LOS ANGELES and GREENSBORO, N.C. — Artistic Milliners, a leading innovator in the denim industry, has announced its acquisition of a majority interest in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles.
Under the historic Cone Denim brand, the new multinational entity will operate while Artistic Milliners’ operations in Pakistan will continue to function independently. The acquisition is projected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2026.
Cone Denim is set to provide a fully vertical and integrated approach, offering everything from high-quality denim fabric to meticulously finished garments. “We are committed to leveraging our expertise to help unlock Cone’s competitive advantages. Cone Denim will maintain its unique identity and continue to execute its own business strategy. Our aim is to engage closely with the Cone Denim team, building upon a legacy that spans over 130 years,” stated Murtaza Ahmed and Omer Ahmed of Artistic Milliners in a joint announcement.
The newly formed company will operate on a global scale, combining selected assets from both organizations. Cone Denim will manage its existing mills in Parras and Yecapixtla, Mexico, and its facility in Jiaxing, China. This will also include Artistic Milliners’ recently opened garment facility in Parras, Mexico, along with its Star Fades International (SFI) laundry and development center in Los Angeles.
The Ahmed brothers further commented, “With Cone Denim’s iconic status as an American manufacturer and Artistic Milliners’ international reach, we are creating a global organization that will utilize our combined resources and expertise to deliver unparalleled service and flexibility to our customers. Our multinational manufacturing facilities will enhance speed, scalability, and supply reliability.”
Cone Denim will retain its identity as a standalone portfolio company under the umbrella of Artistic Milliners, with Steve Maggard serving as the President of Cone Denim. He will report to the Board of Directors, which includes Omer Ahmed, Murtaza Ahmed, and Jeffrey P. Pritchett, along with other yet-to-be-named directors.
Jeffrey P. Pritchett, CEO and Board member of Elevate Textiles, expressed enthusiasm for uniting two leading global denim brands that share common values, furthering the legacy of Cone Denim. “Both Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners have rich histories in textiles and are globally recognized for their commitment to innovation, traceability, and sustainability. The Artistic Milliners Cone Denim acquisition allows us to better capitalize on synergies across our brands and operations while re-establishing Cone Denim production capabilities in the U.S. and expanding into new international markets.”
Customers of Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners can expect to continue working with their current product and sales representatives while maintaining the same high standards of service, quality, and delivery.
Maggard also added, “We are dedicated to providing a wider variety of fabrics, innovative designs, and comprehensive garment services to our customers, which includes planned expansions into North Africa.”
