WATF.NEWS – Woodcrafts and Textile Futures
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The Challenge
Belgium has a strong wood, textile and furniture industry, but many young designers have little visibility into the sector or its innovation potential. At the same time, companies struggle to reach new talent and communicate the possibilities of contemporary manufacturing.Fedustria wanted to bridge this gap by creating a platform where young designers and industry leaders could connect, collaborate and imagine the future of Belgian making.
Our Approach
Trendwolves developed WATF as a platform dedicated to connecting industry to the youth through collaboration, co creation and shared visibility. The focus is on bringing young designers into meaningful contact with the wood, textile and furniture sectors in ways that feel accessible, inspiring and relevant. WATF turns early creative ideas into real partnerships by offering space to experiment, showcase and learn together. It has become a place where youth and industry meet, explore new visions for materials and making and present future possibilities to the wider sector.
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Activation
• Created the full WATF concept, identity and positioning
• Curated and produced the yearly WATF showcase at WONDER Festival in Kortrijk
• Matched young designers with Belgian wood, textile and furniture companies for co creation projects
• Conducted interviews and produced articles, photography and social storytelling highlighting designer–industry collaborations
• Developed the WATF website and communication tools to feature projects, designers and company profiles
• Organized the annual WATF Community Event bringing students, designers, companies and policymakers together
• Supported sustainable, circular and experimental design collaborations within Fedustria member companies
Our impact
WATF has supported more than 50 WATFers, connecting young designers, makers and creative talent with companies in the wood, textile and furniture industry. The platform has sparked new collaborations, increased visibility for young talent and opened direct pathways into the sector. It continues to grow as a space where youth and industry explore new ideas and shape future possibilities together.
Every project is different, but they all start with the same belief: youth culture is the key to relevance.
