#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.

Wrangler® and Barbie® launch collection of coordinating denim, jackets, tops, tees, and dresses for women and girls

Global denim brand and the leading authority in western fashion, Wrangler® today announced its collaboration with Mattel, Inc.'s Barbie, the #1 fashion doll brand inspiring a cultural phenomenon. The Wrangler x Barbie collection celebrates two brands with similar heritage, united in the desire to encourage women and girls to be strong, confident, free and fearlessly chase their dreams.

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.

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

CHT Group announces new technical findings within its organIQ seek platform that significantly advance the transition toward permanganate-free denim bleaching. Through extensive industrial testing and application research, CHT confirms that organIQ seek can now be used with remarkable effectiveness as a substitute for potassium permanganate in spray bleach, while remaining aligned with sustainability expectations and cost realities in the European market. At the COLOMBIATEX in Medellín as well as at the Exintex in Puebla and the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam the CHT Group will present organIQ seek as an alternative to potassium permanganate.

Development of bio-based polyethylene fibers for textile applications – BB Engineering partici-pates in the bioPEtex research project

In the German research project bioPEtex, BB Engineering (BBE) is working with other partners to develop textiles made from 100% bio-based polyethylene (PE). The aim is to make use of this poly-mer, which has hardly been used in the chemical fiber industry to date. BBE is contributing its spinning and texturizing expertise and developing the texturing process on an industrial scale. The first promising results are already available – opening up new opportu-nities for sustainable and economically attractive applications in the textile industry.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition opens next week to spotlight smart textiles, sleep trends and sustainable sourcing

The home textiles industry is ready to gather in Shanghai next week as Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition 2026 prepares to open at the National Exhibition and Convention Center from 11 – 13 March. Bringing together more than 360 exhibitors from six countries and regions, the fair will showcase an extensive array of home textiles, including bedding, towelling, carpets, home textile technologies, textile design and more, serving as a forward‑thinking hub where design, sustainability and smart living converge.

High-performance yarns for tomorrow's mobility

At this year's Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21–24), Barmag will be presenting comprehensive solutions for the production of industrial filament yarns at the VDMA joint stand (Hall 12, C56). The focus will be on applications that ensure greater safety, durability, and efficiency in automotive engineering.