Youthful vision leads to creative interpretations of stretch
Amsterdam-based students again impressed visitors to Kingpins with the creativity on show in the Stretch Yourself design challenge by House of Denim and Jean School Amsterdam.
The installation provides designers and trend-watchers with inspiration regarding the materials and students with hands-on information from some of the best in the industry.
This year’s cohort of 20 international Jean School students was invited to experiment with fabrics featuring Lycra dualFX, EcoMade and T400 EcoMade technologies, as well as Coolmax and Coolmax EcoMade fabrics.
Helen Latham, Lycra’s senior strategic accounts manager, said: “What we are always looking for is fresh perspectives and creativity, which is what leads to innovation, something that is so important for our company and industry. What the students come up with is always a refreshing surprise!”
Mill partners Bossa Denim, Naveena Denim and US Denim Mills provided the fabrics. Treatments were realised in collaboration with Jeanologia and Officina39, with components provided by partners such as Manifattura Italiana Cucirini (MIC), Copen United, APXpress and YKK.
Founded by House of Denim and ROC Amsterdam, Jean School offers a 3-year education and a 1-year international course, and equips students with expertise in design, development, innovation and circularity.
Mariette Hoitink, House of Denim’s general manager and co-founder of Jean School, who provides Inside Denim’s latest Guest Comment, added: “The title Stretch Yourself says it all. Each year the outcome is a surprise, and this edition once again proves how far young talent can go when they’re given freedom, support and top-tier materials.”
Photography: @mikajansenphotography
