From Industrial Revolution to Industrial Evolution: Secrid puts designers in the spotlight.
In 2022, the Dutch pocketwear brand Secrid launched the first Secrid Talent Podium. A selection of both local and international design talent was showcased in this exhibition, which took place during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven. Each of them is a designer who, with unique solutions, transforms the industry from producing more to producing better.
Since then, Secrid – now for the fourth year in a row and in collaboration with mission-driven partner Dutch Design Foundation – has been selecting designers with innovative ideas, a holistic approach, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Every selected maker receives not only a platform but also coaching, publicity, and a cash prize of €7,777 – a reference to Secrid’s seven holistic design principles.
The Secrid Talent Podium is part of the Impact Fund, through which Secrid annually invests 1% of its revenues in designers taking the step from the Industrial Revolution to the Industrial Evolution. The guiding principle is: every new product must have a greater positive impact on people and planet than its predecessors.
Three years after the first edition, Secrid reconnected with the pioneers of 2022 to learn how their journey has unfolded – and to highlight their work once more. Meet the talented designers of 2022 and click on their names to read the in-depth interviews on the Secrid website.
Simon Dogger | Emotion Whisperer
Simon Dogger is one of the few blind designers in the world. He advises companies and other designers on sharpening concepts from a non-visual perspective and creating multi-sensory experiences. He also develops all kinds of audio productions and designed the Emotion Whisperer: a pair of glasses that recognize facial expressions and translates them into vibrations. Read interview
Anne Boermans & Nienke Hoogvliet | Zeefier
Anne and Nienke, founders of Zeefier, create high-quality textile paint from seaweed for applications including coloring clothes, carpets, bedding, and curtains. With its rich palette of natural colors, this dye is a promising and circular alternative for the fashion and textile industry. Seaweed saves agricultural land, provides clean wastewater, absorbs carbon dioxide, and is healthy for our skin. Read interview
Tom van Soest & Ward Massa | StoneCycling
In 2022, StoneCycling, founded by designer Tom van Soest and entrepreneur Ward Massa, was selected for the Secrid Talent Podium. Using demolition waste from construction, StoneCycling created new, aesthetically appealing bricks.
StoneCycling has since evolved into FRONT, now led by Ward Massa. Ward wants to grow FRONT into the top platform for sustainable and aesthetic building materials in Europe. What started with one brick made from waste is now a collection point for all kinds of innovative bricks, tiles, facade and wall panels. Architects and project developers can turn to FRONT for affordable and scalable materials.
Tom van Soest has fully returned to material research. With his studio Blended Materials, Tom focuses on processing demolition waste from construction into new products such as tiles and tabletops. Read interview
Alissa van Asseldonk & Nienke Bongers | A+N Studio
Alissa and Nienke, founders of A+N Studio, design innovative materials for interiors that contribute to people’s well-being. Think of tactile walls, anti-burnout wallpapers, and lamps that mimic nature for luxury hotels, as well as schools and healthcare facilities. Together with experts, they also research how a space can influence feelings of happiness and stress. Read interview
Philine von Düszeln & Pablo Ocqueteau | Mapu Speakers
Mapu Speakers are handcrafted loudspeakers, shaped by artisans with local materials and sound systems developed by world-class technicians. Philine von Düszeln and Pablo Ocqueteau started their sound design journey ten years ago, not just to amplify your favourite music, but also the stories of local people, places, and materials.Read interview
Ermi van Oers | Living Light
Ermi van Oers uses bacteria that convert organic matter into electricity and light. Her installations use milliwatts to illuminate parks, measure the quality of natural waters, and introduce living light into homes and to the darker corners of the world. They are wondrous designs that highlight the connection between humanity and nature. Read interview
Don Yaw Kwaning | Medulla
Don Yaw Kwaning wants to bring back deeper awareness, organic aesthetics, and tranquility to society. He started as a designer of plant-based and biobased interior and construction materials, but now he creates more freely. With his work, he aims to inspire people to experience our connection with the earth, ourselves, and each other. Read interview
Vivian Erdtsieck | Vifour
Vifour is a circular material that can be recycled indefinitely and is designed for use in the interior section. Through her work, Vivian aims to raise awareness that waste is a valuable resource: either for creating new products or for returning to nature, so that it can continue to give. Read interview
Bas Timmer | Sheltersuit
Sheltersuit Foundation creates and distributes waterproof Sheltersuits and Shelterbags to keep people experiencing homelessness warm and comfortable. In 2024, Secrid developed a limited-edition collection to support production and distribution. For every wallet sold, Secrid donates €10. The interview with founder Bas Timmer will be published soon on the Secrid website.
Secrid Talent Podium 2025
In recent years, Secrid has already supported more than 40 designers through the Secrid Impact Fund. And this year, Secrid will once again be present at Dutch Design Week with the Secrid Talent Podium. The selection of designers will be announced soon, stay tuned!
