CEO Message: Kingpins in 2026 and Beyond
As we move into 2026, I find myself both reflective and energized. A new year is always a chance to pause, take stock and look ahead — and I’m grateful to be doing that alongside such a thoughtful, committed community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in New York this January, and to all of you who continue to support and shape Kingpins throughout the year.
January in New York is never predictable. Between winter weather and the timing of Chinese New Year, we knew many retailers and brands would be attending with smaller teams, and that proved to be the case. What truly encouraged us, however, was the increase in both new and returning companies at the show. It reinforced something we believe deeply: Kingpins continues to be a place where the global denim community wants to connect, collaborate and do business. We’re looking forward to carrying that momentum forward and welcoming a similar influx of new attendees in Amsterdam this April.
Over the past year, my team and I have been spending time thinking about how Kingpins is perceived and how it continues to evolve. Part of that work has been introducing new companies — particularly higher-end and designer labels — to the show. Our goal is to ensure that designers, brands and retailers clearly understand that coming to Kingpins means meeting some of the best denim suppliers in the world, all under one roof. As exhibitors, your partnership and support in this direction mean a great deal, and we truly see this as a shared effort.
Just as importantly, we’ve been listening. We’ve reached out to designers, retailers and brands to learn how we can continue to improve their experience at Kingpins — how to help make their time with us more efficient, productive and rewarding. We asked for ideas that could make it easier to navigate the show, organize meetings with key partners and still leave space for discovery. The feedback has been generous and insightful, and we’re already working on ideas we’re excited to test and introduce at upcoming shows.
We also want to hear more from you. We’d love your help in continuing to shape Kingpins as a true one-stop shop for the global denim industry. For our exhibitors, that means we want to hear about your products, your initiatives and what you’re excited about right now. If you’re collaborating with brands or other suppliers, we want to know about that too — and explore how we might highlight those efforts and share them more broadly with retailers and brands.
I know the global economic environment remains challenging for many of us. At the same time, it often feels like moments of uncertainty are when fresh thinking and meaningful change matter most. With that in mind, I wanted to share one of the bigger steps we’re taking: you may have seen the news that we’ll be moving our January show to Los Angeles in 2027.
It’s been more than 10 years since our last show in Los Angeles, and the timing now feels right. I was especially encouraged by the response to our LA community holiday gathering in December — it was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces and to meet new members of our growing community. Los Angeles plays a vital role in our industry, particularly for U.S. production and returning there feels both natural and exciting.
Los Angeles remains at the heart of the U.S. denim industry. The city continues to produce jeans and apparel locally, supported by factories and washhouses that have been at the forefront of industry innovation for decades. Its proximity to production centers in Mexico and Central America also makes it an ideal hub for nearshoring. Add to that the Ports of Los Angeles and San Pedro — the busiest seaport complex in the Western Hemisphere and a key gateway to Asia — and LA becomes a compelling center for denim development and trade.
Of course, there’s also everything else that makes Los Angeles such a source of inspiration: the shopping, the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the museums — and, of course, the food. We’re putting together a show that reflects the city’s unique denim heritage and creative energy.
While many details are still coming together, I can share this: Kingpins Los Angeles will feel both familiar and a little unexpected. We’ll hold on to what makes Kingpins special — welcoming, curated and fun — while drawing inspiration from Southern California to introduce new ideas and programming.
To be clear, we’re not adding a new show. We’re replacing the January New York show with a West Coast edition. New York will always be our birthplace and first home, and we look forward to continuing to build our July show there. But after many winters navigating snowstorms and polar vortices, it felt like the right moment to shake things up. I can’t promise sunshine — but it’s safe to say snow boots won’t be required.
Since stepping into the role of Chief Executive last year, I’ve spent time reflecting on Kingpins’ history and on why we set out to create a trade show that challenged traditional models. In 2026, we’ll continue to fine-tune that approach — building on what works well, improving what can be stronger and being open to change — always with the goal of making Kingpins more valuable for everyone involved.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of optimism, dynamism and opportunity. I’m inspired by that energy and excited to move forward together as we continue shaping the future of denim.
I wish you a very happy new year, and I look forward to hearing from you.Warm regards,
Vivian
