International Student Design Competition
2025
Now celebrating its fifth year, the International Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition is an essential springboard for those wanting to make their mark in the fashion industry.
With events taking place around the world and judges from some of the top global brands, the competition has produced alumni that have gone on to work with leading brands including Christian Louboutin, Dior and Loewe. All share a mission – to design beautiful and sustainable clothing that challenges the fast fashion cycle and puts individual style back on the agenda!
Have you got what it takes to stand out on the international stage – and to accelerate your career in fashion?
According to Greenpeace, oil-derived synthetics now make up 60% of our clothing and the average item is worn just five times. When these clothes are discarded, they end up in huge dumps, notably in Ghana and Chile, that are visible from space. It’s time to challenge the fast fashion business model and all those who say no to nature by designing beautiful, durable clothes from natural fibres that people will want to wear longer, and that will last longer.
In the meantime, leather, a natural by-product of the dairy and meat industries and our growing demand for food — from burgers to milkshakes – can be used to make items that last a lifetime and, when disposed of, biodegrade quickly. Leather is a perfect solution to one of fashion’s biggest problems, but each year almost half of the world’s cattle hides are just thrown away.
To stimulate thought about our planet’s future and to combat this waste, our judges are challenging you to create an original, innovative, and visually stunning design in one of three categories -apparel, accessories and footwear – made from real cattle leather. They also want to see how entrants approach the creation of garments that will last and be loved for a lifetime.
The competition opens on March 1, 2025, and closes on June 30, 2025, 23:59 BST. Any entries submitted after that date will not be accepted.
THE BRIEF & DELIVERABLES
You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item, either clothing, shoes, or accessories. Entries must be at least 50% cowhide leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. While exceptions may be made for items such as zippers, snap fasteners, the overall design will be evaluated holistically, and a comprehensive list of materials must be provided upon submission. It is important to emphasise that natural materials should be used whenever possible. Please note that the use of fur or exotic skins is strictly prohibited. We would like your piece to capture one or more of the facets of leather, from beauty and versatility to strength and durability.
Entries should include the following elements:
- A summary of your project provided in English.
- Storyboards and design inspiration.
- Sketches, flats, technical specifications (including full list of materials used), and final design (the item does not need to be physically made at this stage).
- A short two-minute video to introduce you and your design. This is optional but encouraged, as it would make a great addition to your entry.
Please give consideration to ease of recycling, reuse and disposal at the end of the product’s life, and also think about the practicalities of commercial production, as we are looking for designers who will start new brands, fashion movements, or style trends.
THE PRIZE
- Winners designs will form a part of the RLSD Capsule collection, which tours worldwide with the competition.
- All category winners will be invited to attend the final International judging event and selection of the International Design Competition’s overall winner.
- Trophy and Certificate.
- Publicity including, but not limited to, social media promotion, website promotion and print and digital collateral.
JUDGING PROCESS
The Competition will be judged by a panel comprised of representatives chosen by Real Leather. Stay Different. The Panel will select the category winners and Overall Winner. There will also be a People’s Choice award, selected by public vote (Voting open from June 30, 2025, Closing 30 July, 2025)
