name: Panos Sofianos
Instagram ID: Pansof1
Daily work: improving our denim industry
Who are you and what are you doing within the (denim) industry?
I am Panos Sofianos – a Denim Aficionado, looking to find the balance between industrial production and conscious living, thinking for the generations to come to find a better world than the one we have been inherited.
What are you currently working on?
I am a real jack of all trades: On one hand, I am curating innovation at the International Denim Trade Show BLUEZONE. On the other hand, I am deeply involved in the Greek denim industry where I am helping start-ups to achieve their green mission besides running an experimental denim mill using unorthodox fiber blends to minimize waste, energy and emissions. I am also supporting Greek cotton growers to maximize their presence in the supply chain by cultivating best efficiency cotton.
What is the biggest achievement so far in your career?
Not the biggest, but the most promising: the “HYBRIDENIM”, an ambitious but finally successful project. As a creative at TEJIDOS ROYO, I was part of the team that created this fabric concept for the first believers of circular fashion. The goal was to make real low impact denim clothing in the times when sustainability was only familiar to a very small group of caring people. Besides, I am very proud to be part of the BLUEZONE family and that I could shape the development of the Blue community over the past few years.
What is/are your favorite denim brand(s), and why?
Wow, this isn’t an easy question, since I have a dozen! To name a few: 45RPM, Red Ear collection from Paul Smith and John bull Jeans for their unique style. Braves & Co., ENDRIME and Benzak Denim Developers for their passion for details. CLOSED, Diesel, AG Jeans and DENHAM for their modernity. And then MUD Jeans, Boyish Jeans and Kings of Indigo who seem to understand the importance of really low impact jeans.
What is your favorite denim store, and why?
Self Edge in San Francisco and Tenue de Nîmes in Amsterdam, both for their love and affection to craftmanship and rare denim.
What do you think we can expect in the (near) future of denim developments as it comes to sustainability?
For me, it is not about developments but true figures, transparency and honesty: brands with high ethos to change perceptions about the way we buy jeans.
What is the most valuable lesson your have learned during your work?
That your mistakes will lead you to perfection if you don’t do them more than twice.
If you could be someone else for one day, who would you be, and why?
I would actually be myself with more integrity and courage to help this planet recover from this disastrous situation we are facing.
Can you describe your ultimate pair of jeans?
Raw, sturdy and loose.
Do you have a life slogan, or one that inspires you?
Be jeanerous (paraphrased on purpose!). Share your experience with all who wish to know more, and make everyone’s life easier.
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