NEWS: FASHION X CRAFT enters its fourth round!
Fashion Council Germany
Berlin, 28 February 2025 – Following three successful editions, the Fashion Council Germany is launching the fourth edition of the FASHION X CRAFT development programme in partnership with The King's Foundation and eBay Germany. This year, eBay joins as the new project partner, supporting participants with extensive industry expertise, digital sales opportunities, and practical insights into the fashion sector.
Applications open on 28 February 2025 and close in early April. Graduates in fashion and textile design who completed their bachelor’s degree no more than two years ago are eligible to apply, provided they are resident in Germany. With this new edition, the Fashion Council Germany continues its mission to identify and support emerging talent at an early stage, helping young designers establish sustainable careers within the industry.
During an intensive project phase, five selected participants will gain essential knowledge and skills to lay the foundations for their creative development. Following the application period, a panel of industry experts will select the participants. As in previous years, the chosen designers will benefit from a comprehensive educational programme featuring workshops and coaching sessions led by international experts.
The programme places particular emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, sustainable resource management, and innovative design approaches. By bringing together emerging designers, high-quality craftsmanship, and sustainable materials, the initiative demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to preserve valuable artisanal skills for future generations. Programme Timeline
28 February – 1 April 2025: Application period
May 2025: Three-day workshop in Berlin
July / August 2025: Twelve-day residency at the Highgrove Estate in England, focusing on creative workshops in woodworking and metalworking. During this residency, participants will develop a mood board as the foundation for their collection.
September 2025: Second residency in Germany, concentrating on textiles and materials.
September – December 2025: Collection development, including mentoring and a professional photoshoot.
Late January 2026: Final presentation of the collections during the Berlin Fashion Week. Application
The programme is open exclusively to fashion and textile design graduates residing in Germany whose degree was completed within the past two years. Applications must include a portfolio and a video outlining the applicant’s motivation for participating, as well as their personal perspective on sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Interested candidates may submit their applications from 28 February to 4 April 2025 via the Fashion Council Germany website.