Artistic Milliners Expands Its Reach with Cone Denim Acquisition

In a significant move for the denim industry, Artistic Milliners, renowned for its innovative approach to denim manufacturing, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Cone Denim, previously owned by Elevate Textiles. This acquisition signals a major step forward for both companies as they seek to leverage their combined strengths to offer unparalleled products and services in the global market.

The acquisition was officially announced on September 18, 2025, and is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2026. Under this new arrangement, the combined entity will maintain the iconic Cone Denim brand, known for its rich history in denim production and commitment to sustainability and innovation. Artistic Milliners will continue to operate its independent business in Pakistan, ensuring the seamless integration of their operations without disruption.

A Legacy of Innovation

Cone Denim boasts a legacy that spans over 130 years, establishing itself as a leader in denim innovation. With a focus on sustainable practices, Cone Denim's products, particularly those under its Sustainblue™ brand, reflect the highest standards of responsible manufacturing. This commitment to sustainability aligns closely with Artistic Milliners' vision, which has been a front-runner in advancing environmentally-friendly practices in textile manufacturing.

Murtaza Ahmed and Omer Ahmed, representatives of Artistic Milliners, expressed their enthusiasm about the merger, stating, "We are dedicated to maximizing Cone’s competitive strengths while preserving its unique identity and driving its business strategy forward." They also emphasized their commitment to collaborating closely with the Cone Denim team to build on their notable legacy.

Operational Synergies and Global Reach

The newly formed entity will operate globally, drawing on selected assets from both organizations. Cone Denim will continue to utilize its existing facilities located in Parras and Yecapixtla in Mexico, and a site in Jiaxing, China. Additionally, the inclusion of Artistic Milliners' new garment facility in Parras and its Star Fades International (SFI) laundry and development center in Los Angeles will create a robust manufacturing platform capable of meeting global market demands.

The Ahmeds outlined their vision for the new organization, stating that it would combine the distinct strengths of Cone Denim as a historic American manufacturer with Artistic Milliners' extensive global infrastructure. This partnership is expected to provide customers with improved service flexibility and rapid response times, critical elements in today's fast-paced textile market.

Commitment to Quality and Customer Service

Steve Maggard, President of Cone Denim, will lead the newly formed entity. He emphasized that existing customers will continue to receive the same high standard of service, delivery, and product quality that they have come to expect.

Following the acquisition, the organization plans to enhance the variety of fabric options and design innovations available to customers, including plans for expansion into new markets such as North Africa. Stakeholders from both Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners believe that the merger will position them to harness synergies across brands and operations, expanding their global footprint significantly.

The commitment to maintaining a high level of quality and customer satisfaction will remain a top priority. Maggard noted, "We remain dedicated to improving our product offerings while upholding the integrity and service standards our clients rely on."

Future Perspectives

With this acquisition, both Artistic Milliners and Cone Denim are strategically positioned to further cement their standings as leaders in the textile industry. The merger not only reflects their shared values but also their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing practices. Together, they aim to enhance the fabric of society by producing textiles that do not just meet but exceed modern demands for quality and environmental responsibility.

As the textile landscape continues to evolve, the industry will be watching closely to see how this union of two denim powerhouses translates into new products, approaches, and industry standards. With their combined experience and innovative capabilities, Artistic Milliners and Cone Denim are set to redefine the future of denim manufacturing.

Visit Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners for more information about their products and ongoing innovations.