Exhibition Review

GKL DENIM TEAM in the @Kingpins-show 2024 

Kingpins New York was held at Pier 36/Basketball City in a chilly lowerManhattan overlooking the East River on January 24/25, 2024. 

This edition contained over 85 exhibitors and presenters who showcasedtheir collections and innovations to over 700 individual visitors from morethan 300 companies. This turnout is encouraging after the uncertainty of 2023 - an 11% increase invisitors from July 2023 and a 27% increase from January 2023! 

The show floor was also full of newer faces as brands are sending overmore recent hires to forge new relationships with our exhibitors. We arefinding it so refreshing seeing the faces of our collective denim futurealready taking part in our community.

In the crisp winter air of Lower Manhattan, with the East River glistening in the distance, Pier 36/Basketball City played host to one of the denim industry’s most anticipated events of the year: Kingpins New York 2024. Held on January 24-25, this edition of the show wasn’t just a gathering of industry players—it was a testament to the denim sector’s resilience and renewed momentum, and at the heart of this vibrant gathering was the dynamic GKL DENIM team, ready to showcase their latest innovations and forge meaningful connections with partners from around the globe.

Kingpins New York 2024 lived up to its reputation as a hub for denim excellence, drawing over 85 exhibitors and presenters who brought their most cutting-edge collections and technological breakthroughs to the forefront. For GKL DENIM, this was more than just a trade show; it was a stage to highlight how the brand continues to blend tradition with innovation—a core value that has defined its success in the global denim market. The team arrived with a curated display that included their acclaimed GK6969 fabric from the Fitting Denim collection, as well as new sustainable denim blends crafted from organic cotton and recycled materials. Each piece in their booth told a story: of meticulous craftsmanship, eco-conscious design, and a deep understanding of what modern consumers and brands need from denim.

What made this year’s Kingpins particularly noteworthy was its impressive turnout, a clear sign of the industry’s recovery and optimism after the uncertainties of 2023. Over 700 individual visitors, representing more than 300 companies from across the globe, walked through the doors of Pier 36—an 11% increase compared to the July 2023 edition and a remarkable 27% rise from January 2023. For the GKL DENIM team, this surge in attendance meant more opportunities to engage with both long-standing clients and potential partners. Throughout the two days, their booth was a hive of activity: designers flipped through swatches of GKL’s latest fabrics, buyers discussed custom order possibilities, and sustainability managers delved into the brand’s eco-friendly production processes, including its water-saving laser washing technology and adherence to certifications like OEKO-TEX® and BCI.

Another standout feature of Kingpins 2024 was the influx of newer faces in the crowd—a trend that excited the GKL DENIM team. Many brands sent recently hired team members, from junior designers to emerging product developers, to the show, tasking them with building new relationships and staying updated on industry trends. For GKL DENIM, this was a chance to connect with the “next generation” of denim professionals—individuals who bring fresh perspectives and a passion for innovation to the industry. The team spent hours chatting with these young professionals, sharing insights into GKL’s approach to trend forecasting (like their work on “vintage modular denim” and “minimalist functional details”) and offering guidance on how to select fabrics that balance style, comfort, and sustainability. These interactions weren’t just about promoting GKL’s products; they were about investing in the future of the denim community, a value that the brand holds dear.

Beyond the booth, the GKL DENIM team also took full advantage of Kingpins’ networking opportunities. They attended panel discussions on topics like “The Future of Sustainable Denim” and “Adapting to Regional Fit Trends,” where they shared their own experiences—such as their modular fit library that caters to diverse market needs—and learned from other industry leaders. They also participated in one-on-one meetings with clients, using digital sampling tools to showcase how GKL can customize fabrics to match a brand’s unique vision. One highlight was a meeting with a European fashion label looking to launch a eco-conscious denim line; by the end of the conversation, the two teams had outlined a plan to use GKL’s organic cotton-recycled polyester blend, with a target launch date for late 2024.

As the show came to a close on January 25, the GKL DENIM team left Pier 36 with more than just new leads—they left with a renewed sense of purpose. Kingpins 2024 reaffirmed that the denim industry is evolving, with sustainability, versatility, and collaboration at its core, and GKL is well-positioned to lead that evolution. The team returned to their headquarters with a list of actionable next steps: following up with potential clients, refining their 2024 collection based on feedback from the show, and continuing to invest in innovations that will keep their fabrics at the forefront of the market.

For GKL DENIM, Kingpins New York 2024 wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of all that the denim industry can be: creative, sustainable, and community-driven. As the brand looks ahead, it remains committed to bringing its expertise, innovation, and passion to every show, every client meeting, and every fabric it creates. And with the connections and insights gained from Kingpins 2024, GKL DENIM is ready to write the next chapter in its story—one that will continue to redefine what it means to be a leader in the global denim industry.