Portrait of Maya Kaplan
About · Textile Innovation Studio

Textiles, technology and the moving body.

I am the founder of Textile Innovation Studio, an R&D studio advancing textiles to the cutting edge of functionality. My vision is to transform how textiles are perceived and experienced, making a meaningful difference in athletes’ lives.

Previously, in industrial R&D, I led advanced innovation for global brands, integrating 3D printing into apparel design and developing engineered knitwear solutions that led to patent applications.

Capabilities
  • Algorithmic 3D printing for textiles
  • Knitting and structural engineering
  • Digital tools and 3D simulation
  • Movement-based design thinking
  • From prototype to manufacturable product
Experience

Industrial R&D and teaching

  1. IndustryPreviouslySenior R&D Designer, Delta Galil Industries
    A global manufacturer of intimates and activewear for international brands including Nike, SKIMS, Victoria's Secret, Lululemon, Calvin Klein and more.
    R&D and Digital Innovation. Co-inventor on four patent applications
  2. TeachingPreviouslyDigital Fabrication Lab Manager and Assistant Lecturer, Bezalel Academy
    Teaching and developing methods for 3D body scanning and 3D printing for fashion
Academic research

Research at the Technion

  1. ResearchNowResearcher, Coded Matter Design Lab, Technion
    Computational 3D-printed textile structures and simulation-based workflows for fashion
  2. EducationNowM.Sc. Industrial Design, Technion
    In progress
  3. EducationB.F.A. with distinction, Fashion and Footwear Design
    Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
Movement

Design that starts from the moving body.

Movement came before design. I grew up in gymnastics, acrobatics and dance, and later coached acrobatics groups for several years. Long before I worked with textiles, this gave me a deep understanding of what the body needs in movement, and of how design can support it.

In 2014 I discovered yoga, which became an essential part of my life as a practitioner and, later, a certified teacher. I also work as a performance artist, where the body itself is the material.

Where much of the industry begins with the material or the machine, I begin with the moving body: where it sweats, where it needs support, where it needs to stretch.

Maya Kaplan in a handstand Human Marionette on stage at FashionClash Festival
Awards
Formnext Design Award, Finalist2026
Global Footwear Awards, Winner, Sports Performance category2023
The Andy Prize, Outstanding Excellence in Crafts2022
Excellence Merit Scholarship, America Israel Cultural Foundation2022
Meisler Prize, Outstanding Work in Design2022
Sustainable Design Award, Bezalel Academy2022
GDCS Competition (Gucci Collaboration), Finalist2022
Lockman Prize, Excellence in Applied Arts2021
Academic Excellence Awards, Bezalel Academy2019, 2021, 2022
Patents
WO2025154075A1

Bra with a support structure having rigid regions and flexible regions that dynamically adapts to breast shape and position. Published patent application. Co-inventor, Delta Galil Industries, 2025.

3 more pending

Co-inventor, Delta Galil Industries, 2026. Details are confidential.

Seen at
designboom KALTBLUT Schön! L’Officiel Haaretz Handwerken CNT Factory De Limburger Global Footwear Awards Virtual Shoe Museum ARE Magazine KREEP 33 Magazine La República Mirror E Magazine Arts Thread (Texintel) designboom KALTBLUT Schön! L’Officiel Haaretz Handwerken CNT Factory De Limburger Global Footwear Awards Virtual Shoe Museum ARE Magazine KREEP 33 Magazine La República Mirror E Magazine Arts Thread (Texintel)