This is the story of Dejin, the winning designer of the “Feel the Contest 2023” together with Lanificio dell’Olivo.
She talks about her passion for yarns and knitwear.

• Where does your passion for knitting come from?

My passion for knitwear design and its incorporation into my future career traces back to my undergraduate years. I began training and studying knitwear design during my third year at Politecnico di Milano. Throughout this exploration, I developed a deep love for knitwear design. Although my initial exposure to knitting was through my mother’s enthusiasm for hand knitting, my early attempts resulted in simple items like scarves.

• How do you select yarns for your creations? What influences you the most?

Whether it’s color or texture, choosing the right yarn is crucial for any knitwear collection. I prioritize texture in material selection and enjoy experimenting by combining different yarns to create entirely unique effects. The charm of knitwear design lies in the infinite possibilities that emerge from a single yarn, adding a lot of joy and challenge to the creative process.

• Who are the designers or stylists that have inspired you the most?

During my university years, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Missoni team. Under their guidance, I completed a knitwear collection using the traditional Italian design approach of Missoni. The entire creative process during that semester left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, designers like Jonathan Anderson and the intricate details and craftsmanship in Azzedine Alaïa‘s designs have been significant sources of inspiration for me.

• What did winning the 2023 edition of the Feel the Yarn contest mean to you, and what job opportunities or new contacts has it provided you?

Winning the Feel the Yarn competition was a tremendous encouragement and unforgettable experience for young knitwear designers. Personally, my deep passion for knitwear design has been affirmed, and this competition has provided significant encouragement. Following the competition, I connected with numerous outstanding knitwear designers, making these exchanges truly enjoyable. Additionally, at Pitti Filati 2023, I met many professionals in the knitwear industry who offered diverse perspectives and guidance. I’ve also received collaboration invitations from other yarn companies and knitwear designers, which are valuable resources.

• Can you tell us about your recent collaboration with Inditex?

Winning this competition aided me in showcasing my strengths during the subsequent interview with Inditex. I believe this achievement will undoubtedly contribute to my future career.

Thanks Dejin!

Instagram | @_dejinchen_ IMG 20231115 WA0006

Introducing Dejin Chen

This is the story of Dejin, the winning designer of the “Feel the Contest 2023” together with Lanificio dell’Olivo. She talks about her passion for yarns and knitwear.