Denims of the World|Global Quilt Project

Denim has become an integral part of everyday life, so much so that many of us never stop to question where our favorite pair of jeans even came from, how they were manufactured, or their history.

Originating in the late 19th century as durable workwear, denim evolved into a timeless global fashion staple, transcending gender, age, and class. Today, manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for environmentally friendly fabrics with new eco-conscious denim, utilizing organic cotton, recycled fibers, and water-saving dye techniques. Denim with its rich history and deep cultural adoration is the perfect vehicle to showcase how a fabric with such classic appeal  can also be a poster child for forward-thinking innovation in fabric technology..

Around the World in 80 Fabrics Launches
"Denims of the World" Global Quilt Project,
seeking Denim Contributions From Across the Globe to Tell the Multifaceted and Fascinating Story of this Iconic Fabric.

This global endeavor aims to source 100% cotton denim fabric samples and shade swatches from every corner of the world to create a meaningful textile artwork chronicling the rich history, cultural impact, and environmental footprint of denim.

We are putting out an international call for traceable denim fabric produced by hand and machine of 100% traceable cottons. In depth interviews and stories from each fabric provider will be showcased and inspire world-class quilters as they sew together tales of denim's past, present manufacturing landscape, and glimpses into its sustainable future.

Once created, the Denims of the World Quilt will be a part of the Around the World in 80 Fabrics upcoming exhibitions and teaching collection

For more information, contact: davecmix@gmail.com or anna.m.fischman@gmail.com

CURRENT PARTICIPATING MILLS INCLUDE:

"Jeans are so ubiquitous nowadays that it's easy to overlook where the denim fabric is being made, its raw material source, and what synthetic fibers are being added along the way. With the Denims of the World quilt, we hope to shed light on denim's origins and evolving story by highlighting small to large fabric mills creating transparent denim worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to play a part in creating an exceptional work of art that combines age-old quilting traditions with new visions for ethical textiles. The fabrics and stories woven into this quilt will take viewers on a global journey  as we follow the literal threads of our beloved jeans through space and time.”

- Dr. Tierney Thys, Co-Founder of Around the World in 80 Fabrics

Meet the Team

  • Ralph Tharpe

    Ralph Tharpe is a founding board member of the White Oak Legacy Foundation (WOLF), an organization committed to preserving the rich history and innovation of denim manufacturing in Greensboro, North Carolina. With over a century of textile heritage in the region, he is dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining the denim industry in the U.S. both through his work at WOLF and Proximity Manufacturing Company. He has a deep understanding of denim's evolution, from its origins with Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis in the 1870s to modern advancements in fabric technology and is passionate about sustainability and innovation, advocating for the use of bio-based indigo dye and the return of cut-and-sew operations to North Carolina.

    His vision for WOLF includes focusing on education, historic preservation, and new technologies in denim production where locally sourced, environmentally friendly denim plays a central role in the industry, contributing to both the regional economy and the global push for sustainable fashion. Through collaborations with local companies, universities, and history museums, Ralph continues to champion the legacy and future of American denim.

  • Dave Mix

    Dave Mix has been fascinated by denim since he was young. Currently, he is an intern at the White Oak Legacy Foundation, working alongside other members of the Greensboro community to preserve the legacy of Cone Denim’s plant in North Carolina. Dave also spends time on his long-term jeans project, Pheasant Way Clothing, where he is building a jeans manufacturing business using old machines that he rebuilds. Outside of denim, Dave is finishing his final year at medical school in Pennsylvania.

  • Anna Fischman

    A longtime seamstress, Anna’s passion for denim was ignited as she began to research American women’s fashion history, especially workwear from the interwar period. Currently, she volunteers with the White Oak Legacy Foundation, which works to preserve denim history in Greensboro, North Carolina. Anna creates custom-made jeans based on women’s styles from the 1930s and 1940s, including her own version of side-zip jeans from that era, using period sewing machines. Based in Philadelphia, Anna’s favorite denim is a 2x1 selvedge twill.

Additional Resources

One of the most acclaimed books about denim is Denim: From Cowboys to Catwalks by Graham Marsh and Paul Trynka. Considered a definitive guide to the history and cultural impact of denim, it covers everything from the origins of jeans in the American West to their adoption by various subcultures and the eventual rise to high fashion.

Another book worth checking out is Denim: Fashion’s Frontier by Emma McClendon, which accompanied an exhibition at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). This book covers the fabric's history, role in fashion, and cultural significance, offering insights from historical, social, and artistic perspectives.

Another great reference is Jeans of the Old West by Mike Harris.  According to Ralph Tharpe, “He is a certified denim head!  He chronicles the denim story from the 1800’s.  After the rivet patent, many companies scrambled to build a stronger, more durable pant, but until 1890 when the patent ran out, they had to find other solutions.  He quite literally mined that information in government records and the old mines that were active in the late 1800’s.”