Innovations in Blue

With the help of Dr. Michael Frierson, professor of Media Studies at UNC-G, along with his students, W.O.L.F. recently debuted a documentary covering our very first history exhibit, Innovations in Blue. This exhibit celebrates 100 years of dye technology and innovation in Greensboro, specifically the 100 year anniversary of the Touchstone Dye Apparatus, a long-chain compound dye process that created a new industry standard for the purpose of dyeing yarn with indigo. This technology is readily used globally in present day, and it was invented right here in Greensboro, NC at White Oak Cotton Mill. Innovations in Blue also celebrates Floyd Virgil Hayes, the first Dyemaster at White Oak Plant, who single-handedly standardized the recipe for indigo dye that would garner global recognition as the gold standard of the denim industry. Telling this piece of important history was only made possible through research and conversation with the living relatives of Hayes, and he was honored with the unveiling of the exhibit at Revolutuon Mill, where Innovations in Blue is currently on display in NE Greensboro. W.O.L.F. offers much gratitude to Dr. Frierson and his team, along with the individuals across a variety of sectors of the industry who volunteered to be interviewed for narration of the exhibit in this documentary. Enjoy!

What is W.O.L.F.?

With the closing of the White Oak denim mill in early 2018, Greensboro saw the end of 124 continuous years of production of denim fabrics. Nonetheless, the denim trade and its history continue to be important pillar in our community. White Oak Legacy Foundation will serve as caretakers and stewards the history of the White Oak denim mill and the shuttle looms used there to make selvage denim fabrics for decades. W.O.L.F. wishes to serve the textile and apparel industries as a hub, to be a place where vintage Draper looms remain in production for education and innovation, purposefully. Beyond production, designers from around the world have access to enroll in educational courses covering the history of the U.S. denim manufacturing process, denim fabrics, sourcing, and connectivity with new, truly sustainable technologies for use in denim and cotton fabrics. W.O.L.F. is an organization that, in conjunction with history museums and universities, coordinates efforts to preserve Greensboro’s long-standing historic connection to the denim fabric trade, including the history of Cone Mills, and actively engages students in the business of fashion and sustainable supply chain logistics. W.O.L.F. will continue to endeavor to serve as a global resource for companies in the denim and apparel-related trade now and into the future.

We are the White Oak Legacy Foundation.

Riveted: The History of Jeans

Riveted: The History of Jeans reveals the fascinating and surprising story of this iconic American garment. At any given moment, half the people on the planet are wearing them. They have become a staple of clothing the world over, worn by everyone from presidents and supermodels to farmers and artists. More than just an item of apparel, America’s tangled past is woven into the indigo blue fabric. From its roots in slavery to its connection to the Wild West, youth culture, the civil rights movement, rock and roll, hippies, high fashion and hip-hop, jeans are the canvas on which the history of American ideology and politics is writ large.

We were fortunate to be contacted by the directors and film crew to take part in this series. Several of the interviews took place in the Proximity Mfg. weave room at White Oak Plant, and our looms can be seen in several of the backgrounds. Thanks to PBS and the American Experience producers and team for our inclusion!

Watch a Trailer below, or click here to watch the full episode on PBS.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

WOLF Email:
admin@wolfdenim.org

Proximity Manufacturing Company Email:

evan@proxmfg.com