Stories / May 2025
ECAL x NNormal
A partnership rooted in art, movement and nature.
Meeting of the minds
A photography workshop between ECAL x NNormal
In collaboration with ECAL (University of Art and Design, Lausanne), third-year Bachelor photography students were invited to reimagine how we capture the outdoors.
Tasked with interpreting NNormal’s SS25 collection, this next generation of image-makers took our brief across Switzerland – through forests, rushing water, and mountain peaks – to bring a new vision to life.
The project was part of ECAL’s “Commission & Photography” course, which challenges students to develop a full editorial series within real-world creative constraints.
Under the guidance of Nicolas Poillot, image director and ECAL teacher, and NNormal’s Artistic Director, Régis Tosetti, students were encouraged to explore the balance between concept and craft, developing their own methodology from research to execution.
What emerged was a fresh, personal take on outdoor imagery that’s raw, rhythmic, and speaks to our mission to leave no trace.
“Until 1637 when René Descartes wrote A Discourse on the Method, arts, science, and philosophy were considered one and the same. I believe that still holds true today.”
Kilian Jornet
NNormal Co-founder & mountain athlete
“In trail running as in photography, despite good technical and mental preparation and systematic study of the forecasts, there are unforeseen circumstances that force us to come up with improvised solutions that reveal new forms of beauty.”
Milo Keller
ECAL, Head of Photography
Bruni Ettore, Maag Fredrik
ECAL × NNormal Magazine
This magazine brings together over 300 images created during the workshop between ECAL and NNormal, led by Nicolas Poillot. The photographs unfold as a continuous visual journey – linked like a stream of moving images – exploring varied approaches and treatments inspired by our SS25 collection.
Raw in both form and feeling, the Swiss binding echoes the rugged terrain of a trail run, while the absence of a traditional cover invites immediate immersion. There’s no beginning or end. Just motion, rhythm, and perspective.
The publication closes with a reflective text by Kilian Jornet, NNormal co-founder, and Milo Keller, Head of Photography at ECAL.
ECAL × NNormal Magazine hosted by Mental Athletic
Join us on May 28 at the Mental Athletic Hub in Milan for the launch of our magazine project with ECAL and Mental Athletic.
Blurring the lines between outdoor performance and art installation, the space will feature a large-format table and wall display with our magazine spreads, oversized prints, and select pieces from our SS25 collection. Featuring our new Tomir 02 colourways, Kjerag Brut in Black and White, and more.
Come through, explore the space, and get your hands on one of the limited copies of the magazine, available on-site.
Mental Athletic
Via Achille Maiocchi 10
20129 Milan, Italy
From 7-9pm
. Open to all.
Let’s celebrate the launch – ECAL students, NNormal, Vibram, and the public will all be there.
Hope to see you too.
ECAL Photography Students
Maude Bally
Ettore Bruni
Gabrielle Coué
Adel Debabéche
Emanuele Delpozzo
Rebecca Dubuis
Sofia Grytsiv
Belinda Kiela
Lester Kielstein
Jerome Luginbühl
Fredrik Maag
Eliot Pizzera
Inès Riber
Delio Testa
Heloïse Tourrenc
Kristina Yenza
Cedric Zellweger
ECAL
Image Direction
Nicolas Poillot
ECAL Head of Photography
Milo Keller
Coordination
Calypso Mahieu
Assistant
Gaétan Uldry
NNormal
Creative Direction
Régis Tosetti
Group 1 — Maude Bally, Rebecca Dubuis
Group 2 — Gabrielle Coué, Jerome Luginbühl
Group 3 — Adel Debabéche, Inès Riber, Delio Testa
Group 4 — Ettore Bruni, Fredrik Maag
Group 5 — Emanuele Delpozzo, Lester Kielstein
Group 6 — Sofia Grytsiv, Cedric Zellweg
Group 7 — Belinda Kiela, Kristina Yenza
Group 8 — Eliot Pizzera, Héloïse Tourrenc
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Kjerag 01 Green/White, Black and White come with a free gift!