 2025.

“It has been our long-term vision to close the loop on our operations. With the opening of the mill and the upcoming launch of our textile upcycling facility, Stelapop, our vision will be complete. We will close the circle, allowing us to provide unprecedented transparency in denim production and the ability to turn apparel and textile waste into high-quality goods. Our target is to become the most sustainable fabric mill on the planet making fully circular production possible for our customers.”

Sanjeev Bahl, CEO und Gründer von Saitex

VISIT US AT BLUEZONE 2023

H7 – C07

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by Chantal Graeff

Production location Germany: MADE IN GERMANY par excellence

6 textile manufacturers that produce 100% in Germany

23. May 2022

It really still exists: the German local textile industry. The manufacturers who produce 100% in Germany. We present six of our exhibitors of the upcoming MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE, who embody MADE IN GERMANY down to the smallest detail.

Onshoring – Nearshoring – Off-/Farshoring?

The answer to this question depends of course on the location of the sourcing partner company. If both your fashion brand and your production partner are based in Germany, this stands for Onshoring par excellence. Because Onshoring describes the choice of a domestic production partner. Short value chains, short distances. While Nearshoring stands for relocation to nearby countries and Offshoring describes outsourcing to more distant areas, mostly outside of Europe.

Let’s look at these six exhibitors from German textile production: Dresdner Spitzen, Frohn HighTex Group, Handel & Diller, Kindermann, Maibom and Mehler Tuchfabrik.

DRESDNER SPITZEN

DRESDNER SPITZEN has stood for quality and elegance from Saxony since 1884.

As a traditional family business with an innovative spirit, the German company develops sophisticated and sustainable lace and lace fabrics, as well as functional knitwear. At the fully integrated production site in Dresden, all production steps are combined under one roof, from design to raw material production, dyeing, finishing and finishing.

With a well-trained team, DRESDNER SPITZEN guarantees the highest quality in all areas. With the Standard 100 by OEKO TEX® and STeP by OEKO TEX® certificates, the top expert proves the long-term implementation of human-ecological product requirements, sustainable and ecological processes and compliance with social working conditions.

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FROHN HighTex Group

FROHN HighTex Group produces fashionable and innovative textiles exclusively at the company’s location in Northern Bavaria, one of the most well-known German textile regions. The third-generation owner-managed company has a network of regional partner companies with first-class trained textile specialists.

Sustainability and resource reduction have been anchored in the corporate philosophy of the FROHN HighTex Group for much longer than this became a core topic of corporate strategies in general. FROHN is well positioned for the future and the fourth generation is in the starting blocks to continue the company with foresight, flexibility and a focus on innovative, functional textiles.

“Our aim is to be one of the best in our industry and we can only do this through our network and a qualitatively optimal supply chain with short distances to partner companies located around our northern Bavarian production site.”

— Wolfgang Frohn, General Manager

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HÄNDEL & DILLER

QUALITY BEFORE QUANTITY

As a family-run company, Händel & Diller produces on the most modern large circular knitting machines at its own location in Balingen-Frommern on the Swabian Alb.

Subject to ecological and social responsibility, fabrics are created here for manufacturers of underwear, home and sportswear or for technical applications. The foundations of success are innovative and creative products, a pronounced customer orientation, good team spirit and a quality awareness that exists across all departments.

“We remain loyal to the southern German production site because local production corresponds to our social understanding and our ecological responsibility. With the know-how of our employees, the existing infrastructure offers quality advantages, the possibility of economical production and the supply of our customers with the highest possible process reliability. We want to guarantee our customers reliable supplies even in times of more complex supply chains.”

— Helmut Diller, General Manager

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KINDERMANN

The Kindermann company, founded in 1885, is one of the last companies in Europe to refine corduroy fabrics at the Leutersdorf production site, making them stable and stretchable lengthwise and crosswise. Knitwear, technical fabrics and traditional workwear fabrics are also finished. Since 2007, one of the most modern processing locations in Germany has been built here and continuously developed.

The woven and knitted fabrics are sourced from sister company Cord & Velveton, also in Leutersdorf.

Kindermann has also been selling fabrics made from certified organic cotton for over 30 years. The company has also been certified according to the GOTS standard for several years.

With on-site production, Kindermann ensures fast and flexible deliveries and short supply chains.

“If we are faster, better and more reliable than the competition, then Germany is definitely justified as a location.”

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MAIBOM

Innovation, ability to deliver, quality and sustainability are the four pillars of the Maibom family business. The daily work is based on these pillars, as is the company’s future direction. The Maibom weaving mill refines cotton outer fabrics in blends for trousers at its Germany location, since cotton outer fabrics can be finished here under the highest quality and most sustainable conditions. Over the last few years, the company has positioned itself much more flexibly and can therefore compensate for seasonal fluctuations more easily.

Digital printing makes it possible to produce “on demand” flexibly and at short notice according to Eco Design standards and to react to certain market trends. Furthermore, the capsule “Made in Germany – woven and finished in Germany” sets new standards – a mixture of organic cotton from Turkey and Tencel is used.

 

“Only the finishing gives the fabric its special character.”

— Fabian Maibom, Management

 

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Tuchfabrik Gebrüder MEHLER

As the oldest textile factory in Germany, Gebrüder MEHLER has been focusing on quality since 1644. The family business is now being run by the 11th generation.

From the fiber to the finished fabric and all with a great deal of passion and dedication.

The yarn for loden / cloth is produced in the spinning mill in Forst (Brandenburg) and the fabric is woven and finished in Tirschenreuth (Bavaria).

The clothing and interior fabrics made of pure wool are individual, customer-oriented and certified according to OEKO-TEX, GOTS and IVN.

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We invite you:

Network, get inspiration and establish long-term and professional partnerships.

Discover national and international exhibitors at the upcoming VIEW Premium Selection as well as at MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE. We look forward to seeing you in Munich!

by Chantal Graeff

BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE will welcome you in May

BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE move to 3 - 4 May 2022

MUNICH FABRIC START in January 2022 cancelled

21. December 2021

The last few weeks have been dominated by the finalisation of our upcoming shows. And we are very proud of the current, impressive status: Thanks to the enormous support from the industry, around 700 suppliers from 33 countries are registered for MUNICH FABRIC START, including more than 90 international denim suppliers for BLUEZONE.

At the same time, the very dynamic situation with the ever-increasing measures for events and the rapidly increasing infection numbers all around Europe make it difficult for us to take the next steps to be able to welcome you again in just a few weeks.

It is with a very heavy heart that we therefore feel obliged to cancel
MUNICH FABRIC START Spring.Summer 23 from 25th – 27th January 2022.

BLUEZONE can’t happen in January 2022 as well, but the good news is that we are going to realise a stand-alone denim and innovation concept from 3 – 4 May 2022 on the Zenith grounds in Munich: 

BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE

“As trade fair organisers, in addition to the major economic risk, we also have a high social responsibility. Decisive for this serious decision are various realistic scenarios that could occur in the coming weeks depending on the situation: a very short-term ban on events, further restrictions for events or additional travel restrictions. In addition, of course, the health and safety of all participants is always our top priority. Due to current developments, we unfortunately have no other option than to cancel MUNICH FABRIC START. At the same time, we see a great opportunity in being able to offer a physical platform for denim and innovations in Munich from 3 – 4 May 2022: BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE. There, you will find an impressive new format in the style of a blue festival with currently over 90 exhibiting denim mills and innovators.”

Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director Munich Fabric Start

STAY TUNED: We look forward to telling you more about our BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE concept soon & can’t wait to finally reunite the Blue Community in May again!

At the same time, we will of course keep you informed about news and the latest collections from our exhibitors via our M/UNIQUE blog and Social Media & you will soon be able to purchase our trend forecast for Spring.Summer 23.

Now we wish you a nice pre-Christmas season & above all: stay healthy!

Your MUNICH FABRIC START & BLUEZONE team

SAVE THE DATES - NEXT SHOWS

by Chantal Graeff

The countdown is on

Only one week to go until MUNICH FABRIC START AW 22/23 & BLUEZONE

24. August 2021

The time has come: for months we have been working towards welcoming the textile industry back to a physical show in Munich again. We are all the more grateful to be able to realise MUNICH FABRIC START from 31/08 – 02/09/2021 in the MOC Munich and BLUEZONE from 31/08 – 01/09/2021 on the newly designed Zenith area with an international portfolio of around 1,000 collections.

In keeping with the seasonal title of MUNICH FABRIC START – RISE – you are invited to get inspired, meet long-term partners and finally discover materials live again in their diversity and depth.

“We couldn’t be happier at the moment, because in a few days we will finally bring the textile industry back together in Munich! As organisers, we have literally turned every stone in order to create a safe, creative environment for the industry for efficient work and inspiration. In addition to the high-quality supplier portfolio, we are very proud to be able to offer known and valued services such as free lunch and coffee bars despite the situation, as well as numerous innovations: for example, a newly designed sustainability area ReSOURCE X SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS for sourcing of future-oriented materials, an event program with panel discussions and keynotes with international experts and a BLUEZONE with an 80’s atmosphere which is fusioning with the innovation hub KEYHOUSE.”

Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director Munich Fabric Start

Our priority: your health & safety!

We are aware of our great responsibility and have done everything to ensure that the entire event area is Covid-19 compliant. Of course, our extensive hygiene concept meets the official requirements and even goes a few steps further.

Please pay particular attention to the following 3 points for your carefree, safe visit to the trade fair:

COUNTRY ENTRY & EXIT

Please inform yourself proactively about the travel information for your country to and from Germany as well as about the exceptions for trade show visitors.

“3 SCREENING RULES“: TESTED/ RECOVERED / VACCINATED

Please have a valid Covid-19 test, a recovered certificate or a vaccination certificate to hand upon arrival at the show. Compliance with the „3 Screening Rules“ will be checked daily at screening stations.

FFP2 MASK REQUIREMENT

On the entire exhibition grounds, visitors are required to wear a FFP2 mask.

We have summarised further detailed information for you here, e.g. on the validity of the evidence and travel information:

>> Hygiene Concept

>> Reise-Informationspaket

Now online for you: Brand Search, Hall Plans, Trend Book Sale & Event Program

Our new homepage www.munichfabricstart.com offers complete information: Under THE SHOW, you can now use the brand search and detailed hall plans to research all exhibiting suppliers and showcased collections and plan your show visit. Under VISIT you will find helpful tips on travel, parking and hotels.

The new Trend Book presenting the 5 trend topics of MUNICH FABRIC START as well as the 4 denim trend topics of BLUEZONE is already available for purchase online, the Colour Code will also be available soon after the trade show.

 

The coal bunker on the Zenith area will be a Covid-19 compliant meeting point for live speeches, panel discussions and networking. The complete overview of the trend presentations, expert talks, panel discussions and keynotes can be found in the event program.

Some highlights are:

  • Tuesday, 31/08/21, 30am: NEWTOPIA OR DYSTOPIA – How to design and inspire such a polarised world? Keynote by David Shah, Publisher & CEO View Publications
  • Tuesday, 31/08/21, 2.00pm: CLOSING THE LOOP – How circular can the supply chain be? Panel discussion with Adriana Galijasevic, Tricia Carey, Shahar Livne and moderator Sabine Kühnl
  • Tuesday, 31/08/21, 3.30pm: THE VISION OF A NEW TEXTILES ECONOMY. Mini lecture by Muchaneta Kapfunde, Founding Editor-in-Chief FashNerd.com
  • Wednesday, 01/09/21, 10.30am: DIVING INTO THE BLUEZONE DENIM TRENDS. Trend presentation by Tilmann Wröbel, Creative Director & Founder Monsieur-T. Denim Lifestyle Studio
  • Wednesday, 01/09/21, 12.00pm: MATERIAL CHALLENGES – How to make fabrics functional, fashionable and sustainable. Innovations panel by Sabine Kühnl, Executive Editor THE SPIN OFF

MUNICH FABRIC START
Tue, 31/08, 9.30am – 6.30pm

Wed, 01/09, 9.30am – 6.30pm

Thu, 02/09, 9.30am – 4.00pm

MOC Munich

Lilienthalallee 40
80939 Munich

BLUEZONE

Tue, 31/08, 9.30am – 6.30pm

Wed, 01/09, 9.30am – 6.30pm

Zenith Area
Lilienthalallee 29
80939 Munich

Germany

SAVE THE DATES – NEXT SHOWS

VIEW PREMIUM SELECTION

30/11 – 01/12/2021

MUNICH FABRIC START

25/01 – 27/01/2022

BLUEZONE

25/01 – 26/01/2022

by Alison Baxter

Bluezone presents BACK TO THE FUTURE

Bluezone presents their upcoming show theme: BACK TO THE FUTURE

22. June 2021

It’s about time to celebrate and come together for the reunion of the season. The entire BLUEZONE team proudly invites all denim professionals to our physical show which aims to bring us BACK TO THE FUTURE: BLUEZONE from 31 August – 1 September 2021 at Zenith Areal Munich. It is the feelgood moment we have all been yearning for, personally and professionally which seemed almost suspended for over a year.

We’re calling this edition ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’, because despite all obstacles, BLUEZONE will become a safe and lively home for the industry. A physical platform for all denim experts looking for a way back to normal, getting closer to the touch and feel of textiles, products and all senses again. We can’t wait until the blue community comes together again, to meet and celebrate in person. Our future is shaped by the thriving denim technologies, developments and innovation waiting to be discovered at our show. Globally and now at our shows, we are happy to announce that blue denim is back.

BACK TO THE FUTURE returns us to a time when the future is free to be written – a future with a strong desire for blue denim trends, novelties and a feeling of freedom. Where sustainability goes beyond and against greenwashing to envision the denim of tomorrow. The trends reflected at the upcoming edition of Bluezone touch on the reality of our new normal. We are physical fanatics, longing for a reunion that brings us closer and connected than has been possible in almost a year. Fun invigorates our clothes, our lives and our styles. While fashion strives to fulfil the need for inclusive, gender free denim and looks, paired with a new gaming aesthetic. We dive into a new virtual world and spread the importance to integrate, 3D and AI visualisations appear in marketing even while styles of the 1920’s prohibition emerge in rebellious sartorial styles.

This season takes a closer look at the denim market, how we want it to be a and want values we are supporting. Denim is a democracy yet we wonder how cheap denim should go, how far are we going to prove our commitment to sustainability and are we honest in our methods? The crucial issue of greenwashing has given rise to a hatery that scrutinizes and fights for the better treatment and respect of our planet.

All trend themes of BACK TO THE FUTURE will be presented in detail in the trend forum of the upcoming BLUEZONE from 31 August – 1 September 2021 at the Zenith Area Munich. Don’t miss the chance to get inspired for your next collection and to stay up-to-date with all industry novelties!

MUNICH FABRIC START
31/08 – 02/09/2021

BLUEZONE
31/08 – 01/09/2021

by Chantal Graeff

C&A opens sustainable production site in Mönchengladbach

The Futuristic Technology behind C&A’s "Factory for Innovation in Textiles"

21. June 2021

Fashion retailer C&A has announced the opening of its Factory for Innovation in Textiles (“C&A’s FIT”) in Mönchengladbach, Germany, set for autumn 2021. The state-of-the-art production site will initially focus on manufacturing jeans using the latest digital technologies in a carbon-neutral production site. We got exclusive insights into the automation of C&A’s FIT and can’t wait to share it with you!

The German fashion company is working with scientists from Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, the North Rhine-Westphalia Textile Academy and RWTH Aachen University, as well as pioneering start-up companies, on the new development.

FIT will first focus on the production of jeans. The ambitious plan is to initially produce around 400,000 jeans per year in Mönchengladbach, and later it will be 800,000. The first jeans will be available in stores in 2022.

With this opening, C&A is generating new impulses for the textile industry in the middle of Europe. Besides, it makes the bold statement that sustainable fashion must not be a niche product – which is why this manufacturing site is about production in larger numbers.

Betty Kieß, Head of Corporate Communications Europe C&A, exclusively shares with us some examples of automation used at C&A’s FIT:

  1. Fully automated pocket setter: A machine that automatically folds and sews the back pocket while the employee only inserts the fabrics.
  2. Automatic magazine: In the area of ​​warehousing of raw materials, a magazine which automatically stores the materials and returns them to production when required is used. All materials are also digitally inventoried.
  3. Industry 4.0: All machines are designed for Industry 4.0 and can communicate production data with one another.
  4. Decorative stitch carousel: The decorative seam is automatically sewn onto the back pocket by a stitch carousel.

Betty Kieß also tells us that they are working closely with the universities in the field of robotics with the goal of eventually using robots to feed parts into the production.

…definitely exciting news coming soon!

As a long-standing visitor to MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE, C&A will of course be back in Munich in autumn to view and order the collections and innovations of our international exhibitors – we can hardly wait to greet our visitors and exhibitors again at our physical fair under the motto RISE allowed to!

MUNICH FABRIC START
31/08 – 02/09/2021

BLUEZONE
31/08 – 01/09/2021

by Chantal Graeff