Welcome to the BIGGEST and THICKEST annual edition of IMAGES Business of Fashion – The Denim Issue, which also happens to be my personal favourite. At the outset, I would like to thank and congratulate all the contributors, participants and the entire BoF team for bringing out this big, fat issue. It was an absolute delight to work with and share the work of all the committed and thoughtful people that have been associated with this month’s issue. Denim is easily one of the most iconic pieces of clothing known to mankind. The blue hued fabric has ruled the world of fashion for more than a century and continues to do so even today. This month’s BoF takes a journey down memory lane – it discovers how a utility garment during the Great Gold Rush era evolved into a symbol of youth rebellion. The fabric has become a spiritual partner of sorts to a large percentage of the population worldwide. In fact, as per Technopak, the denim market in India – which stood at an estimated 29,203 crore in 2018 – is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12 percent and reach 91,894 by 2028. In the lead research, Technopak outlines that the Indian Denim market is dominated by the men’s segment, accounting 86 percent of the total market size. The research summaries how women have broken the mould in another male bastion – the denim wear market – and that the women denim segment is expected show a higher CAGR of 13 percent than the men’s segment, at 12 percent. This Denim Special showcases various features that trace the growth drivers, consumption behaviour and the prospects of the fabric in the Indian market along with current trends and consumer preferences. The issue also takes a look at the sustainability concerns around denim and how an increasing number of brands are committing themselves to both the people and the planet.