INDUSTRY ISSUES
Remaining Committed to Denim Progress and Success in 2026
By Dorothy Crouch, Contributing Writer | January 8, 2026
California Apparel News asked denim-industry experts: What sustainable, transparency, philanthropic, financial, manufacturing, technology or social commitments are you strictly adhering to during 2026 and in what other areas of the denim business will you be more flexible?
Freedom of Expression
From classic denim blues to activewear inspirations and the return of the ’70s, there is something for everyone for Fall '15.
Joe’s Jeans CEO Resigns
Marc Crossman has resigned from his position at chief executive officer of Joe’s Jeans Inc.
American-Made Denim For Nearly 30 Years
After 28 years in business, Diamond Gusset jeans owner and co-founder David Hall says there is more happening with the Bon Aqua, Tenn.–based company than ever before.
Alternative Takes a Bow
Levi Strauss & Co.’s new brand, Levi’s California introduced a collection designed by Nic Rendic, Levi’s global design director.
Big Star: European Heritage, Los Angeles Design and Environmental Philosophy
Established in 1974 in Europe, Big Star denim has been Los Angeles–based since Koos Manufacturing picked up the line in 2003, first as a licensed brand but now as one of Koos’ company-owned trademarks, which also include AG Adriano Goldschmied.
FIDM Students Get Advice, Inspiration from Some of Denim’s Best
Denim pioneer François Girbaud is credited with a lot of firsts in the industry—from stonewash finishing and industrial washing to stretch denim and new silhouettes such as the baggy jean, the pedal pusher and engineered fit.
Lynne Koplin Named President of J Brand
Industry veteran Lynne Koplin, who most recently worked for denim maker True Religion, has been named president of J Brand, another Los Angeles denim maker.
Kingpins Puts LA Show on Hiatus Until July
Kingpins—the boutique denim trade show with editions in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong—is putting its Los Angeles show on hiatus while it concentrates on launching its newest show in Amsterdam.
Retailers, Brands Brave Snow to Scout Denim Trends at Kingpins
Despite inclement weather, the boutique denim trade show was held at The Tunnel in New York’s Chelsea district.
New Exec at Levi's
Craig Nomura is moving from Williams-Sonoma Inc. to Levi Strauss & Co. as the new executive vice president and head of global retail.
2013 Year in Review: In Memoriam
Mel Matsui, denim expert and founder, Simply Blue, Christopher Blue, Indigo Hand and Pulp
Carlos Alberini Named New CEO at Lucky Brand Jeans
Just days after Fifth & Pacific Companies announced it was selling Lucky Brand Jeans to a Los Angeles private-investment firm, Carlos Alberini has been tapped to be the new chief executive.
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Fetches Top Price
Los Angeles blue-jeans company Not Your Daughter’s Jeans has been sold to a group of New York investors in a multi-million-dollar deal that closes in early January.
True Religion’s New Owners Lay Off Scores of Employees
Seven months after being bought by a private-equity firm, True Religion has laid off at least 70 people—many of them department heads and production people.
