reFLEXion: mixing digital identities, fashion and tech

reFLEXion was a program mixing digital identities, fashion and technology with an exhibition, workshop, talks and events.  This exciting track, curated by Ann, was held at Brousse in Hasselt, Belgium, from June 7th till July 12th 2024. 

Let’s reflect on your digital identity and discover the many possibilities tech & creativity can bring.

reFLEXion explores the reflection of oneself,  the assets and identities we like to flex, and a contemplation on the impact of ever-evolving technologies on how we perceive, engage with and connect with fashion at large.

You could step into the future of digital identities at this inspiring art exhibition program curated by Ann Claes, merging fashion and technology, where innovation meets storytelling and creativity thrives by craftsmanship. Designers harness the power of pixels to create wearable art that mirrors the complexities of our modern identities. 

From virtual storytelling, AI generated design, digitally recreated historical garments to augmented reality showcases, an opportunity to experience the limitless possibilities of digital fashion as a creative and sustainable alternative. At reFLEXion visitors discovered how technology pushes creativity to the next level while also questioning its impact on future generations.

Let’s redefine the boundaries of what it means to exist in the digital age, celebrating individuality, innovation, and sustainability through the artistry that lies within the pixels. 

Visitors reflected on their own digital identity as they explored the immersive exhibits, where digital creations became more than just visual art—they became reflections of the self in the digital realm.  Visitors contemplated the evolving relationship between our physical and digital personas, and the ways in which we express and flex our assets in this new, interconnected world.

Crafting digital narratives in fashion

Technology is pushing next level storytelling and virtual identities through creativity & craftsmanship.  Visitors discovered how digital fashion elevates storytelling and virtual identities to new heights. reFLEXion showcased a curated selection of designers who are unique and excel on a global level, using cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of creativity. 

Digital garments and virtual environments blend to craft immersive narratives, transforming how we express ourselves and engage with fashion in the digital realm. 

Reflection. Flex. Reflect. reFLEXion.


Artists:

  • Tom van der Borght
  • Artificial Intelligems
  • Sarah Mayer & Swords Studio
  • Angelescu Studio
  • Assaf Reeb – Digital Fashion Archive
  • AVØLVE                                                         
  • Aykan Umut
  • Studio Vergult
  • 0xVIZION
  • Let’s get Phygital                                          by PXL MAD, London College of Fashion &  EKA, Eesti Kunstiakadeemia

Brousse is not just a location, but a unique connection point where young emerging talent and established values from the (Belgian) creative industry come together. From art lovers to foodies, (creative) entrepreneurs, students, families and young people, everyone is invited to participate in our various activities and events.

At Brousse everything revolves around encounters. reFLEXion had several amazing moments – including an opening reception, brunches and a closing party – where art, music, food and good conversations mix.   

Cross-pollination is central to the story of Brousse, where young and old meet and together bring creative ideas and innovative projects to life.   An initiative by UAU Collective, creating a World of Wonders through architecture and cross sector collaborations.

Interested in setting up your own track, exhibition or meetup and want some Masjien-touch?  Reach out! 

Flanders Technology & Innovation Antwerp

The first edition of the FTI festival took place from March 15 to 24. The Ten Days of Tech put innovation and technology in the spotlight. 177,500 visitors immersed themselves in the latest technologies.

Masjien was curator of the fashion track in Hasselt and Antwerp.

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March 2024, creativity, technology and innovation came together in Antwerp during the FTI Closing Festival. Enthusiasts took a look at the future of Fashion, Energy, Health, Mobility, Nutrition, Education, Digital life, Data privacy and Entertainment. The closing festival was an experience trail for young and old through the city and took visitors into the wonderful world of technology and innovation.

The fashion track was located in the Lotto Arena and had 3 parts that each showed different cases:

  • Fashion & Tech: innovations in the fashion sector
  • Circularity: how to make the sector more beautiful with sustainable initiatives
  • Future Front Row: the holographic fashion show

 

Some highlights

Fashion & Tech: innovations in the fashion sector

  • 3D knitting machine from the Antwerp Design Factory, part of the University of Antwerp.
  • AR effects by Playar and Sarah Mayer.
  • The Masjien office, a nice summary of the tools, skills and possibilities a fashion designer has at his or her disposal today to design and do business in a future-oriented manner. 

Circularity: how to make the sector more beautiful with sustainable initiatives

  • The Limburg Six showed their projects here, such as the apple leather look by Sander Bos, the DIY bag by Jordy Arthur and the backstage of a fashion show styled by Marie van Puybroeck, who proves that sustainability can also be colorful and inspiring.
  • Handbags made from mycelium, a collaboration between MycaNova and Lies Mertens
  • The non-vending masjien, a vending machine full of objects that encourage sustainability or are made according to circular principles. On top of that, you plant a tree in the Masjien forest with every purchase and we create impact together. 

Future Front Row:
Every hour you could join the holographic fashion show, an inclusive and creative experience that lets you experience fashion in a different way. A digital fashion show as a sustainable alternative and creativity without limits.

We launched the very first holographic catwalk of a historic riding costume from the archives of MoMu Antwerp. A project initiated by Masjien, developed by d’Archive in collaboration with digital textiles from Bakermat and a custom-made soundscape by Lola – Lolalita – Ilegems.

At FTI Antwerp you could discover 26 installations that demonstrated how innovation can drive the fashion sector. 

Of course Masjien loved putting together this programme, pushing buttons and boundaries, taking as many people as possible on this fantastic journey to a more futureproof sector.

Flanders Technology & Innovation Hasselt

The first edition of the FTI festival took place from March 15 to 24. The Ten Days of Tech put innovation and technology in the spotlight. 177,500 visitors immersed themselves in the latest technologies.

Masjien was curator of the fashion track in Hasselt and Antwerp

From Saturday 16 until Thursday 24 March 2024 circularity took over Hasselt during the FTI festival.

During this inspiring event, attendees discovered the significant impact clothing has on the environment and explored innovations making fashion more sustainable and beautiful. Through a variety of installations, workshops, and talks, the track showcased progressive brands, new revenue models, and cutting-edge technologies.

The track was open to the general public and included a special B2B offering. Ambassadors of this track, the Limburg Six, contributed their own installations and were joined by a network of partners including VITO, Stad Hasselt, Thomas More, Flanders DC, Avansa, Befrako, Cosh, Swishing Belgium, and more.

Visitors could explore a wide range of activities at Z33, the Fashion Museum, La Bottega, and throughout the shopping streets of Hasselt. 

Exhibitions & Installations

  • Projects by the Limburg Six: Discover the innovative work of our ambassadors.
  • Expo “Color Confidence”: Learn about future-forward textile dyeing methods.
  • Decision Tree: Find out what to do with clothes you no longer wear.
  • VITO’s Real Cost Simulator: Calculate the hidden ecological and social costs of your T-shirt.
  • Nanex Demonstration: See how to better protect your clothes, wash less, and reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Masjien’s ‘Non-Vending Machine’: Experience a unique installation where you pay to buy nothing.
  • SCIRT & INFINITEX Research Projects: Explore the future of textile recycling and new revenue models in fashion.
 

 


Interactive Activities & Workshops

  • COSH Shopping Card: Discover Hasselt in a sustainable way with our new shopping guide.
  • Swishing Clothing Exchange: Swap your pre-loved clothes for something new-to-you.
  • Upcycling Workshop: Create a unique bag from old city banners and flags, designed by fashion designer Jordy Arthur in collaboration with Avansa.
  • Creative Studio by Stitchlie: Learn upcycling and repair skills, powered by Befrako
  • VITO Knowledge Quiz: Test your sustainability knowledge with an interactive installation by VITO.
  • Children’s Book Open Studio: Step into the world of “Do Trousers Grow on Trees?” and weave your own dream catcher from old textiles.
Short Lecture Series by Tessa Borrenberghs:  a series of insightful talks titled “The Impact of a Good Product.”

Engaging presentations by the Limburg Six ambassadors

Explore a different perspective on circularity with the ‘Limburg Six’ — six fashion entrepreneurs and friends who bring creativity and innovation to sustainable fashion. Guided by the Hasselt Fashion Museum, each ambassador has developed a unique and inspiring installation showcasing their vision of circular fashion. 

Consultancy & coaching for fashion brands at MAD Brussels

Jasmien coaches start-up fashion companies in their sustainability efforts for the Belgian non profit MAD Brussels.

She advises them in one-on-one coaching sessions and provides a monthly session about sustainability in the fashion industry for start-up companies.

Consultancy & jury for ZEB Young Talent awards

Ann Claes has advised ZEB in setting up a Young Talent award.  She was also part of the jury next to An Vandevorst, Filip Arickx, Isabelle Samson, Tommy Fjordside and Farah El Bastani. 

ZEB Young Talent Awards
 

With this prestigious competition, ZEB wanted to enrich the experience of alumni or students within fashion, graphic design and product design and promote their talent. The winner walked away with a great prize: their own Limited Edition capsule collection with name and logo on it, a sum of 3,000 euros and a mentor program by ZEB professionals from various departments.

Arno Camps, Aysegül Öz, Lucie Baseke Kaisala, Marguerite Tenot and Zexian Liu are the five winners. Each piece from the winning collections is produced in a limited edition — 100 numbered pieces per design — and sold through ZEB. The ZEB team joined forces with the young designers over several months.

Sustainability Management for Xandres

As freelance Sustainability Manager, Jasmien supports one of Belgium’s larger SME’s in their sustainability efforts. 

Her work for fashion brand Xandres includes:

– defining the sustainability strategy in cooperation with Xandres management

– setting short and long term targets within this strategy

– adapting operational processes, onboarding the team in knowledge and skills needed

– change management

– project management

– advising the marketing & sustainability team

– guiding the sustainability team in reaching the sustainability targets

 

Whilst working for the company, she was awarded Sustainability Professional of the Year (2023) in Belgium. 

 

 

Consultancy & jury for Lola Liza Fashion School

Ann advised Lola Liza to set up their Fashion school and was part of the jury. 

As a Belgian retailer with in-house designers and expertise in creation, Lola Liza finds it important to keep an eye on new talent and offer them a platform. The LolaLiza Fashion School is a competition open to anyone with ambition in the world of fashion.

After a first selection based on their portfolio, 10 candidates get the assignment to design three different dresses that fit the LolaLiza DNA. The participant who was able to convince the jury the most sees their dresses actually go into production and sale.

Ann advised the Lola Lisa team on the set up, criteria and communication. She was also part of the jury of the first edition, next to Elodie Doret, Catherine Kosters, Emilie Vandepoel, Cathy Pill, Myra Nurski.

The winners of the first edition are Liesl De Ridder, Femke Thijs and Nanook Cools.

 

Coaching SME’s in sustainability strategy for Flanders DC

Jasmien helps fashion companies in their sustainability efforts for the Belgian non profit Flanders DC (former Flanders Fashion Institute)

Based on the Close The Loop platform (which she co-developed with Circular Flanders), she guides SME’s through the principles of CSR and circular economy, helping them to create their action plan in workshops online and in real life.

Project lead for Close The Loop, a guide towards a circular fashion industry

Jasmien is the co-author of the Close The Loop-platform of Flanders DC (former Flanders Fashion Institute). She created this online tool  in cooperation with Circular Flanders. After the launch of the website, she built a programme based on this knowledge base including workshops, talks, consulting trajectories for SME’s and a network of ambassadors. 

She still offers consulting, webinars and talks based on this framework a.o. for start-up companies as coach for MAD Brussels, as consultant for more mature SME’s for Flanders DC and via the Fashion Council Germany ‘ReFashion platform’. 

The tool is used in various lectures at universities.

In a circular fashion industry, designers, producers, retailers & consumers are challenged to take the whole life cycle of a garment into account. Flanders DC and Circular Flanders guide you through the principles of this sustainable way of working.
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