For the second time Amsterdam was the capital of denim, by hosting The Kingpins Show. Kingpins started out in 2004 as a tiny denim supply chain show for denim pro’s tired of the mad scramble and soul-deadening crush of handshakes and “who are you’s?” and badge-checking at the huge, impersonal sourcing shows that dominate the industry.
The idea was: keep the exhibitor-list tight, invite only the best brands, serve tasty food, treat everyone like family and create an atmosphere that’s conducive for networking and relationship-building. It worked out pretty well.
The second edition in Amsterdam was a success. Also because of the first Global Denim Awards, won by Jonathan Christopher.