Denim’s Future and Its Legacy Takes Center Stage at Kingpins Amsterdam
April 15-16 show at SugarFactory included a tribute to denim legend Adriano Goldschmied
APRIL 2026 — The denim world came together at Kingpins Amsterdam, held April 15-16 at SugarFactory, where attendees browsed the latest sustainable collections, got a first look at new technologies and innovations, and took a moment to honor a true legend of the industry.
There was a slight dip in foot traffic from October’s show, but roughly the same number of companies made the trip.
“Retailers and brands are being strategic with travel budgets,” said Kingpins Chief Executive Officer Vivian Wang. “Our highly curated exhibitor roster packs an extraordinary level of inspiration, innovation and meaningful connections into just two days.”
The show featured 100 exhibitors from around the world on the floor, spanning denim mills, manufacturers, fiber makers and suppliers. Brands and retailers shopping the show included Levi’s, Madewell, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Urban Outfitters, Target, Gap, Mavi, Jack & Jones, Nudie Jeans, Hugo Boss, Karl Lagerfeld and Zimmermann.
“We’ve been in active conversation with designers, retailers, and brands — listening closely to learn how we can sharpen the experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” Wang said. “The goal is straightforward: smoother navigation, smarter scheduling with the right partners, and enough breathing room to let the unexpected happen. I hope everyone who visits Kingpins will go home with something real: a fresh perspective, a connection that matters, a technology worth a second look, or an idea that quietly shapes what comes next.”
This season, the show expanded its Jeanius Hub — the section dedicated to startups and emerging developments — and welcomed back Made in Japan, Kingpins’ ongoing spotlight on the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese denim makers.
The newest installment of Kingpins’ Most Sustainable Product initiative was also on display, celebrating the latest in sustainable innovation from show exhibitors. Designed by Piero Turk and Serena Conti and dubbed “This Rebel Artist,” the collection draws inspiration from 20th century artists who used their work as a form of rebellion. Manufactured and finished by Asutex, it featured sustainable fabrics from Foison Textiles, HW Textile, Naveena Denim Mills, Neela by Sapphire, Prosperity Textile, Sharabati, US Group and Vicunha; labels by Turtex Etiquette; and buttons, zippers and rivets by YKK.
Another project putting sustainable materials and technology front and center was “From ESSENTIALS to SPECIALS,” a collaboration between Tunisian manufacturer Denim House and Spanish tech company Jeanologia. The collection showcased two water-saving technologies — digital printing and laser — demonstrating how innovation can support responsible production without sacrificing creative expression.
The show also set aside time to celebrate Adriano Goldschmied, welcoming his family for a tribute that gave them the chance to connect with the many friends and colleagues he touched throughout his career.
“Adriano always believed that everything we create should have a purpose and meaning,” Wang said. “This was not just how he worked, but how he lived his life. So many people in the denim community reached out to share what he meant to them, and the mark he left over his career. I hope that his positive spirit and his drive to always push our industry forward stays with all of us.”
ABOUT KINGPINS
Kingpins is an invitation-only, denim sourcing show featuring a highly curated selection of companies representing the global denim supply chain from fiber makers, mills and manufacturers, to chemical and machinery suppliers and other companies that serve the denim and jeans business.
Launched in 2004, the company currently produces shows and events in New York, Amsterdam and China.
Since 2025, Kingpins has been part of Texpertise—the umbrella brand uniting all textile trade shows of Messe Frankfurt. Since 2025, Kingpins has been part of Texpertise — the umbrella brand uniting all textile trade shows of Messe Frankfurt.
Under the agreement with Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, Kingpins continues to operate independently as a platform for the industry to meet, network and share information and insights.
