Kingpins has this month introduced its denim platform to a new audience in Chengdu, China, with a hybrid Pop-Up event bringing together the denim supply chain trade show’s expertise with consumer-facing activities based on Chengdu’s legacy as a streetwear and music cultural centre. 

Held November 14-16 at Cosmo in the Jinjiang District, Kingpins Chengdu Pop-Up offered a look at what’s on the denim horizon, including inspirational installations, unique shopping experiences, customisation stations, creative workshops, a fashion show, live open-mic music and B2B networking.

“We’re excited about the potential of taking Kingpins on the road and inviting consumers to experience our passion for the art and history of denim,” said Kingpins CEO Vivian Wang. “Just as we have reimagined the traditional trade-show format, our Pop-Ups give us the freedom to test fresh ideas, explore new cities and connect with new audiences. This is an evolving initiative and we expect it to keep growing and improving. We welcome the denim community to share ideas for future Pop-Ups.”

Chengdu, with a population of around 21.4 million, is one of the largest cities Kingpins has ever showcased in and provided the opportunity to introduce the international denim community to a new audience. 

Highlights from the show included hands-on workshops, such as the collaboration between Cone Denim and JingqiuMade which invited attendees to upcycle and transform blue jeans, and a retail marketplace featuring items from companies such as 1807, Fade to Blue, Fraylaw, HMS, Lildenimjean, Sex&Jeans, Shanghai Jingqui Industrial, Simwood and Unit 9.

Kingpins is an invitation-only, denim sourcing show featuring a highly curated selection of companies representing the global denim supply chain, from fibre makers, mills and manufacturers to chemical and machinery suppliers and other companies erving the denim and jeans business. Launched in 2004, the company currently produces shows and events in New York, Amsterdam and China. 

Since 2025, Kingpins has been part of Texpertise, the umbrella brand uniting all textile trade shows of Messe Frankfurt. Under the agreement with Messe Frankfurt, Kingpins continues to operate independently as a platform for the denim industry.

www.kingpinsshow.com