Kingpins to Debut Made in Japan at Amsterdam Show

NEW YORK — Kingpins Show, the original denim supply chain trade show, will debut a new showcase of exhibitors from Japan at the upcoming April 16-17 show in Amsterdam. 

Made in Japan will be held in a new area within SugarFactory and will feature a mix of denim mills and manufacturers, including Kurabo, San Marino, Rainbow Textiles, Betty Smith, Big John, Ideablue and Japan Delivery Service (see full list below). 

“Japanese denim has been central to Kingpins since our very first show,” said Kingpins Chief Executive Officer Vivian Wang. “We appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese denim fabric and jeans makers and created a special section within the Kingpins show to highlight the work of a curated selection of companies.” 

Some exhibitors of Made in Japan have a long history with Kingpins, such as denim mill Kurabo, which exhibited at the first Kingpins Show in 2004. Others are new to the show, such as San Marino, which has vertical textile and apparel manufacturing operations in Japan, Italy, China and ASEAN countries. 

Made in Japan will be located in a special enclave near The Boxes on the ground floor of SugarFactory. Visitors can find the entrance by looking for the oversized denim kimono that has been specially commissioned by Kingpins and created by Showa, a manufacturer of sustainable denim from the Kojima district of Kurashiki, which is exhibiting in the Ideablue booth.  

Once inside the Made in Japan space, attendees will be able to enjoy matcha tea while browsing among the exhibitors’ collections. 

There will also be a special Key Pieces from Inspiring Wardrobes panel discussion moderated by The Vintage Showroom’s Doug Gunn and featuring representatives from Made In Japan exhibitors. 

MADE IN JAPAN EXHIBITORS INCLUDE: 
Betty Smith
Big John
ICE 
Ideablue
Japan Delivery Service
Kurabo
Kuroki 
RainbowTextiles
San Marino
Showa
Teijin Frontier