Imagine a world where clothing moves like living, breathing sculptures—layered, expressive, and full of life. Each garment tells a story, not just through its design, but through the very essence of its creation. For Borre Akkersdijk, a visionary designer and textile specialist, the true magic lies not in the final product, but in the process of bringing it to life. This fascination with the crafting of textiles led him to create BYBORRE in 2015, a company that has since become a trailblazer in the fashion industry, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. BYBORRE is more than just a textile studio; it is a movement, a force that is reshaping the way we think about fashion and textiles.
At the heart of BYBORRE’s mission is the belief that textiles should be more than just fabrics; they should be vessels of creativity, sustainability, and transparency. Akkersdijk’s journey began with a deep curiosity about the creation of textiles and the complex supply chains that govern the industry. After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands, he went on to work in the Paris studio of trend forecaster Li Edelkoort. It was there that he realized the potential to create a new way of crafting knits—both in process and aesthetics. “I was fascinated by how textiles were created and how the supply chain worked,” he reflects. “We saw an opportunity to build a new way of creating knits—both in process and aesthetics. Our early steps focused on integrating technology and researching how to control our own supply chain while creating aesthetically fresh and new textiles.”
The textile industry is in dire need of change. Producing over 92 million tonnes of waste annually, it relies on outdated production models that are complex, multi-step, and plagued by overproduction. Mijke van Ballegooijen, CEO of BYBORRE, sums it up perfectly: “Custom textiles shouldn’t be a luxury. We make it possible for every designer to control materials, colors, and textures without compromising on sustainability.” BYBORRE is on a mission to democratize innovation, offering designers the freedom to create without constraints while ensuring that the process is both responsible and sustainable. By producing textiles solely on demand, the company minimizes waste and maximizes creative potential, setting a new standard for the industry.
One of BYBORRE’s most groundbreaking innovations is Byborre Create, an open-source, scalable platform that gives creators direct access to sustainable design choices, innovative techniques, and creative tools. This digital platform breaks down the supply chain into four simple steps: determining the function of the fabric, exploring knit types to find the perfect weight and structure, composing the color, and adding aesthetic elements. The result is a seamless, intuitive workflow that places creativity at its core. Akkersdijk describes the platform as a tool for creative freedom: “Everything we build is about giving creative freedom. We provide the tools, platform, and textile medium so that anyone using textiles can bring their own creative vision to life and tell their own story.”
Transparency is another cornerstone of BYBORRE’s approach. The company’s Textile Passport initiative is a prime example of this commitment to transparency and responsible textile creation. The Textile Passport provides detailed insights into the origin, composition, and recyclability of materials, empowering creators to make informed, sustainable choices. This initiative, combined with BYBORRE’s certified yarn library, underscores the company’s dedication to reshaping the future of textiles. By promoting responsible sourcing and production, BYBORRE is paving the way for a more conscious and sustainable industry.
In addition to its innovative tools and platforms, BYBORRE also offers a range of customizable textiles that combine high performance with aesthetic appeal. In 2022, the company launched its own ready-to-order textile collection, featuring customizable structures that cater to a wide range of uses. From the two-layer AO2 textile to the thicker, three-layer AO3 and the high-relief 3D knit, each textile is designed to meet specific performance standards while offering unparalleled creative possibilities. Akkersdijk highlights BYBORRE’s unique approach to color: “What makes us stand out is our approach to color—we create color by optically mixing yarns rather than dyeing. This decision stemmed from a desire to avoid excessive dyeing and ensure consistency in color application. Optically mixing core yarn colors allows for hundreds of different shades without the inconsistencies that come with dyeing finished textiles.” This innovative approach has become a hallmark of BYBORRE’s textiles, setting them apart in both aesthetics and sustainability.
As BYBORRE continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the textile industry, its ultimate goal is a future where responsible, on-demand textiles are the norm. With collaborators like Nike, Moncler, Louis Vuitton, and BMW, the company is already making waves in the industry. But for Akkersdijk, the ultimate vision is even more ambitious: “The ultimate collaboration would be the one where the brand BYBORRE is no longer needed—where designers, artists, and brands use our platform to create breathtaking projects, and we simply act as facilitators to bring those visions to life. Where textile is not an afterthought anymore, where everyone cares exactly what they use, wear, and touch and where they have a say on production and resources.”
Looking ahead, BYBORRE is set to launch a new configurator later this month, making the design process even simpler and more intuitive. The company also plans to expand its reach by setting up hubs in Asia and the US, bringing its sustainable, on-demand textiles closer to its markets. Led by a focus on eliminating overproduction and excess stock through digitization of the supply chain, BYBORRE is crafting a future where textiles are not just materials, but a symbol of creativity, responsibility, and innovation. Every step counts, whether it’s a giant leap or a gentle nudge. Powered by its unequivocal ambition and relentless spirit, BYBORRE is helping to shift paradigms, one thread at a time.
