Kelly Konings

Kelly Konings is a textile designer whose practice focuses on the development of woven structures that move between two- and three-dimensional form. Based in Sweden, her work is rooted in a strong technical understanding of textile production, combined with an experimental approach to material, construction, and wearability.

Working primarily with jacquard weaving and whole-garment techniques, Konings explores how textiles can function as both surface and structure. Her practice investigates the transformation of flat woven fabrics into volumetric forms, challenging conventional distinctions between textile and garment. Through this approach, she rethinks how clothing is constructed, worn, and experienced.

A key project within her work is Hybrid Forms of Dressing, in which she develops woven pieces that originate as two-dimensional textiles and can be shaped into three-dimensional garments. This method emphasizes adaptability and interaction, allowing the wearer to engage directly with the material. The project has received international recognition, including the H&M and ELLE Circular Fashion Award (2023), and nominations such as the Dorothy Waxman International Textile Design Prize, reflecting the broader relevance of her approach within contemporary textile design.

Material and sustainability play an important role in her practice. Konings works with natural fibers, deadstock yarns, and locally sourced materials, integrating environmental considerations into both design and production. Her approach positions textile not only as a medium of expression but also as a site for exploring more responsible and regenerative modes of making.

Her work has been presented in international fashion contexts, where it is recognized for its combination of technical innovation and material sensitivity. Through these presentations, Konings situates her practice within a broader dialogue on the future of textile design, where craftsmanship, experimentation, and sustainability intersect.

Education

• ArtEZ University of the Arts, Bachelor in Fashion Design
• Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Master in Textile Design