A new partnership brings out the elevated side of Saitex Mill’s sustainable denim fabrics.
The Vietnamese mill is tapping into the textile expertise of Maurizio Marano, a veteran fabric product developer, selvedge visionary and former creative director of Stella Blu in China. Marano also co-founded Blue Farm Textiles, the now-shuttered firm known for combining Italy’s aesthetics with Asia’s accessible production prices.
At Kingpins Amsterdam, the mill unveiled its first collection with the Italian designer called Saigon Blu. The premium line draws inspiration from Sardinia’s deep waters, Naples’ vibrant streets, and Vietnam’s indigo traditions.
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Marano said working with Saitex allows him 100 percent creative freedom—a rarity in most denim manufacturing partnerships.
“Saigon Blu operates as its own fabric label within the Saitex ecosystem, a bridge between Italian textile craftsmanship and Vietnamese innovation,” Marano told SJ Denim. “We present ourselves as a brand, not just a fabric supplier. Every textile we create tells a story.”
Storytelling through fabric has been a central theme in Marano’s career. “My vision has always been to push denim beyond jeans. I like to merge fashion and function,” he said.
Marano’s vision is evident in Saigon Blu’s developments. The collection spans waterproof denim—an indigo cotton blended with certified post-industrial recycled nylon backed with a membrane—to bold uses of natural fibers like hemp and linen. Not the “decorative amounts” seen in most mills’ collections, he added.
“Many brands use 5 percent or 10 percent just to market ‘sustainability.’ We use up to 100 percent. It’s more expensive, but it gives true performance benefits—thermoregulation, breathability, and comfort,” he said. “For me, it’s about no compromise on quality.”
Additionally, regenerative cotton is used throughout the collection.
The price for Saigon Blu fabrics is $4-$5 per yard. For the next collection, Marano is adding a capsule called No Stories, which will focus on “uncompromising luxury fabrics with cashmere and other rare blends” and sell for $20-$25 per yard.
Launching a premium collection amid industry-wide uncertainty is undeniably bold—but Marano is confident in the vision behind Saigon Blu.
“It’s a balance. We create premium fabrics that are fashion-forward, functional, and sustainable. The inspiration comes from luxury, but the products are designed to be sellable—accessible to brands that value quality and innovation,” he said.
As for external challenges like tariffs? Marano remains unfazed: “Whatever happens with tariffs, we’ll adapt. What matters most is integrity—of people, materials, and craft.”
