The 10th Edition of the BIAAF Contest marks a new milestone in its commitment to innovation and sustainability through a collaboration with Comme des Machines, the Bilbao-based digital craftsmanship studio that will design and manufacture this year’s awards.

More than a trophy, the BIAAF 2026 award has been conceived as a statement of values. Every design decision—from the manufacturing process to the materials selected—reflects the principles that define both BIAAF and the next generation of fashion: creativity, responsible innovation, and environmental awareness.

When the Material Carries the Message

For this special edition, the trophies will be produced using Elephant Grass, an innovative bio-based material chosen for its exceptional environmental performance.

Elephant Grass grows with remarkable efficiency, capturing up to four times more CO₂ per acre than a European forest. It is cultivated on land unsuitable for food production, requires no additional irrigation, and represents a highly sustainable alternative for advanced manufacturing.

In addition, every purchase of the filament used for the awards contributes to the planting of a new tree, reinforcing the project’s positive environmental impact. Combined with translucent resin, the final design embodies a refined aesthetic while communicating a powerful message about the future of responsible production.

Digital Craftsmanship Meets Fashion Innovation

Founded in Bilbao in 2016, Comme des Machines has established itself as one of Europe’s leading studios in digital manufacturing for fashion and design.

Working at the intersection of craftsmanship and industry, the studio combines advanced 3D printing technologies with a deep understanding of materials and product development. Their philosophy—Digital Craftsmanship—demonstrates how technology can enhance creativity while enabling more efficient, flexible, and sustainable production.

Unlike conventional manufacturing methods, 3D printing uses only the exact amount of material required for each object, significantly reducing waste, eliminating unnecessary stock, and supporting more responsible production systems.

This innovative approach has led Comme des Machines to collaborate with internationally renowned brands such as Mango and Burberry, positioning the Bilbao-based studio as a benchmark in the field of digital fabrication.

Awards That Represent the Future of Fashion

Since its foundation, BIAAF has championed fashion as a force for cultural, social, and environmental transformation. For this reason, every aspect of the competition is designed to reflect those values—including the awards presented to its winners.

The trophies for the 10th Edition celebrate far more than creative excellence. They embody a shared vision of a fashion industry where innovation, sustainability, technology, and craftsmanship work together to shape a more responsible future.

Through this collaboration, BIAAF and Comme des Machines demonstrate that the future of fashion is defined not only by the ideas designers create, but also by the materials they choose and the processes they embrace.

Because the future of fashion is not only designed—it is manufactured with purpose.