Innovation Award – Best Maker 2026

I’m still a little bit speechless about this one.

During Maker Days Eindhoven 2026, I was awarded the Innovation Award for Best Maker 2026 for my work in 3D-printed fashion.

Over the two-day festival, I presented a selection of finished pieces alongside samples, material experiments and works in progress. For me, showing the process is just as important as showing the final garment. It gives people the chance to touch the materials, see how individual elements are constructed and discover how a digital design can gradually become something physical and wearable.

The jury highlighted the way my work brings together different worlds: fashion, technology, materials and 3D printing. They specifically recognised the combination of technical understanding, material experimentation and creativity, from flexible garments and printed lace to experimental textile structures.

That means a lot to me, particularly because this combination is exactly what drives my work. I don’t see 3D printing as a replacement for traditional fashion or craftsmanship, but as another tool in the maker’s toolkit. By combining digital design and fabrication with textiles, handwork and lots of physical experimentation, I’m interested in finding new ways to construct, shape and think about clothing.

Receiving the award feels like a wonderful recognition of that direction — and an encouragement to keep experimenting, printing, making and seeing where it can go next.

A huge thank you to the Maker Days Eindhoven jury for recognising the vision behind my work, to everyone involved in organising the event, and to Rabobank for supporting the Innovation Awards and making the €500 prize possible.

And thank you to everyone who stopped by during Maker Days to look, touch, ask questions and talk with me about the possibilities of 3D-printed fashion. Sharing the work with people who are genuinely curious about how things are made made receiving this award even more special.