Jef Montes
/Show Day
April 11
/Social Media
In 2012 Montes graduated with honors degree at fashion design ArtEZ institute of the arts Arnhem. Reinforcing discarded wool with fiberglass materials were developed at his studio in Arnhem. The upcycled textiles resulted into experimental high fashion. Collection Illuminosa debuted at Amsterdam Fashion Week 2014. Research and development projects were initiated via Creative Industries Fund NL. The goal was to learn more about industrial textile producing machines. Projects Velero and Tormenta were developed in collaboration with TextielLab Tilburg. Creating woven fabrics that have a luxurious appeal, mainly by using ocean clean up materials. In 2018 Montes was selected for category fashion at the 33rd Villa Noailles Hyères festival international. The collection was based on the fish line of his Andalucian fisherman grandfather. The idea of creating filaments became evident and motivated Montes to found Adaptive Skins, a textile architecture studio. This direction led towards international partnerships via EU Horizon and COSME tech hubs. Interdisciplinary teams produced adaptive filaments that sculpt around the body. The result of project Adaptive Archi-Filament was presented at the Fashion Scout Ones2Watch showcase in London. In 2022 Montes won the BIAAF award, category A – fashion, at the 8th edition of Bilbao international art and fashion. The following year Montes moved his studio to the Basque Country. His grand prize winning collection was developed at BIAAF Lab. The result of project Marinero was presented at the Vanderbilt during New York Fashion Week. In 2025 Montes launched his eponymous fashion brand.
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What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I've always been fascinated by how materials can shape design. Fashion allows me to experiment with textiles, craftsmanship, and new techniques while creating garments that challenge conventional ideas.
How would you describe your design style?
My design style is experimental and material-driven. I focus on developing unique textures and sculptural forms while balancing innovation with wearability.
What can people expect from your latest collection?
My latest collection explores the relationship between craftsmanship, material innovation, and contemporary fashion. Through carefully developed textiles and refined construction, I hope people experience fashion in a new way.
Why do you spend so much time developing your own materials?
Developing my own materials allows me to better understand how fashion is made from the very beginning. It gives me more creative freedom and helps me create textiles that support both my design vision and a more sustainable future.
How do innovation and sustainability work together in your designs?
I don't see innovation and sustainability as separate ideas. By experimenting with new yarns, textiles, and production methods, I hope to create designs that are both forward-thinking and more responsible.