Design the future
of soccer culture
The Lilien Design Lab is a platform for young designers who want to rethink sports aesthetics.
Develop concepts for future SV Darmstadt 98 collections—blending streetwear, identity, and everyday life.
A New Perspective on Merchandising
Merch is more than just fan merchandise. It's an expression of attitude, background, and culture.
With the Lilien Design Lab, we’re opening up our brand to new creative perspectives—and giving selected talents the opportunity to actively contribute to it. This isn’t a simulation or an exercise; it’s real conceptual work.
Here's what you can expect
One project. Real products. Real impact.
As part of a program lasting several weeks, you’ll independently develop design concepts for our brand. You’ll be supported by the merchandising team, which will provide you with insights into real-world processes, decisions, and requirements.
Focus
Between sports and everyday life.
Modern sportswear and contemporary streetwear.
Regional identity as a creative foundation.
Products that work in everyday life.
Process
What you're developing.
Mood boards and conceptual approaches.
Designs and technical drawings.
A fully developed design concept ready for presentation.
Here's what you'll get
-
Insights into real-world design and decision-making processes
-
Independent, portfolio-worthy projects
-
Understanding of product development and branding
- Interaction with relevant contacts
-
Visibility in the Context of the Club
-
Mention of your name or label in the product context
-
Official confirmation of participation
- Expense reimbursement
Three approaches.
Can be combined freely.
Three approaches.
Can be freely combined.
At the end of the project, you'll present your visual concept to us.
You can choose to take on one or more of the challenges listed below.
01 - Streetwear
A mini-collection for the new generation of fans.
3–4 products.
A clean look.
A clear thought.
Inspired by soccer culture and everyday life.
02 - Fan Merchandise
A mini collection of classic fan apparel.
On sale.
Portable.
Contemporary
Fanwear as part of a wardrobe—not as an exception.
03 - Matchday Objects
An accessory for game day.
Functional.
Strong-willed.
Recognizable.
Not just a gimmick—an object with character.
Three approaches.
Can be freely combined.
At the end of the project, you'll present your visual concept to us.
You can choose to take on one or more of the challenges listed below.
01 - Streetwear
A mini-collection for the new generation of fans.
3–4 products.
A clean look.
A clear thought.
Inspired by soccer culture and everyday life.
02 - Fan Merchandise
A mini collection of classic fan apparel.
On sale.
Portable.
Contemporary
Fanwear as part of a wardrobe—not as an exception.
03 - Matchday Objects
An accessory for game day.
Functional.
Strong-willed.
Recognizable.
Not just a gimmick—an object with character.
We are not looking
For fans
We’re looking for
new perspectives!
What you'll bring to the table:
A degree in design or a comparable portfolio.
An understanding of form, material, and context.
An independent, conceptual approach to work.
Why do we do this?
Because merchandising needs to keep evolving.
Because we need new perspectives.
Because fresh ideas come best from outside.
The Lilien Design Lab is the first step toward building a long-term talent pool –
and the foundation for future collections.