Innovation, technology and the latest denim trends were the focus of Isko’s recent “Denim Vibes” seminar in Los Angeles. Experts from the Turkey-based denim giant presented an overview of its newest fabric offerings as well as innovative wash techniques and creative inspiration for Spring/Summer 2016. Speakers included Kutay Saritosun, Senior Marketing Executive and Baris Ozden, Director of Product Development as well as Moreno De Angelis, Director of Iskoteca and Umberto Brocchetto, General Manager of Creative Room. In addition, Andreas Dorner, Director of Global Marketing for Lenzing, gave a presentation on the Austria-based company and its eco-friendly Modal and Tencel fibers. The event, which was held at the ACE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, was the perfect opportunity to glean knowledge from some of the industry’s best as well as mix and mingle with LA’s top denim designers.
“Innovation is an important pillar for us,” says Saritosun. Isko introduces over 300 fabrics to the market every year and most of those fabrics are patented technology he explains. “It’s not just about the technology though, it’s also [about] bringing the trends.” The Isko team travels to key markets around the world to research and forecast trends five years in advance. “We strongly believe that the main trends are starting on the streets,” says Ozden, who presented a video highlighting street style trends seen earlier this year. Fabrics and finishes including Isko’s high performance 100 Jeggings X-Lite fabrics as well as its knit-like Future Face and Bluejym fabrics were inspired by trends spotted in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Barcelona, Stockholm and Tokyo. Activewear inspiration is key. “This is very important for us because we have seen this trend coming through in the market many years ago,” explains Ozden. Taking a global perspective, Ozden says the major trends are not going anywhere. The skinny jean will continue to be strong for men and women as well as softness, hi-shine, comfort and plenty of variety. “It’s another challenge for us technically because the more variety in the market means the more fabric we have to develop,” he says. “As a global denim company we need to cover every market’s needs.”
Design inspiration by Creative Room
“Innovation is an important pillar for us,” says Saritosun. Isko introduces over 300 fabrics to the market every year and most of those fabrics are patented technology he explains. “It’s not just about the technology though, it’s also [about] bringing the trends.” The Isko team travels to key markets around the world to research and forecast trends five years in advance. “We strongly believe that the main trends are starting on the streets,” says Ozden, who presented a video highlighting street style trends seen earlier this year. Fabrics and finishes including Isko’s high performance 100 Jeggings X-Lite fabrics as well as its knit-like Future Face and Bluejym fabrics were inspired by trends spotted in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Barcelona, Stockholm and Tokyo. Activewear inspiration is key. “This is very important for us because we have seen this trend coming through in the market many years ago,” explains Ozden. Taking a global perspective, Ozden says the major trends are not going anywhere. The skinny jean will continue to be strong for men and women as well as softness, hi-shine, comfort and plenty of variety. “It’s another challenge for us technically because the more variety in the market means the more fabric we have to develop,” he says. “As a global denim company we need to cover every market’s needs.”
