Behind the design process from idea to garment with Riam Sanusi
Welcome to a new episode of Maker Stories.
In this episode, we spotlight the world of sportswear through the lens of Riam Sanusi.
Riam walks us through her non-linear process, starting with wide research across culture and material exploration, films, books, exhibitions, fabric sourcing, and conversations, before moving into shape design, pattern making, prototyping, and building tech packs for manufacturing. A big part of the episode digs into the reality of production: the back-and-forth revisions, the importance of wear- and wash-testing, and the communication challenges that happen when manufacturers interpret instructions differently, especially when there are no physical samples to anchor the vision.
We also touch on the practical sustainability choices she’s making right now, like working in smaller quantities, using pre-orders, and cutting unnecessary packaging. If you’re curious about designing for performance, navigating manufacturing, and building products that support real bodies and real life, this one’s for you. Let’s get started.
Want to know more about the designer:
Riam Sanusi a fashion and cultural researcher, strategist, and sportswear product developer who’s focused on one core question: will a garment actually work on the body? We talk about how sportswear design demands a different level of precision, where fit, fabric, construction, and performance details can’t be an afterthought, even when aesthetics still matter.
https://www.instagram.com/ri_baddest_?igsh=ejg2emZzNGRlZzY0
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CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
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Do you want to hear more maker stories or find out what Design Platform Rotterdam has to offer? Then take a look at the Design Platform Rotterdam website.
CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
Maker Stories
Stap achter de schermen van design met Designplatform Rotterdam. Dit gaat niet over gepolijste eindproducten, het gaat om de rommelige, spannende en eerlijke reis van het maken. Van doorbraken tot twijfels, van experimenten tot mislukkingen, hoor hoe ideeën vorm krijgen, botsen en zich ontwikkelen.
Curator zeitgeist Yophi Ignacia spreekt met ontwerpers van nu over identiteit, technologie, duurzaamheid, gemeenschap en meer. Elke aflevering biedt nieuwe perspectieven: collectief werken, co-creatie, digitale innovatie, regeneratief design, storytelling en maatschappelijke impact.
Met stemmen variërend van opkomende makers tot gevestigde namen, biedt Maker Stories een zeldzaam kijkje achter de schermen van design als een levend, voortdurend proces. Laat je inspireren, verrassen en uitdagen en ontdek wat er écht nodig is om iets te maken dat ertoe doet.
Step behind the scenes of design with Designplatform Rotterdam. This isn’t about polished final products, it’s about the messy, thrilling, and honest journey of making. From breakthroughs to doubts, experiments to failures, hear how ideas take shape, clash, and evolve.
Join curator zeitgeist Yophi Ignacia as she talks with today’s designers about identity, technology, sustainability, community, and more. Each episode brings fresh perspectives: collective work, co-creation, digital innovation, regenerative design, storytelling, and social impact.
With voices ranging from emerging makers to established names, Maker Stories offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at design as a living, evolving process. Be inspired, surprised, and challenged and see what it really takes to make something that matters.