In this powerful two-part conversation, Andrew Olah welcomes back Umer Farooq Qureshi for a deep dive into the structural imbalances plaguing the denim supply chain. Framed by the enduring legacy of colonial capitalism, the discussion explores how suppliers have been conditioned to act like beggars in pursuit of orders — and how that mindset must shift. Together, they challenge conventional wisdom on pricing, power, partnerships, and trade shows, while calling for a new era of unity, dignity, and bold reinvention.

Did you know that both Berkshire Hathaway and Samsung started in textiles and went on to reinvent themselves entirely? So what’s stopping today’s denim suppliers from doing the same? Why should mills settle for scraps when companies like Loro Piana and Zegna showed how textile makers can build global luxury brands?

This is a rare, brutally honest conversation about uncomfortable truths and how facing them might just be the first step toward a better future for the industry.

Connect with Umer Farooq Qureshi

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