Bringing 3D-printed fashion to my hometown: A little dream, talked into existence

Some opportunities you plan for. Others, you simply have to talk into existence.

On October 8, my work became part of 3D Printing in Fashion at the 3D-Print Gallery in De Koepel, Haarlem. Seeing my designs displayed in a gallery in my own hometown felt incredibly special. And honestly, a little surreal.

This exhibition started with an idea and a conversation. I reached out, shared my work, and explored what might be possible. What began as a possibility became something real — a chance to share the results of a year of experimenting with 3D printing, materials, textures and the relationship between technology and fashion.

There was no official opening ceremony yet, but people still showed up for me. Friends, family and people who wanted to see what I've been creating came to support me, and that made the occasion special in its own way.

Standing there next to my work, I felt genuinely proud. Not because everything is finished or figured out, but because of how much can happen when you stay curious, keep experimenting and dare to put your work out into the world.

I'm still balancing a full-time job in tech with building my creative practice in my spare time. My designs are made in a small home studio, one experiment at a time. Seeing them presented in a gallery reminded me that you don't need to have everything figured out before you start creating opportunities for yourself.

A year of experimentation can take you further than you might expect. Sometimes, the next step is simply asking the question, making the introduction or reaching out to someone who might say yes.

A huge thank you to Kathelijn and her team at the 3D-Print Gallery for making this possible, and to everyone who came to show their support.

A little reminder to myself — and maybe to you, too: don't wait for an opportunity to find you. Sometimes, you have to create it yourself.