A Fresh Perspective on the Future of Fashion at AMFI NEXT 2025

On July 3 rd , the iconic building of the Amsterdam Fashion Institute was transformed into the setting for AMFI NEXT: the event where graduating students from Fashion & Management, Fashion & Branding, and Fashion & Design presented their visions for the future of fashion. The exhibition featured inspiring final projects, and visitors could take part in panel discussions on current themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, and diversity & inclusion.

Digitalisation and Inclusion Go Hand in Hand

The merging of fashion and technology was clearly on display at AMFI NEXT. From interactive brand strategies to virtual shopping experiences, students demonstrated how they are translating the fashion world to the digital realm.

For instance, Maria Nogueroles González (Fashion & Branding) developed Entre el Metal y la Memoria, a digital platform for Spanish jewellery brand Joaquín Berao, aimed at women aged 65 and older. Inspired by her grandmother, Maria designed an accessible online shopping environment using 3D visualisations and intuitive navigation.

“These women have the financial means to purchase luxury products, yet they are often overlooked in digital innovation. Technology offers such beautiful opportunities to present jewellery in lifelike ways,” Maria explained. Through workshops at Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, she combined storytelling and virtual reality.

“I wanted a fun and unique way to showcase this brand’s jewellery, so I chose a VR experience. For many of these women, it was their first time using a VR headset – they were absolutely amazed.”

Telling Stories Through Clothing

Sustainability is also a key theme in the work of this new generation of fashion professionals. Elza Ibrahim (Fashion & Design) presented her project RE-COLOR, a collection inspired by coral reefs. Using leftover yarn and a modular design based on triangles, she created colourful, timeless garments that are easy to repair.

“During my research, I discovered how quickly coral reefs are bleaching due to pollution and climate change. I wanted to raise awareness of this issue while also offering a practical solution,” Elza shared. Her collection was entirely machine-knitted and combines aesthetic appeal with impact: ten per cent of the proceeds are donated to an ocean conservation organisation.

Swapping Clothes Digitally, Connecting Offline

Zara Vogt (Fashion & Management) also made an impression with her concept Swoup – a platform that combines swapping sportswear with digital tools and a strong sense of community.

Through a digital wardrobe, styling challenges, and local meet-ups, the platform promotes circular behaviour in an accessible way.

“Gen Z grew up with social media, but they also crave real-world connection,” said Zara. Users build up a Circularity Score based on the CO₂ they save and the number of items they exchange.

“Sustainable fashion should not only be responsible, but also fun and social.”

The Future Is Now

AMFI NEXT 2025 showcased the power of a new generation that approaches fashion as a multidisciplinary, societal, and technological arena. From innovative retail solutions to activist

knitwear and digital communities, these graduates are shaping the future. With this event, AMFI once again affirmed its role as an incubator for changemakers in fashion.