It was originally meant to provide a special studying program for the requirements of the textile industry at Roubaix and France.

In 1991, the GEMTEX was inaugurated as the first French center with research competence in all textile engineering fields.

As of 2004, the institute, together with similar ones, was seen as a major contributor to research and development within the French textile and clothing industry.

The "BDE" folklore includes traditional clothing, language, songs and legends, related symbolism, and ceremonials.

BDE activities are independent of the administration of the school and are exclusively run by the students, although the two parts often cooperate for organising cultural or sporting events.