In October, Kingpins 24 will launch a new marketplace Kingpins Exchange. The new website will originate from a recently signed partnership with Material Exchange, a Swedish company working with some of the world’s most important retail apparel and footwear brands to analyze, optimize and digitize their material sourcing and development processes.
The digital platform for denim mills will allow Kingpins exhibitors to showcase their textiles to denim brands year-round. Kingpins is looking for ways to create greater opportunities for business and build new ways for brands to conveniently source denim fabrics from exhibitors. The goal is to provide brands with tools to be able to source denim and related fabrics instantly, view detailed product data online and help buyers make informed decisions about the materials needed for product design and creation process.
As a part of the plan, Kingpins Show organizers have decided to change the format of Kingpins24 by shortening it. The first new format will debut on September 22 and will focus on Canada. It will feature a two-hour livestream of live and pre-recorded content and will be co-presented with Canada-based Ani Wells of Simply Suzette.
Topics for Kingpins24 Canada will range from new models of business, to future-proofing brick-and-mortar retail and circularity in denim design. Brands and designers joining will include the godfather of denim Adriano Goldschmied; designer and consultant Malin Ekengren; Denim Dudes’ Amy Leverton; Brandon Svarc of Naked & Famous; Kelly Drennan, founder of Fashion Takes Action; Philippe Cantin, senior director of Sustainable Innovations and Circular Economy at the Retail Council of Canada; and Sabine Weber of Sustainable Strategies & Solutions. Wells, Olah and Vivian Wang, Kingpins Show’s managing director, will act as hosts of Kingpins24 Canada.
