Future of Fashion | Borre Akkersdijk | Episode 1

Join Exponential Academy's Future of Fashion Host, Shammy Jacob, as he interviews Borre Akkersdijk.

Borre Akkersdijk is a Dutch textile designer and the co-founder and creative director of textile innovation studio BYBORRE. Born in Wamel, the Netherlands, Akkersdijk took fashion design courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009 while also working at Paris-based design and trend consultancy Studio Edelkoort.

He started what became the foundation of BYBORRE in October 2010, initially consulting for brands such as Nike and Louis Vuitton before deciding to focus solely on the development of his now signature 3D knitted fabrics. In 2012, he was awarded Young Designer of the Year at the Dutch Design Awards. Research into the future of fashion and integrated technology resulted in presentations at South by Southwest, Bejing Designweek and Salone del Mobile Milano and publications in Wired magazine and Fast Company Magazine.

Since then Akkersdijk has worked on building a studio filled with machines and a team of specialists from all corners of the textile industry to grow BYBORRE into what it is today.

BYBORRE is a textile company that has been reinventing how the textile industry looks and operates since 2015. The pioneering Amsterdam-based company specializes in innovative knitted textiles for a wide range of applications. Driven by creative freedom, BYBORRE offers an unparalleled level of customization, filling a gap in the industry through digital innovation. Introducing new production methods that are less wasteful, less harmful, and more flexible, BYBORRE is the solution to more responsible textile creation and production. The signature high-performance knitted textiles have earned recognition from leading global brands such as Kering Group, BMW Group, Apple TV, Nike, Rapha, Gore-Tex, McLaren, Rip Curl, Natuzzi, The Social Hub.

DESIGN INNOVATION IN KNITTED TEXTILES

BYBORRE offers a collection of ready-to-order high-performance knitted textiles and, through its revolutionary open digital platform, enables the design and production of bespoke knitted textiles with control and transparency. This is a unique offering unmatched in the industry. Designers and brands can customize patterns, textures, and yarn compositions, tailoring textiles to their unique vision with a minimum order of just 50 meters. The textile structures, layered textures, and strong tactile appeal reflect BYBORRE’s distinctive aesthetic. These textiles are engineered for performance, stretch, and durability. While industrially knitted textiles have typically been associated with clothing, upholstery has remained a marginal application. Pushing the boundaries of textile innovation, BYBORRE has developed strong, durable, and distinctive knits designed to meet the demands of interiors and furniture. The company serves diverse sectors, including interior design, hospitality, workplace, mobility, sportswear, and fashion industries.

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH ZERO INVENTORY

BYBORRE operates with an on-demand production model, addressing one of the textile industry’s biggest challenges: waste. This approach ensures that textiles are produced only when needed, reducing environmental impact while maintaining exceptional quality.

MATERIAL TRANSPARENCY & TEXTILE PASSPORT

BYBORRE leads the way in responsible textile creation by offering a certified yarn library and textile passport. These tools provide detailed insights into material origin, composition, and recyclability, empowering creators to take control and make informed, conscious decisions. BYBORRE’s commitment to transparency sets a new standard well ahead of current industry practices.

DIGITAL MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP

BYBORRE merges the precision of digital technology with the artisanal beauty of knit fabrics. This fusion results in a unique aesthetic that is both high-tech and human-centered, redefining what is possible in textile design. Their team of knit and digital specialists works together to push the boundaries of textile creation while helping build a more sustainable future for the industry.

MILESTONES AND FUTURE VISION

Founded in 2015 by designer and entrepreneur Borre Akkersdijk, BYBORRE has received prestigious awards, including the 2023 International Woolmark Prize for supply chain innovation and the 2021 Dutch Design Award for its digital textile platform. Following a successful Series B investment round (2023) BYBORRE is scaling its mission to make responsible creation the new standard. Under the leadership of founder Borre Akkersdijk and CEO Mijke van Ballegooijen, BYBORRE continues to strengthen its position in interior architecture through high-profile collaborations, demonstrating its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and impactful design.