TEX DESIGN 2026 open call textile companies
Tex Design is an initiative of Fedustria and Designregio Kortrijk that brings Belgian textile companies together with creative talents. The project aims to stimulate the textile sector to think more creatively, innovatively and internationally. By collaborating on experimental installations and innovative applications, companies discover new market opportunities and strengthen their image as a future-oriented manufacturing industry.
For this third edition, we will be collaborating with artist and designer Charbel abou Zeidan. Textile companies can submit their applications until 2 March!
Every year, Tex Design searches for a promising new designer who will challenge the participating companies in terms of creativity and innovation. Together, they build a new, unique installation that focuses on material research, technology and textile knowledge. This annual collaboration always results in fresh perspectives, unexpected cross-pollination and groundbreaking results.
The results are showcased at events such as the WONDER Creativity Festival and international design weeks, where Belgian craftsmanship and textile innovation are in the spotlight. This creates an inspiring platform that bridges the gap between industry, design and education, positioning the Belgian textile sector as a pioneer in sustainable and creative collaboration.
We have already realised projects with Victor Verhelst and Emma Cogné and are excited to present Charbel abou Zeidan as the creative match for the 2026 edition.
Charbel abou Zeidan
Charbel is an artist and designer based in Kortrijk, born in Lebanon, with a background in architecture, painting, photography, haute couture and sculpture.
With a background in architecture and years of experience as a head designer in haute couture, he has developed a refined sensitivity to lines, textures and materials.
The artist's personal experience of moving between cultures has visibly influenced his artworks.
For Charbel, migration does not represent a rupture, but is a source of light, connection and enrichment.
This perspective is reflected in his work, which combines Arabic and European influences.
Charbel participated in the WONDER Creativity Festival in 2024 and 2025.
Project
- Co-creation of a creative textile installation using materials from Belgian textile companies, designed by a promising Belgian textile designer.
- Presentation of the creative installation at the WONDER Creativity Festival and in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
- Long term: new insights into creativity and innovation and international commercial opportunities.
Timing:
February selection of companies
March – May co-creation process in collaboration with designer
June – September production
October – November communication via DRK, Fedustria, WONDER
December – 2027 international showcase and commercial networking in UNESCO Creative Cities network
Would you like to participate?
- 5 companies
- Participation: EUR 500 (standard price EUR 5,000, 90% financed by Fedustria)
- Registration deadline: 2 March
Unique opportunity in terms of
- innovation and product development,
- creative collaboration,
- visibility and international exposure to the target group
Register by contacting Sébastien Hylebos at Designregio Kortrijk or Daphne Renier at Fedustria.
Sébastien Hylebos
Sébastien assists businesses in innovation and design. He is also responsible for projects on circular economy and digitalisation in cooperation with companies and designers.
