In a move poised to redefine the contours of the global denim industry, Artistic Milliners, the renowned denim innovator, has acquired a majority stake in the iconic Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles. The transaction, scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2026, marks the birth of a formidable multinational entity operating under the historic Cone Denim name—a seismic event for fashion, manufacturing, and supply chain strategy worldwide.
The Fusion of Heritage and Innovation: Why This Acquisition Matters
At first glance, the deal is a straightforward consolidation of two denim giants. Look closer, and it becomes clear that Artistic Milliners and Cone Denim are orchestrating a strategic symphony—uniting heritage, technical prowess, and cutting-edge sustainability under a single global platform. This isn’t just about expanding market share; it’s about reimagining what premium denim can be in the twenty-first century.
Cone Denim is a name that resonates through the annals of American textile history, synonymous with craftsmanship, authenticity, and innovation. Artistic Milliners, meanwhile, brings unparalleled expertise in vertical integration, ethical manufacturing, and global supply chain agility. The combined entity promises fully vertical, end-to-end solutions, encompassing premium denim fabric and expertly finished garments—a rare offering in an industry often fragmented by siloed operations.
Preserving Legacy While Driving Transformation
A central tenet of this acquisition is the preservation of Cone Denim’s unique legacy. Rather than subsuming the brand, Artistic Milliners is committed to maintaining Cone’s distinct identity and business strategy. Cone’s Pakistan operations will continue to function independently, allowing the brand to safeguard its heritage while leveraging Artistic Milliners’ robust infrastructure and innovation pipeline.
This duality—honoring tradition while embracing transformation—is especially poignant in an era when heritage brands risk dilution through aggressive mergers. Here, the strategy is clear: unlock Cone’s competitive strengths through collaborative synergies, driving forward not only innovation but also sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. It is a testament to the shared values between Artistic Milliners and Cone Denim, as emphasized by Jeffrey P. Pritchett, CEO of Elevate Textiles.
The Global Footprint: Speed, Scale, and Reliability
As fashion brands and retailers face ever-increasing pressure to deliver quality, speed, and transparency, the new Cone Denim platform is built for agility and reach. The multinational manufacturing network will span both hemispheres, combining select assets from each company. Cone Denim will operate mills in Parras and Yecapixtla (Mexico), Jiaxing (China), and maintain a presence in Pakistan. Artistic Milliners brings its advanced garment facility in Parras, Mexico, as well as the Star Fades International laundry and development center in Los Angeles—a hub for innovation in garment finishing.
- Mexico: Mills in Parras and Yecapixtla, plus Artistic Milliners’ garment facility.
- China: Jiaxing mill ensures access to Asian markets and supply chain efficiencies.
- Pakistan: Cone Denim’s independent operations preserve legacy and regional expertise.
- United States: Star Fades International, Los Angeles, spearheads laundry and finishing innovation.
This global footprint delivers speed, scale, and reliability—critical advantages in today’s volatile supply chain landscape. Customers can expect enhanced service and uninterrupted quality, with the assurance that existing representatives and processes will remain intact.
Leadership and Governance: Experienced Stewards at the Helm
The newly formed entity will be led by Steve Maggard, President of Cone Denim, a figure well-versed in steering legacy brands through complex transitions. Maggard will report to a distinguished Board of Directors, featuring:
- Omer Ahmed
- Murtaza Ahmed
- Jeffrey P. Pritchett
- Additional directors yet to be determined
This governance structure blends operational continuity with fresh strategic direction. Pritchett’s emphasis on shared values and global capability expansion signals a commitment to responsible growth, including the highly anticipated return of Cone Denim’s production to the United States and an expansion into new regions.
Sustainability and Ethical Manufacturing: A Non-Negotiable Imperative
In an industry grappling with environmental and social responsibility, the Artistic Milliners-Cone Denim alliance is anchored by a resolute focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing. The new platform will drive innovation in responsible sourcing, water conservation, and circular design—areas where both brands have made significant investments. By marrying Artistic Milliners’ infrastructure with Cone Denim’s legacy of quality, the entity sets a new benchmark for what “premium denim” means in a conscious, connected world.
The ambition is not just to meet regulatory standards but to lead by example, inspiring competitors and collaborators alike to raise the bar. In this sense, the acquisition is as much about shaping the future of fashion as it is about business consolidation.
Customer Experience: Continuity Meets Enhanced Service
For customers of both Artistic Milliners and Cone Denim, the transition promises continuity with a twist. Existing representatives will remain the primary point of contact, ensuring the high standards of quality, service, and delivery that clients have come to expect. At the same time, the expanded global footprint and integrated capabilities mean brands and retailers will benefit from greater speed, flexibility, and reliability—whether they’re sourcing raw fabric or finished garments.
This dual promise of consistency and enhancement is a rare achievement in complex mergers, and it speaks to the careful planning behind the acquisition. The new entity isn’t just expanding its reach; it’s refining its value proposition for a discerning, globally minded clientele.
Strategic Shift: Redefining Denim’s Role in the Fashion Ecosystem
At its core, this acquisition signals a strategic shift for the denim industry. No longer is premium denim production the exclusive province of isolated mills or niche artisans. The Artistic Milliners-Cone Denim partnership creates a powerhouse that fuses heritage with innovation, operational scale with sustainability, and global reach with local expertise.
For fashion brands, retailers, and end consumers, the implications are far-reaching. The combined entity will be able to offer:
- Fully vertical, end-to-end solutions
- Premium denim fabrics and expertly finished garments
- Agile, reliable supply chains spanning the US, Mexico, China, and Pakistan
- Uncompromising standards in sustainability and ethical manufacturing
- Preservation of heritage with a forward-looking strategy
As the industry grapples with seismic changes—from digital transformation to shifting consumer expectations—this acquisition stands as a blueprint for how legacy brands can thrive through strategic collaboration and rigorous innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Dawn of a New Denim Dynasty
With the transaction set to close in early 2026, the world watches as Artistic Milliners and Cone Denim lay the foundations for a new era. The promise is bold: to harness the strengths of two legendary players, delivering speed, scale, and sustainability across continents. Under Steve Maggard’s leadership and the strategic oversight of a diverse board, the new Cone Denim is positioned to reclaim its position not just as a leader in denim, but as a pioneer in responsible, innovative fashion manufacturing.
The significance of this acquisition transcends the denim sector. It offers a glimpse into how heritage and modernity can coalesce, forging pathways that honor the past while shaping the future. As the new entity steps onto the global stage, it invites the industry—and its customers—to imagine what’s possible when tradition meets transformation.
The denim landscape has shifted. The question now is: who will rise to meet the new standard?
