Lan Krebs – finalist in Feel the Contest 2025 – Master Edition

The competition brings together students from leading design programmes worldwide, focusing on creativity, innovation, and experimental work with knitted textiles. In collaboration with a selected Italian yarn producer, participants were tasked with creating a garment, silhouette, or artistic expression based on yarn. Lan chose to work with single jersey, a material often seen as ordinary and technically limited.

“My ambition was to take something perceived as simple and give it a new dimension. I wanted to elevate the material and show its artistic potential,” says Lan Krebs.

The work was characterised by spontaneity and an explorative approach to color and form. Color choices and techniques evolved during the process, without any predetermined plans.

“The most exciting part of the project was exactly the unpredictability. I discovered that when I dare to let go of control and follow my intuition, the result becomes stronger,” he says.

The competition was also an opportunity for Lan to grow as a designer and to work in dialogue with both the jury and the brand.

“I submitted three sketches, but it wasn’t my favorite that was chosen. Moving forward with a different proposal than I had imagined was a challenge, but also a valuable experience that taught me a lot about flexibility and process,” Lan shares.

The winner of Feel the Contest 2025 – Master Edition was announced at the end of June during the international textile fair Pitti Filati in Florence. The result was decided by an international jury together with votes from the fair’s visitors, who awarded Lan second place.

In addition to the outcome in the competition, Lan and his design work attracted significant attention. His project was recognised even before graduation, with features in Elle Sweden and an appearance on the red carpet at an event in Milan.

“It feels fantastic to represent our school on an international stage and to demonstrate that sustainability, curiosity, and formal exploration can go hand in hand,” says Lan Krebs.

Watch a video where Lan talks about the process (@textilhogskolan at Instagram)

Read more about the competition