name: Tricia Carey
Instagram: @trishcarey11
Daily work: Director global business development for denim and Americas at Lenzing
Who are you and what are you doing within the (denim) industry?
I influence the development of TENCEL™ Fibers in denim including new innovations, application developments, and product placements by working with mills and brands to specify the use of TENCEL™ - a fiber derived from wood pulp. At the start of building a great jean is the fiber. TENCEL™ began in denim and 30 years later it continues to evolve by addressing the needs of the denim market for circularity with REFIBRA™ technology, where we upcycle cotton waste to make a new fiber. Almost 25 years ago I started working with TENCEL™ for American brands and then the global denim market 7 years ago. Looking back it has been an incredible trek to see the changes in the textile and apparel market.
What are you currently working on?
Our global TENCEL™ Denim team is working on several collaboration projects for a Fall '22 including The Circle Book 3 and Sustainable Denim Wardrobe.
We are also supporting the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Annual Meeting on June 2nd.
We are always working on new stories for Carved in Blue, our denim blog, and Blue Cast our podcast. In September, we will be back with the Second Annual Blue Lenz, denim video awards at BlueZone. We are always seeking new ways to connect with the denim community and bring people together.
What is the biggest achievement so far in your career?
Growing up in "upstate" New York, my dream was always Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York'. I was determined to be part of NYC and began my career in textiles the day after I graduated from college for a 'brand new start'. My biggest achievement is not only "making it" in New York City, but also raising two amazing kids with my husband. 'Because if I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.'
What is/are your favorite denim brand(s), and why?
It is hard for me to separate the brand from the designers. Pulling back the curtain to see the people who critique each detail and where they find inspiration. Some of my favorites are Boyish, Good American and Kings of Indigo.
What is your favorite denim store, and why?
Rag and Bone on Mercer Street in Soho. The denim bar, store layout, the uneven floor and friendly staff make it a 'must visit' each time I am in the neighborhood.
What do you think we can expect in the (near) future of denim developments as it comes to sustainability?
In the near future you will see an explosion of all the work done during the 2+ years of the pandemic. Circularity, climate action, traceability, and social justice are all inter-related.
You will see denim developing in the direction of using all or combinations of above. Traceability with easy access for consumers will democratize denim.
What is the most valuable lesson your have learned during your work?
People make product, not companies. We are in a people business - everyday.
If you could be someone else for one day, who would you be, and why?
Diane von Furtsenberg because of her wisdom and voice for female empowerment. I want to see inside the archives of DVF, plus she has an incredible office downtown!
Can you describe your ultimate pair of jeans?
Bootcut, low rise, medium wash … using TENCEL™ Denim of course!
Do you have a life slogan, or one that inspires you?
Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can do today - Just do it!
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