The Kingpins Show will debut a new format when it returns to Los Angeles in 2027.
On Wednesday, the organizers announced the L.A. event will take place Jan. 12-13 close to Downtown L.A. An exact location has not been named.
For Kingpins, L.A. presents an opportunity to introduce a festival-inspired format designed to spotlight the local denim community, including wash houses and design studios. Organizers said the concept will be similar to the hybrid model the show presents annually in China—part B2B, part B2C. Featuring areas dedicated to vintage sellers and local brands alongside activities open to the public, the event will integrate cultural and consumer-facing elements giving exhibitors additional exposure and context within the broader denim ecosystem.
“Los Angeles plays a vital role in our industry, particularly for U.S. production and returning there feels both natural and exciting,” said Vivian Wang, Kingpins Show CEO. “While many details are still coming together, I can share this: Kingpins Los Angeles will feel both familiar and a little unexpected. We’ll hold on to what makes Kingpins special—welcoming, curated and fun—while drawing inspiration from Southern California to introduce new ideas and programming.”
Although the show will run for two days, exhibitors—such as mills, chemical providers and fiber producers—will each showcase for one day only. Each day will feature a distinct lineup of exhibitors and programming. The goal is to encourage attendees to visit both days, keep the show floor fresh with new concepts, and allow exhibitors time to participate in activities.
The West Coast event will replace the usual January edition of Kingpins New York, which has historically been slower than the July show in New York City. The move to Los Angeles also gives East Coast attendees a reason to reconnect with the city’s denim market.
Organizers noted that the Tuesday–Wednesday schedule was selected so visitors can arrive over the weekend and attend the Rose Bowl Flea Market, a popular destination for vintage denim sourcing that is open on the second Sunday of each month, and stay for the Long Beach Antique Market.
Kingpins expects around 60 exhibitors. Early feedback has been more positive than anticipated, reflecting exhibitors’ interest in new ways to connect with clients and attendees’ appetite for more engaging, experience-driven events.
Kingpins wrapped up the Amsterdam edition April 15-16. The show brought 1,033 attendees from 514 companies across 40 countries to view collections from 100 exhibitors. Next, the show will host Kingpins China-Hangzhou May 21-22 at ADM More.
