Bangladesh has established itself as a powerhouse in denim manufacturing

Paolo Gnutti, internationally known as the Wizard of Denim, is one of the most influential figures in the industry. With nearly forty years of experience, he has transformed denim from a functional fabric into a cultural platform, combining textile innovation, aesthetics, and sustainability. Throughout his career, he has held strategic roles as Creative Director and collaborated with leading global manufacturers and brands, helping to redefine the boundaries of jeans through cutting-edge materials and responsible processes. His vision is clear: to make denim a universal language capable of expressing style, identity, and the future.

Recently team Denim Focus had a conversation with Paolo Gnutti, key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-

Denim Focus: How do you see the denim industry overall?

Paolo Gnutti: The denim industry remains one of the most resilient segments in fashion. Despite market fluctuations, denim continues to be a universal language in style, bridging luxury, streetwear, and workwear. What is changing is not the relevance of denim, but the way it is being produced, communicated, and consumed. Today, innovation and sustainability are no longer optional but fundamental drivers of competitiveness.

Denim Focus: What are the latest innovations in the denim industry?

Paolo Gnutti: The most relevant innovations are happening in three areas:

1. Fibers and materials – Recycled cotton, hemp, bio-based fibers, and smart blends that improve durability and reduce resource intensity.
2. Finishing and processing – Laser technology, ozone, nano-bubble washing, and waterless dyeing systems that dramatically reduce chemical and water usage.
3. Digitalization – From 3D design to digital sampling and AI-driven trend prediction, digital tools are reshaping the value chain, cutting lead times and waste.

Denim Focus: How the denim industry can be more sustainable and competitive?

Paolo Gnutti: The challenge is to align sustainability with scalability. This requires:

• Circularity: Developing fabrics and garments designed for recycling, with clear traceability.
• Local-to-local production: Shorter supply chains that reduce carbon footprint and improve agility.
• Innovation culture: Investment in R&D, partnerships with tech companies, and open collaboration within the industry.
  Competitiveness will come from companies that succeed in combining authentic denim heritage with responsible innovation.

Denim Focus: Bangladesh is ranked no 01 in the US for denim export. How do you see the Bangladesh denim industry?

Paolo Gnutti: Bangladesh has established itself as a powerhouse in denim manufacturing, combining scale, efficiency, and increasingly higher quality standards. In recent years, we’ve seen major investments in sustainable technologies, vertical integration, and design capabilities. The challenge ahead will be to move from being primarily a volume player to a value-driven hub, focusing on innovation, transparency, and brand collaboration.

Denim Focus: What is your future forecast for the denim industry?

Paolo Gnutti: The denim industry will evolve in two main directions:

• Premiumization and storytelling: Denim will increasingly be positioned as a luxury-casual item, with strong emphasis on heritage, craftsmanship, and brand identity.
• Sustainability as a norm: Within the next decade, sustainable processes will not be a differentiator but a requirement. Companies that cannot adapt will disappear.
  At the same time, digital and AI will continue to redefine product development and consumer engagement.

Denim Focus: What are your key achievements in the industry?

Paolo Gnutti: Throughout my career, I have focused on bridging tradition and innovation in denim. My key achievements include:

• Developing fabrics and collections that set new standards for creativity and sustainability.
• Building collaborations between mills, brands, and technology providers.
• Contributing to raising awareness of denim as a cultural and innovative platform, not just a commodity.

Denim Focus: “How has your experience as a Creative Director influenced your approach to textile innovation, and what are your ambitions for the future in the world of denim and beyond?”

Paolo Gnutti: In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to focus heavily on textile innovation and R&D, leveraging my role as Creative Director to drive value across the entire product development chain. Today, the Creative Director is no longer just a designer — they are a strategic connector between material innovation, technology, aesthetics, and cultural relevance.

Looking ahead, I envision myself leading forward-thinking projects that fuse high-performance, next-gen fabrics with a bold, creative direction — a style narrative that resonates with both the luxury market and a broader, more diverse consumer base.

Ultimately, I see denim not just as a product, but as a storytelling platform — a medium through which to shape brand identity, drive emotional engagement, and create meaningful connections with today’s and tomorrow’s audiences.