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STUDIO JORIS DE GROOT Explore these innovative projects at the Sustainable Innovations Forum in the Keyhouse in Hall 7
Designer Joris de Groot often collaborates directly with factories, setting up his workplace within their grounds to get a deep understanding of their materials and innovate with their existing techniques. This allows him to blend traditional craftsmanship with industrial processes, resulting in unique and sustainable designs.
His project “2000N Pressed Shoe” (2018) emerged from his project “In4nite II” with Freudenberg, a company specializing in car interior materials. Joris explored the potential of Colback®, a material used in car upholstery, to create shoes. By understanding and experimenting with the molding process used in automotive interiors, he transformed Colback® into a fashion material. “2000N Pressed Shoe” is distinctive for its use of industrial techniques to create aesthetic details, showcasing the intricate patterns and textures that arise from this innovative process.
»By understanding and experimenting with the molding process used in automotive interiors, he transformed Colback® into a fashion material.«
“Recycled Raincoat” (2021) is another collaboration between Joris and Dolfing Druten. Together, they tackled the issue of cutting waste from rain jacket production. By researching the shapes of leftover fabric pieces, Joris developed patterns that could be welded together to form new raincoats. This approach not only minimizes waste but also transforms discarded materials into valuable products, highlighting his innovative use of existing resources to create sustainable fashion.
»This approach not only minimizes waste but also transforms discarded materials into valuable products, highlighting his innovative use of existing resources to create sustainable fashion.«
For “Weld Bag” (2013), Joris partnered with Dolfing Druten, a manufacturer of work clothes and rain gear, to develop a collection of bags. He repurposed high-frequency welding techniques typically used for creating waterbeds and rainwear to design unique bag handles and shapes.
»The factory is my playground, searching for new possibilities with the tools I can find.«
Joris de Groot
Modularity is not a new concept. For decades, it has shaped architecture, furniture and industrial design. Applying it to soft textiles, however, opens up an entirely new discussion.
Creativity and curiosity have always been our driving force. Our work evolves through prototypes—never finished, always raising new questions about materials, processes, and possibilities.
Both the fashion and textile industry often celebrates creativity. Yet many of the industry’s creative decisions are made long before a designer ever begins designing. Colour being one of them. The thing is, by the time a designer selects yarn, someone else has already determined the available colours, sequences and combinations. Choice exists, but only within boundaries.
“Through hands-on experimentation, I explore the potential of new surfaces and alternative forms of leather, aiming to reconnect human life with the natural world as an interconnected fabric.”
