2nd Place Winner

Iskren Lozanov is a Bulgarian award-winning fashion designer. Living in Ibiza, he finds inspiration in its rich history of mysticism and symbolism, drawing from the islands ancient Phoenician roots, bohemian culture, and spiritual energy.

Passionate about sustainable fashion and embroidery, Iskren creates unique pieces blending contemporary materials with traditional craftsmanship.

For his project “Rebirth”, Iskren Lozanov draws inspiration from the concept of the old making way for the new, exploring ancient cultures, historical artefacts, and natural evolution. Influenced by Ernst Haeckel’s illustrations of early life forms and the rich symbolism of ancient civilisations like the Mayans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, he aims to weave a narrative that captures the essence of transformation.

By combining these historical elements with contemporary upcycled materials, his design seeks to illuminate the layers of our past that continue to influence our present and future, reflecting the complex journey of human and ecological evolution.

Iskren Lozanov’s project, “Rebirth,” explores the tension between progress and tradition, transformation and preservation. Drawing inspiration from the concept of the old giving way to the new, Iskren’s research spans ancient cultures, historical artefacts, and the natural process of evolution. Influenced by Ernst Haeckel’s illustrations of early life forms and the symbolism of civilisations like the Mayans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, Iskren weaves a narrative that captures the essence of transformation. By blending these historical references with contemporary upcycled materials, the design reflects the layers of the past that shape our present and future, mirroring the complex journey of human and ecological evolution.

During the development phase, Iskren created samples that merge organic shapes inspired by Haeckel with ancient cultural motifs. Cotton gauze serves as the foundation, adorned with tambour beading, goldwork and raised work techniques. The inclusion of glass seed beads, bugle beads and upcycled charms adds depth and texture, highlighting the fusion of old and new. The embroidered human torso symbolises the intersection of human experience and cultural evolution. The final piece assembled using a technique inspired by Japanese kintsugi underscore themes of resilience, transformation, and sustainability, combining intricate craftsmanship with a modern narrative of renewal.