Inspiring this generation is key to changing how textiles are designed and used.
How do you train students to become designers who are not just creative, but also adaptable, curious, and socially aware? By connecting them with the real world from day one. At Artemis Academy, we believe hands-on experience is essential for developing both hard and soft skills. And every now and then, a collaboration comes along that has it all: technology, sustainability, innovation — and a big dose of creativity.
This year, our third-year students in the Styling & Design module had a unique opportunity to team up with BYBORRE — the textile company making waves internationally with its innovative designs, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge tech.
A Glimpse into the Future of Textiles
The project kicked off in a truly special place: the inspiring headquarters of BYBORRE in Amsterdam. Students were given an exclusive tour of the textile innovation studio and introduced to the BYBORRE platform – an online editor that lets you design your own textiles. From color and texture to functionality and pattern, the creative freedom is incredible.
Over the following eight weeks, students worked hands-on with this cutting-edge technology. Their challenge? To design an innovative textile application that made full use of the material’s potential. No limits in terms of product or audience – but the bar was set high.
From idea to impact
Guided by industry expert and lecturer Saskia Huiting, students followed the full design cycle:
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In-depth research into trends, materials, and technology
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Selecting or developing textiles via the BYBORRE platform
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Concept development and prototyping
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Justifying material choices and sustainability
The result?
A wide range of designs — from high-end fashion accessories to circular interior concepts. Each project had a clear focus on innovation, storytelling, and sustainability.
Real-world stage
The collaboration wrapped up with a pitch session: students presented their designs to the BYBORRE team. A nerve-wracking but valuable moment where not only their creativity was put to the test, but also their ability to communicate professionally, handle feedback, and take ownership.
BYBORRE CEO Mijke van Ballegooijen highlights the importance of this partnership:
“At BYBORRE, we see it as our responsibility to help expand textile knowledge in design education. The environmental impact of design decisions is often overlooked. By working together early in the process, we create awareness and inspire a new generation of designers to take responsibility. In fact, empowering this generation is essential if we want to change how textiles are designed and used — and to truly move the industry forward.
More than just a assignment
This design challenge was more than a course module. It was a learning experience that pushed students to experiment, make mistakes, think critically, and collaborate with real-world professionals. Because that’s the future of creative education: not just thinking in terms of finished products, but in terms of impact. Not just learning what to design, but why and how you design it. With BYBORRE as a pioneer and our students as the creative front line, we’re building a more sustainable, innovative design world together.
Interested in collaborating with Artemis?
Want to support future talent and be inspired by a fresh generation of designers? Get in touch with the Artemis Academy. We love partnering with organizations that, like us, believe in the power of co-creation.
Business Network
OUR CONTACTS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY
Learn more about which companies and professionals Artemis Academie collaborates with. There are inspiring guest lectures, amazing internships and excellent mentors from the field.
BECOME PART OF THE ARTEMIS BUSINESS NETWORK
It works both ways.
Share your experience and stories with a hungry new generation. You get sharp questions and fresh perspectives in return. Contact us for a collaboration, internship, case study, position as a guest lecturer or a lecture.
Alumni network
PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
Our alumni work in the most inspiring and varied places in the creative industry. Wondering where you might end up someday? Read more about how our alumni experience the study programme, internships and their current work.
