Trend forecasts and exclusive capsule collections will be among the highlights at Denim Première Vision (Denim PV) taking place May 21-22 at Superstudio Più in Milan. The show will feature Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collections and innovations from more than 80 exhibitors, mainly from Italy, Turkey, Morocco, Japan, China, France and the U.S.
Additionally, two-days of programming will include a forecast from Denim Dudes founder Amy Leverton, a discussion about hybridization of denim from design consultant Anne Oudard and a special tribute to Luigi Martelli, the founder of Martelli Lavorazioni Tessili, who died in January. In partnership with Isko, the tribute will highlight important pieces from Martelli’s archive.
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It is the first Denim Première Vision show since organizer GL Events rebranded its fashion division as The Creative Pole earlier this year. The goal of the rebrand is find synergies among the group’s fashion events and to expand into new categories and territories.
GL’s global network is what sets Denim PV apart, according to Fabio Adami Dalla Val, Denim Première Vision’s show manager.
“This interconnected approach will allow us to map out new directions and experiences for the industry, without compromising the strength of our two main events, which remain firmly anchored in Milan, a city that stands as a symbol of stability and a forward-looking vision for the future,” he said. Through this strategic evolution, Denim PV will continue to be a pioneering force, anticipating trends and delivering tangible value to the entire denim community.”
Here, Adami Dalla Val shares his outlook for B2B events in 2025 and how Denim Première Vision is enhancing the trade show experience for visitors and exhibitors.
What is the role of a B2B event in 2025 and how is it evolving?
Fabio Adami Dalla Val: From our perspective, the role of a B2B denim trade show in 2025 is to serve as a strategic hub for the industry, going beyond the mere exhibition of products to become a business catalyst, a product innovation lab and a cultural platform.
Now more than ever, a trade show must create meaningful connections between suppliers, brands and key stakeholders, generating real business opportunities while fostering an ecosystem where creativity, market insights, and technological advancements intersect. It also needs to be a reference point for innovation, showcasing cutting-edge materials, processes and technologies that drive the industry toward greater sustainability and efficiency.
Beyond that, the value of a trade show lies in the experiences it offers—masterclasses, talks and workshops that not only enrich participants’ knowledge and perspectives but also encourage contamination between disciplines, sparking new ideas and collaborations. Denim is no longer just a product—it’s a language that connects fashion, craftsmanship, technology and art, and trade shows must embrace this cross-pollination to remain relevant.
Another crucial aspect is the seamless integration of digital and physical elements, ensuring accessibility and continuity in the relationships between exhibitors and buyers. The real evolution lies in shifting from a traditional exhibition format to an ongoing value-driven platform, with pre- and post-show initiatives that keep the denim community engaged and inspired throughout the year.
To meet these global evolving needs, GL events has introduced The Creative Pole, a new branded concept that redefines the role of trade shows by connecting fashion presentations, interdisciplinary exchanges, and deep product expertise. Through this approach, The Creative Pole delivers a complementary and multidimensional service, addressing the industry’s needs from multiple angles and ensuring that business, creativity and culture coexist and thrive.
Why do you think exhibitors and attendees choose to attend Denim PV?
FA: Denim Première Vision is successful because it is a meticulously curated event that offers premium positioning, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and creativity. More than just a trade show, it is a dynamic and immersive platform where the denim industry meets and meets other industries to shape the future.
At its core, the event brings together a highly qualified international network, facilitating meaningful and high-level interactions between exhibitors and buyers. It provides a carefully designed environment where business meets inspiration, and where industry leaders can exchange ideas, discover groundbreaking solutions and forge strategic partnerships.
What sets Denim Première Vision apart is its unique format, blending exhibition spaces, artistic installations and exclusive content to foster dialogue and discovery. It is more than a marketplace; it is an experience—a space where the boundaries of denim are constantly pushed, embracing cross-industry contamination with the lifestyle sector, technology, art, and craftsmanship. The event celebrates denim’s evolution beyond its classic definition, acknowledging its role as a cultural and creative force that intersects with multiple industries.
Another key pillar of Denim Première Vision is its strong editorial and trend forecasting content, which provides invaluable insights into the future of fashion. Thanks to The Creative Pole and Première Vision’s long-standing expertise in fashion trends, we offer an exclusive and high level perspective on the market. Our extensive team, covering everything from cutting-edge material research to the latest technological advancements, ensures a global and forward-thinking vision. This deep industry knowledge positions Denim Première Vision as a must-attend event for those seeking not only business opportunities but also inspiration, innovation, and a competitive edge in an ever-evolving landscape.
Exhibitors participate for the strategic visibility it offers and the direct access to key decision-makers, while visitors come for the exclusive insights, innovation, and tangible business opportunities they can find. Denim Première Vision is not just an event; it is a global communities driven by a shared passion for excellence, reinvention and the future of denim.
What are some challenges facing B2B denim events?
FA: The past eight years of building and shaping Denim Première Vision have been an incredible journey, both professionally and personally. Having the opportunity to create a globally recognized event and bring it to different European cities has been an enriching experience, allowing me to witness firsthand how the denim industry evolves across different markets and creative hubs. It has been a journey of continuous learning, innovation, and discovery, where each edition has pushed us to redefine what a denim trade show can be.
At the same time, there is a deep sense of confidence that comes with knowing you are doing this with the support of a global leader like GL events. With a presence around the world, GL events provide the logistical and strategic strength necessary to execute an event of this scale, ensuring that every detail is handled with precision. This backing allows us to focus on what truly matters, offering our partners and exhibitors a premium, seamless experience, where they can trust that they are part of an event built on expertise, stability and a commitment to excellence.
Bringing together vision, creativity, and the solid foundation of an international group, Denim Première Vision continues to set new standards, providing the industry with a unique and exclusive platform to connect, grow, and shape the future of denim.
How was attendance last year?
FA: The attendance at trade shows in 2024 has been shaped by a variety of factors, reflecting both broader industry trends and shifting global dynamics. We have seen a progressive return to in-person events after the pandemic, with a renewed appreciation for physical interactions. However, the focus has clearly shifted from quantity to quality, with companies prioritizing meaningful engagements over sheer volume.
At the same time, the denim market itself is evolving, with key players consolidating and becoming more selective about where they invest their presence. Trade shows are no longer just about networking, they must offer real strategic value to justify participation.
Global economic uncertainty has also played a role, leading some brands to reassess their event budgets and carefully evaluate where and how they connect with their partners. Additionally, the rise of digital alternatives has pushed physical events to rethink their unique proposition, ensuring they deliver an experience that goes beyond what can be achieved online.
Denim Première Vision has responded to these challenges with a focused, immersive and strategically curated format. What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence in exhibitor selection, ensuring that every brand present aligns with the high expectations of our audience. Rather than chasing indiscriminate growth, we have pursued a steady, targeted expansion, building a community of premium international visitors who come to the show not just to browse, but to engage, discover, be an active player and make meaningful business decisions. At the end we are satisfied with this continuous alignment with our key targets in terms of visitors.
There are trade wars and other conflicts brewing across the globe. How do you think these external factors will affect the denim industry’s participation in events?
FA: Geopolitical conflicts and economic tensions are already having an impact on the denim supply chain, creating new challenges but also opportunities for adaptation.
With increasing uncertainty around trade routes, many companies are reassessing their sourcing strategies, looking for suppliers closer to home to reduce logistical and financial risks. At the same time, shifting global dynamics are pushing brands to rethink their international expansion, as some markets become less accessible while others emerge as strategic alternatives.
Sustainability is also coming into sharper focus not just as a long-term goal but as an immediate necessity. Instability in global trade is accelerating the demand for local, ethical, and resilient solutions, reinforcing the importance of supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing.
In this evolving landscape, B2B trade shows will play an even more critical role. They are no longer just meeting points but strategic platforms that allow businesses to quickly adapt, forge new partnerships, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.
This is where The Creative Pole, built within the global infrastructure of GL Events, becomes a key advantage. With its solid, structured foundation, it offers a secure, long-term business platform, ensuring that brands and suppliers have a reliable space to connect, innovate, and grow. What sets it apart is its truly global reach, providing solutions that extend across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. and now establishing a growing presence in the Middle East, where markets like Saudi Arabia are becoming influential hubs for the industry.
At a time when resilience is key, denim has consistently proven to be one of the most adaptable and enduring industries. And with the right platforms in place, it can continue to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
What’s next for Denim Première Vision?
FA: 2025 will be a pivotal year for Denim Première Vision, marking an evolution that reinforces its role as a trailblazing platform for the denim industry.
Sustainability will take center stage, with special projects and collaborations that bring forward-thinking companies together to drive real innovation. The event will also see an expanded presence of brands and designers, strengthening the dialogue between industry and creativity, making Denim PV an even more dynamic ecosystem. For us, it’s also crucial the role of the education and that’s the reason why we have launched a dedicated program of collaboration and visiting path for the tomorrow’s leader.
Beyond the traditional trade show format, new immersive experiences and workshops will elevate the event into a cultural as well as commercial reference point. At the same time, we are exploring the potential expansion into B2B-B2C initiatives, opening new conversations between the industry and the final consumer with an educational role that is required more than ever.
But what truly sets Denim PV apart in 2025 is its ability to shape a common narrative across the different events within the GL events network. This interconnected approach will allow us to map out new directions and experiences for the industry, without compromising the strength of our two main events, which remain firmly anchored in Milan, a city that stands as a symbol of stability and a forward-looking vision for the future.
Through this strategic evolution, Denim PV will continue to be a pioneering force, anticipating trends and delivering tangible value to the entire denim community.
