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Apr 25, 2023

Blue Jeans Lavanderie’s Alberto Rossi Shops and Produces Locally

Denim Head is Rivet’s discussion series with voices in the industry to get

Denim Head is Rivet's discussion series with voices in the industry to get their take on the innovations, brands and designers shaping the future of denim.

Alberto Rossi is the second-generation owner and general manager of Blue Jeans Lavanderie Industriali S.r.l., the Veneto, Italy-based boutique laundry that turns designers’ creative visions into reality. Here, Rossi shares how sustainable technologies are leveling the playing field for family-owned businesses and local manufacturing. The discussion has been lightly edited for clarity.

Rivet: What has been the biggest contribution to sustainable denim?

Alberto Rossi: I would say that the ZDHC program has given a major contribution to what is "good" and what is "bad" in the wash development. And what I really like is that they are raising the bar gradually giving the possibility to the company like ours to adapt.

Rivet: What is the most inspiring technology or collection that you’ve seen recently?

AR: The most inspiring technology continues to be the mix of ozone, laser and nebulization systems. With these technologies, we can achieve innovative looks while reducing drastically the consumption of energy and chemicals.

Rivet: What lessons has the pandemic taught the industry?

AR: As an Italian, I saw that a lot of brands decided to re-shore their production in Italy. This has been a positive for our market.

Rivet: Which brand or designer in the market do you think is making the biggest impact?

AR: I personally love what John Galliano is doing as creative director of Maison Margiela by mixing vintage, heritage, and newness in a unique way. I think Glenn Martens is doing a great job as creative director of Diesel, bringing back those positive and disruptive vibes that have always characterized Diesel's DNA.

Rivet: What is your personal philosophy on shopping and caring for your denim?

AR: I love to buy locally produced denim, if not from the Veneto region at least ones made in Italy. I used to wash my jeans a little, but one of the perks of having an ozone machine at work is that I can use it to sanitize my jeans.

Rivet: Which part of denim manufacturing needs more innovation, and why?

AR: The drying step needs to consume less in terms of energy and gas. I do not see a lot of innovation in that.

Rivet: What was your last denim purchase?

AR: I bought a pair of Roy Roger jeans in a small shop in my hometown, Cavarzere, Italy.

Rivet: Describe the jean of the future.

AR: The jean of the future needs to be made locally. I personally think that buying products produced closer to home is a really good way to protect the sector and reduce the emissions caused by transportation. The jeans also need to last for a long time, be made using responsible sourcing and include instructions on what to do when the jeans are at the end of their life.

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