#Denim

2022-11-17

75 diamonds for 75 years: Wrangler® to auction custom belt buckle in support of next generation cowboy & cowgirl

Global denim icon Wrangler® announced today the digital auction of a one-of-one belt buckle hand-crafted by legendary buckle and jewelry company Montana Silversmiths®, which costs more than $40,000 in celebration of the brand’s diamond anniversary. Wrangler will donate 100% of all proceeds to Western Sports Foundation and Lead Changes, two independent non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the western way of life.

All proceeds generated by the diamond-encrusted showpiece will benefit nonprofits focused on cultivating youth participation in the western lifestyle and sport of rodeo.

“Wrangler has drawn inspiration from the code of the west since its inception in 1947, and we couldn’t be more excited to honor our roots by working to preserve the culture and heritage of the great American cowboy,” said Allen Montgomery, vice president western and workwear – Wrangler. “We couldn’t think of a better finale to our 75th anniversary than working with two incredible organizations that are dedicated to empowering youth through embracing the power of the Cowboy Spirit."

Celebrating the beauty and originality of the buckle and the legends who represent the spirit of the west, a “Hands of Wrangler” photo series on @wrangler and @wranglernetwork social channels will highlight the buckle’s tour across the U.S. to meet iconic brand ambassadors of past and present, including Cody Johnson, JB Mauney, Leon Bridges and more.

With Wrangler celebrating 75 years, bidding opens today at a fitting $7,500 for the 6.34-carat buckle featuring 75 diamonds, yellow gold, blue topaz and sterling silver accents. Facilitated by WSMAuctioneers.com, a premier digital auction platform, the sale will support the missions of the selected charities, with earnings split evenly between the two.

For Western Sports Foundation and Lead Changes, in-person training events and camps play a significant role in connecting young people with the values and lifestyle of the west. Proceeds from this charitable auction will help facilitate these touchpoints and continue cultivating well-rounded cowboys and cowgirls for the future.

The auction will be live through December 30, 2022, at 5 p.m. and the winner will be announced in January 2023. To learn more about the Wrangler 75th Anniversary diamond belt buckle, visit WSM.com and wranglernetwork.com.

Kontoor Brands announces USD300 Million share repurchase program

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB), a global lifestyle apparel company, with a portfolio led by two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Wrangler® and Lee®, today reported that the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $300 million of the Company’s common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces the existing share repurchase program announced on August 5, 2021.

Jeanologia launches Billy

The new AI extracts precise laser designs from a garment image in minutes, transforming how vintage denim is recreated for production. If Jeanologia’s laser changed the way jeans were made at the end of the last century, its AI now takes the next step: moving from reproducing wear to designing it. / archive photo © 2026 Jeanologia

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

ISKO’s denim language at Bluezone

ISKO returns to Bluezone to showcase its latest advancements in denim innovation, presenting a comprehensive overview of its SS27 collection alongside key creative and technological collaborations. At booth C02, ISKO offers visitors an immersive look into how performance, design, and circular thinking are shaping the future of denim.

MUNICH FABRIC START: Between Attitude and Sensuality

The future begins where we reimagine it. After seasons of restraint, Spring.Summer 27 marks a conscious counter-trend: optimism, sensuality, and creative freedom are replacing pragmatism and neutrality. Physical presence and individuality are regaining importance – as a response to uncertainty, exhaustion, and algorithmic predictability. The overarching theme of PLEASURE stands for fashion as an emotional space, as an expression of attitude and cultural reflection. Colours, surfaces, and materials become vehicles for self-confidence and joie de vivre.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.