A fashion show that took the entire industry by surprise — PROTAN celebrated its 25th anniversary on the Polish market in a truly creative and unexpected way.
Stęszew, May 22nd, 2025, PROTAN Polska Production Facility — the anniversary gala marking the company’s 25th year will be remembered not only as a celebration of the roofing industry, but also as a truly unique event at the intersection of fashion, technology, and sustainability.
The highlight of the anniversary celebrations was Poland’s first-ever fashion show using roofing membranes as the main design material, created in collaboration with the renowned School of Form, part of SWPS University in Warsaw.
This extraordinary fusion of PROTAN's expertise in producing top-quality waterproofing materials and the avant-garde perspective of the School of Form's young designers resulted in a collection that captivated with its form, creativity, and message. Each outfit was crafted from different types of roofing membranes typically used in the construction industry.
The designs went beyond simply using membranes as raw material — they also referenced their technical properties, adding depth and symbolism to the show.
Among the creations there was a gown made from PROTAN CoolRoof white roofing membrane, finished with natural moss — a subtle nod to green roofs and the harmony of technology with nature. Another piece took the form of a waterproof backpack, demonstrating how roofing membranes can be repurposed into functional, everyday items.
«We wanted to show that technical materials like PROTAN roofing membranes can be not only functional but also inspiring. The show was not just a spectacular event but a serious initiative highlighting creative approaches to upcycling and the importance of sustainability in the construction industry. The talented and bold students of School of Form brought incredible energy and vision to the project, and we provided the tools to help realize that vision.»
The young designers — students from School of Form — created concepts that combined high fashion aesthetics with functional design, while delivering a strong message about the need for sustainable material use and production. Even the runway itself was made from PROTAN’s anti-slip roofing membrane, proving that technology can serve both practical and aesthetic purposes in event design.
The unique production, daring designs, and emotionally charged show made this fashion event one of the most talked-about highlights of the anniversary celebration. The joint project by PROTAN Polska and School of Form offered a completely new perspective on upcycling — proving that industrial materials can become a medium for aesthetics, ideas, and sustainability in the industry.
“The construction sector generates the largest amount of waste in Europe. The responsibility lies with us to seek solutions that give materials a second life. This show proved that even roofing membranes can become a symbol of creative transformation and sustainable thinking,” added Michał Miąsek.
This was the first fashion show of its kind using industrial materials — a perfect example of collaboration between business and academia, not only as a source of inspiration, but also as a pathway to new possibilities in sustainable design. It demonstrates that environmental awareness in the roofing industry can and should go hand-in-hand with cutting-edge design and a fresh approach to raw materials.
