The Aknvas Pre-Fall 2026 collection by designer Christian Juul Nielsen is inspired by pastoral childhood memories. Drawing from childhood summers spent with his uncle in northern Denmark.

Days on a farm, folklore play, and rugged utility reimagined with whimsical style. The overall vibe plays with contrasts between workwear fabrics and fantasy dressing. The resulting lookbook imagines a schoolgirl princess blurring the boundaries between fantasy dressing, and workwear practicality. It’s pastoral escapism with a thoroughly modern pulse, merging the innocence of dress-up with an instinct for sharp, Gen-Z–ready styling. 

And, honestly, after all the oversized, slouchy and super distressed denims we’ve seen recently, it’s actually refreshing to see some so cute denim pieces. Girlish, playful, and – yes – super cute!

Pastoral influences: The lookbook imagines countryside motifs like horses, hay, and barns as backdrops, blending practical rural references with playful fashion language.

Utility and fantasy: Satin cargo pants, knitted polos, frilly bloomers, bustier tops, and other hybrid garments suggest workwear meets theatrical dressing.

Contrast and play: Denim and striped cotton appear alongside flouncy fabrics and petticoats, creating a surprising mix of utility and spectacle.

You can shop for the current Aknvas collection on the brand’s website, at Shopbop, and at REVOLVE.

The post Aknvas – Pre-Fall 2026 Denim Is Super Cute! first appeared on Denimology.

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A decade ago, denim brands were experimenting with fresh ideas and celebrity endorsements, while sustainability began to make headlines.

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Also: Winter Sales, Trade Shows, and the 15-Year Milestone

This is the second issue of the DH Weekly—my new format for the weekly updates I’ve been sending out by email.

Each week, I use this space to share what I’m working on, what’s coming up, and what I think is worth paying attention to right now—across Denimhunters, my own brand Weirloom, and occasionally some of the consulting and industry work I’m involved in behind the scenes.

Some weeks are quieter than others. This one isn’t. With winter sales in full swing, trade shows stacking up across Europe, and a major Denimhunters milestone just two weeks away, there’s quite a bit to cover.

I also send these weekly updates as emails. If you want them directly in your inbox—along with links, updates, and things I’m working on—you can sign up here:

The Best Winter Sales Right Now

I’ve updated the top of the sales page with the best winter deals I’ve found, adding a few more strong sales worth checking out.

At Redcast Heritage, you can get an extra 10% off sale items with the code FINAL10—and they’ve just added Momotaro and Oni jeans. Cultizm is running its annual winter sale with discounts of up to 50%, while Benzak has jeans marked down by as much as 60%.

There are also solid winter sales at Brooklyn Clothing Co., Lost & Found, and Clutch Café, and some good deals from Tellason, DeeCee Style, Brave Star, Independence, and Those That Know.

The sales page also includes hand-picked highlights I update regularly, plus a longer list of shops and brands—organised by region and category—if you want to dig deeper.

Raw Denim Gives You Choices, Not Limitations

My first order of business this year has been sharpening how I talk about Weirloom. Not because the product has changed, but because I’d realised I hadn’t been clear enough about who the jeans are actually for.

This month, most of my attention is on the Regular Fit jeans. They’re in stock and ready to ship, and if you’ve seen any of my recent posts on Instagram without digging deeper, the key point of what I’m trying to communicate is this:

While these jeans are designed by a denimhead, they’re not made only for denimheads. You don’t need to care about fades, weaving techniques, or denim theory to appreciate a really good pair of jeans.

Something that’s become clear to me is that the way I’ve been thinking and talking about raw denim is a bit backwards:

Raw denim doesn’t limit you; it gives you options.

You can wear the jeans as they are and let them break in naturally—or you can wash them straight away and soften them up. That doesn’t ruin anything. It’s denim. Back in the days, it was workwear, for Pete’s sake. It’s meant to be washed.

If you want to see what the Regular Fits look like new, you’ll find them here.

Trade Shows: Berlin, Munich, and Copenhagen

This weekend, pretty much all of our favourite brands will be in one place: the Union showroom in Berlin. I’ll be there on Sunday—catching up with familiar faces, seeing what’s happening, and keeping an eye out for anything new that deserves a closer look.

Two weeks from now, from January 27–29, Munich Fabric Start and Bluezone take place in Munich.  I’ve just published a preview article that breaks down what’s happening at Bluezone this edition—and why it matters if you work with denim or sourcing. You can read it here.

And that same week, from January 28-30, I’ll also be exhibiting with Weirloom at Mandatory in Copenhagen. If you’re planning to be there, stop by and say hello.

15 Years of Denimhunters, Just Two Weeks Away

It’s hard to believe how time flies, but we’re now just two weeks out from Denimhunters’ 15th anniversary. I’m working on a few things to mark this milestone, some content and some activities.

To kick off the celebration, I’m working on an article that looks back over a decade and a half of running this site. What I’ve learned along the way, some of the brands that’ve meant the most to me, and how all of that eventually led to launching Weirloom last year.

The post Have We Been Thinking About Raw Denim the Wrong Way? appeared first on Denimhunters.

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The two long-standing brands are redefining what it means to wear denim head to toe.

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This article is sponsored by Bluezone, the trade show for denim by Munich Fabric Start. Register to visit here!

Bluezone’s SS27 Show Tells Us A Lot About Where Things Are Headed in the Business of Denim

In a shifting sourcing landscape, trade shows have to earn their keep. They’re no longer just about fabric and handshakes—they need to help brands make smarter decisions, spot what’s next, and meet the right people.

They’re feeling that pressure in Munich too. It’s why the Bluezone show is evolving. For the second time, it’s fully integrated into the MOC alongside the rest of Munich Fabric Start, in an ongoing effort to simplify the setup and stay relevant.

This show preview offers a glimpse of what to expect from the Spring/Summer 2027 edition of Bluezone: the mood, the moves, and the makers to watch. I’ll walk you through the themes, the new layout choices, and some of the key exhibitors bringing fresh ideas to the floor.

Three Days, One Roof, and Shifts at Bluezone

This season brings some familiarities, some firsts, and a few things still finding their feet.

Last edition was the big move; the first time Bluezone was held inside the MOC rather than its former home at Zenith. Some loved the convenience. Others missed the soul. Either way, this new structure gives buyers more ground to cover without needing to leave the building.

For the first time, Bluezone now runs for three full days, aligning with the Munich Fabric Start schedule. Last edition, the entire show was shortened to two days. This return to the original format suggests renewed confidence in the show’s relevance.

It also marks the first edition fully shaped under the leadership of Florian Klinder, the new Managing Director of Munich Fabric Start. And it shows. From the floorplan to the messaging, there’s a shift in tone. 

All About Making the Best of It

There’s an unspoken theme running through this edition: making the best of it. 

In the press release, Florian Klinder hints at the challenges—how efficiency and pragmatism are shaping the market, and how show organisers need to adapt just like everyone else.

That resonates far beyond trade shows. In the business of denim—and fashion more broadly—there’s a natural selection happening. From stores to brands to producers, the landscape is getting more crowded and more cutthroat. That’s largely because it’s never been easier to start something new.

Point in case, I started my own jeans brand last year. And boy, how I would’ve made my life easy if I were doing printed tees. Buy some blanks, build a webshop, and I’d be in business by the end of the week. That lower barrier to entry means more makers, more collections, more noise, and more competition for attention.

So what makes a show like Bluezone worth showing up for? It comes down to how well it helps visitors cut through that noise—and actually move projects forward.

Less Pragmatism, More Pleasure

The overarching theme for Munich Fabric Start this season is PLEASURE. It’s not just a mood board exercise—it’s a bold emotional reset after years of restraint. Confidence, sensuality, and optimism take centre stage.

The campaign visuals push this idea hard with a hyper-close, tactile shot of human skin that feels intentionally provocative. It’s raw. Intimate. Maybe even slightly unsettling to some. It pushes back against the sanitised, predictable branding you often see at trade shows. It forces a reaction.

The use of bare skin—uncovered, zoomed in, and without context—highlights how textiles shape intimacy, even when they’re absent. The organisers describe this as emotional materiality: fabrics and surfaces that connect with the body on a sensory level, inviting emotion, touch, and personal expression. This season’s trends lean into that feeling, with materials designed to resonate—not just perform.

Denim Trends Take Centre Stage at Munich Fabric Start

One of the biggest shifts this season is that the denim trend displays are now integrated into the foyer of the MOC—curated by O/M Collective as part of a more unified, cross-category trend experience. The move reflects a strategic effort to present denim not as a standalone niche, but as part of the broader fashion conversation, fully embedded in the look and feel of Munich Fabric Start.

Tilmann Wröbel, who has long shaped the tone of denim at Bluezone, is still actively involved—this time through his trend seminar, The Perfect Time for Denim Imperfection. In it, he digs into how Gen-Z sees flaws not as defects but as proof of authenticity. In denim, of course, imperfection is innate: ring and slub, fading and patina, wear and tear.

This season’s seminars also zoom out to broader shifts. One theme—Sustainable Digital Denim—highlights how new printing technologies are unlocking bold looks with far less environmental impact. Another—The Thrill of the Search—taps into how rarity, exclusivity, and subcultural drops are reshaping consumer desire.

The signal is clear: denim isn’t a sideshow anymore. It’s central to the creative conversation—and increasingly fused with the wider shifts happening across fashion categories.

Homegrown Denim Legends Return

Launched last season, the Homegrown Denim Legends concept is back—shining a spotlight on the denim heritage of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The concept debuted with tributes to historical figures like Loeb Strauss (aka Levi Strauss), Erwin O. Licher, and a special installation curated by Ruedi Karrer—featuring rare vintage pieces from his legendary collection.

This season, the focus expands. Ruedi is back with new pieces from his archive, and a new name joins the spotlight: Angels, a German denim brand adding a fresh, contemporary layer to the story of regional denim making.

It’s a reminder that the roots of denim run deeper than many assume in the DACH region—and that heritage still matters, especially when it’s made visible.

Circularity, Softness, and Denim Makers to Watch

The Spring/Summer 2027 denim direction leans into lighter fabrics, softer textures, and more conscious blends. But it’s not just about feel—it’s about fibre.

Several key exhibitors are bringing serious developments to the floor:

• ISKO (Turkey) returns with City Glam, D-Lite, and Future Face 2.0—lightweight, high-performance concepts for a more fluid denim experience. They’re also showing Moonskin Denim (developed with Adriano Goldschmied), plus RECODE and RE&UP fibre concepts. Their ISKO Luxury by PG line merges classic craftsmanship with modern technology and luxurious depth.
• Tejidos Royo (Spain) expands its circular offering with additions to the 2LIFE and REBOOT collections—100% recycled cotton and now also their new Soft Fabrics line, including piece-dyed denim for extra versatility.
• Berto (Italy) continues to elevate European selvedge with short lead times, deep experience, and an eye for premium production values.
• Bossa (Turkey) brings its usual creativity to weaves and washes. Their fabrics often strike the sweet spot between trend and texture.
• Calik Denim (Turkey) balances scale and sustainability. Think strong staples, fashion blends, and consistent R&D investment.
• Sharabati Denim (Egypt) plays to its strength in verticality—design to garment—with competitive lead times into Europe.
• Troficolor Denim Makers (Portugal) is known for flexibility and heritage-driven denim. A go-to for smaller brands that want to produce in Europe. You’ll find them in Hall 3.

A Decade of Bluezone for Me—And I’m Still Curious

I’ve been visiting Bluezone for a decade—not every season, but often enough to see how much things have changed. This time, I won’t be physically present as I’ll be exhibiting with my own brand at a trade show in Copenhagen, held on the exact same days.

Still, I’ll be following Bluezone closely. I’ve teamed up with my good friend Wouter Munnichs from Long John, who’ll be on the ground walking the halls and sharing impressions. Wouter’s been a regular at the show ever since I first brought him along—and he knows what to look for.

I’ll be publishing a follow-up recap here on Denimhunters, with Wouter’s observations, shortly after the show.

The post Feeling It at Bluezone: What to Expect This Season appeared first on Denimhunters.

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The jeans feature oversize pockets to hold large refunds.

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Levi’s Wear Longer Project is a new national initiative aimed at teaching students practical clothing repair and customization skills.

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We have recently introduced you to Heavy Vintage, a brand which is about vintage, unique, and heritage. We wanted to know more about their collections and share with you.

Vintage Heavy belongs to the heritage / repro / artisan denim world, alongside brands and makers admired by vintage and unique denim lovers.

To sum it up, Vintage Heavy makes clothes that feel like they could’ve existed 80 years ago – and might still be wearable 80 years from now.

“Vintage Heavy is a brand for enthusiasts – those who move with curiosity, creativity, and intention. Rooted in the things we love, the brand celebrates the intersection of music, travel, and timeless design.”

I was really curious about their jeans and the brand graciously sent me a pair of their most amazing twill patchwork camo pants to reveiw. The Twill Painted Patchwerk jeans, made of Japanese Canvas.

As I had thought of the jeans being men’s I ordered them in my usual men’s size which is 32. Turns out that Heavy Vintage actually is rather unisex and I had to exchange the jeans for a size 28, my regular denim size. The fit is amazing.

Neither too slim nor too baggy. The pants fit exactly like you’d imagine a pair of wintage jeans should fit. As for the sizing, you should order the jeans in exactly the size you normally wear.

I love the way these pants feature many different patches as well as unique hand painting on the front and back of the jeans. The feel is like a bit stiff when you first put them on, but after a short time you can actually notice the canvas softening significantely.

And let us not forget to mention that all of their collection is being washed and Made In America,

Besides denim and camos, they also include tops and sweats in their collections – you can check them out here.

The post Heavy Vintage – Patchwork Camo Japanese Canvas first appeared on Denimology.

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The Off-White Spring/Summer 2026 show returned the label to New York with a collection that fused athleticism, street vernacular, and refined detailing into a cohesive urban performance wardrobe. 

The collection, called “Pop Romance”, was designed by creative director, Ib Kamara. It is a youthful, vibrant fusion of streetwear, pop culture, and luxury detailing. Denim and leather both serve expressive, not purely functional, roles.

Denim was reworked with meticulous finishings. Collars and cuffs received unexpected elevation through Swarovski crystal studs and precision topstitching, turning casual pieces into hybridized luxury essentials.

Check out in our gallery below the brand’s key looks for this coming spring and sommer.

You can shop for Off-White on the brand’s website, at YOOX women/men, and at Farfetch women/men.

Watch the video of the complete fashion show below:

The post Off-White S/S 2026 Denim & Leather Looks first appeared on Denimology.

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Lightweight fabrics and a sporty color palette shapes the latest collection.

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