WGSN Buys L.A. Denim-Trend Forecaster
Denimhead, the Los Angeles–based denim and casual sportswear trend-forecasting service launched by Jill Perilman in 2004, has been purchased by British trend forecaster WGSN for an undisclosed price.
“We are thrilled to welcome Denimhead to WGSN,” said Susanna Kempe, WGSN’s chief executive. “Denimhead is a treasure trove of denim looks and detailing—its focused, image-led offering perfectly complements the breadth and depth of insight and analysis in WGSN. We’re delighted to offer WGSN customers this vital additional resource for people who speak denim and, at the same time, give Denimhead customers access to the macro-trends and creative intelligence that has made WGSN the leader in trend forecasting for the last decade.”
Before launching Denimhead, Perilman worked as a denim designer for companies such as Tarrant Apparel Group, which does private-label apparel for stores such as Lane Bryant and Macy’s, and the Kellwood Co.
Perilman travels the world, principally Europe and Asia, photographing denim looks, and then compiles them into an extensive forecasting book that has transitioned into a website on global blue-jeans looks. She also purchases samples of denim and has her team spec and sketch the jeans for her readers to tweak for their own needs.
Perilman, who will stay on as a consultant, said she thought there was no better partner than WGSN to take Denimhead to the next stage of its development and to further enhance its position as the world’s leading specialist in denim and casual sportswear.
Perilman believes WGSN can help Denimhead add more content and features. “It will be a more valuable tool for denim designers,” she said, noting that two of her employees will remain under WGSN’s ownership.—Deborah Belgum
