Introducing:

GYLD

Born from the convergence of strategic design and sustainability, GYLD emerged as a collaborative vision between myself and my research partner, Nij Balar. With my background in design and branding and Nij’s expertise in architecture and spatial design, we merge our skills in strategy, storytelling, and innovation. Together, we are committed to shaping the future of fashion, driving creative, strategic solutions that connect design, sustainability, and systems thinking.

A THREE PART STORY

The Brand

GYLD is an evolving design practice dedicated to creating pop-up experiences that showcase emerging biomaterial innovators and foster collaborations between material scientists and fashion designers. More than just a retail concept, we craft immersive spaces where the future of materials comes to life—at the intersection of craft, innovation, and design.

The Research

GYLD is built on deep industry research, developed through a dual-track approach that combines design research—including landscape analysis, market research, and in-depth qualitative interviews—with hands-on lab experimentation with biomaterials. This seven-month research process shaped our strategy for GYLD, identifying key barriers and opportunities in biomaterial adoption within the fashion industry.

The Future

GYLD is progressing into its next phase, concentrating on finalizing the spatial design for our first pop-up and solidifying partnerships with leading biomaterial designers. At the same time, we’re working with sustainable finance experts to shape our business model, ensuring long-term profitability, sustainability, and a positive environmental impact.

PART I: BRAND

THE WHY:

GYLD was created in response to the fashion industry's ongoing crisis of unsustainable practices and environmental degradation.

  • 45% reduction in raw material production necessary by 2030 to align with the global 1.5°C pathway (BCG, Oct 2023)

  • 80% of clothing is discarded, incinerated, landfilled, or leaks into the environment when it reaches the end of its lifecycle (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, June 2024)

  • 16% of global microplastics are released into the ocean annually from washing textiles (UNEP, 2018)

THE HOW:

GYLD is a place to connect. We curate exclusive pop-up experiences, events, and artist talks that bring together biomaterial innovators and fashion designers, fostering collaboration and the exchange of new ideas. Our mission is to create spaces that showcase the future of fashion, centered on craft, innovation, and sustainability.

  • Immersive Pop-Up Events
     We design exclusive, temporary spaces that spotlight biomaterial innovation and sustainable design. These events are more than just visits; they transport guests into a world where the future of fashion is alive and unfolding before them, offering unique experiences that blur the lines between art, design, and innovation.

  • Fostering Collaborations
     At GYLD, we actively connect biomaterial innovators with fashion designers, enabling them to collaborate and create groundbreaking works that push the boundaries of design and sustainability. Our role goes beyond the event space; we nurture these relationships, providing platforms for collaboration and the fusion of creativity with sustainable practices.

  • Community Engagement
     We build a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of fashion. Through curated events, artist talks, and design drops, we inspire action and foster meaningful connections in sustainable fashion.

A DISTINCT BRAND IDENTITY:

  • Brand Ethos

    GYLD is built on the belief that collaboration drives innovation. Inspired by the historic guilds of artisans and craftspeople, we unite material innovators, scientists, and designers to explore new frontiers in fashion—an evolving dialogue between past and future, form and function, rarity and refinement.

    Every experience we create is intentional, where storytelling, craftsmanship, and innovation intersect to redefine how we engage with fashion and materiality. Sustainability is woven into everything we do—not as a headline, but as an inherent part of the beauty, materials, and experience.

  • Visual Identity

    GYLD’s visual identity is bold, refined, and instantly recognizable. Our aesthetic blends sophistication with the unexpected, designed to captivate high-fashion and design-forward audiences. Every element—from typography to spatial layouts—fuses craftsmanship, material innovation, and exclusivity.

    Our pop-ups are immersive worlds, each crafted to reflect the essence of the collaboration while maintaining GYLD’s signature design language. A strong editorial sensibility informs our imagery, with rich textures, striking compositions, and an emphasis on materiality. The balance of minimalism and intricate detail ensures that every touchpoint—from physical spaces to digital storytelling—feels aspirational and deeply considered.

  • Curation & Partnerships

    At GYLD, every collaboration, material, and spatial element is intentionally selected to craft a cohesive, immersive narrative. We don’t just showcase innovation—we frame it within a compelling story that resonates with high-fashion consumers and design-conscious audiences. Each activation is a bespoke expression of the partnership it represents, while remaining unmistakably GYLD.