The full breadth of AMFI came together at AMFI NEXT 2026

On Wednesday 1 July, AMFI opened its doors for AMFI NEXT – the annual graduation event where the Amsterdam Fashion Institute presents its graduates in direct dialogue with the fashion industry. Where last year's edition renewed the format, this edition took a step forward: for the first time, AMFI NEXT spanned the full breadth of AMFI's programmes, connecting bachelor's graduation work with master-level education and international research.

Visitors explored graduation projects from Fashion & Management, Fashion & Branding and Fashion & Design, presented alongside work from the new master track Digital Fashion Technology (part of the Master Digital Design). In panel discussions, graduates entered into conversation with industry professionals about the questions driving their work: inclusivity and identity, cultural heritage, digitalisation and sustainability. Throughout the exhibition spaces, visitors engaged directly with the graduates about their work and process.

“AMFI NEXT is designed to give our graduates the platform they deserve. This evening is about stepping into the industry - not through a job application, but through real conversations. For visitors it is an opportunity to explore how the next generation challenges the status quo; graduates present not just their final work, but also the thinking and research behind it.” – Bregje Lampe, director AMFI

This edition also introduced a research dimension. The Green DigiFashTech Manager consortium – an Erasmus+ project in which AMFI is a partner – presented the job profile and training for the Green Digital Fashion Manager: a forward-looking leadership role bridging creative design, digital innovation and sustainability governance. Visitors could explore the accompanying e-learning platform, open to students and professionals working at the intersection of fashion, technology and sustainability.

The day concluded with Avond aan de Amstel: Does Gen Z even exist? – a live debate on generational thinking in fashion, with generations expert Laura Bas, Samin Koblmüller (La Fam Amsterdam) and Luna Sourkhan (Banlieue), hosted by AMFI's Stephany Goncalves and dr. Marco Mossinkoff. The evening programme extended the conversation between education, research and the professional field well into the night.

With this second edition, AMFI NEXT confirms its ambition: not only a celebration of the next generation of fashion professionals, but a yearly meeting place between education, research and industry – and one to watch in the years ahead.

AMFI thanks all students, speakers, visitors and partners who made this edition possible.

Take a look at the aftermovie