African Talent Leather Design Showcase

You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item in one of three categories of your choice: clothing, shoes or accessories.

The design must be at least 50% cattle hide leather and any other materials used must be natural or organic materials where possible.  We do not accept the use of fur or exotic skins such as but not limited to; crocodile, snake skin or any rare or endangered animal species. Plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives are available. The piece should capture one or more of the facets of leather, from beauty and versatility to strength and durability.

The entry should include the following information: 

1. A brief description of the item and its development in English
2. Storyboards and design inspiration explaining how it was conceived and why it was made
3. Sketches, flats, technical specifications, and final design and/or photography if the item is already produced (the item does not need to be physically made at this stage) 
4. A short video to introduce you and your design. This is optional but encouraged.

Considerations: Please think about ease of recycling, reuse and disposal at the end of the product’s life, and also think about the practicalities of commercial production. We are looking for designers who will start new brands, fashion movements or style trends or who are looking to help their business grow through becoming part of this prestigious competition. 

Production: All entrants shortlisted to join the showcase will be asked, if necessary, to supply or make their design for exhibiting. Where resources are limited, materials will be provided by the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute and can be made at one of its satellite design studios.

Showcase: A panel of curators will select up to five showcase participants in each of the three categories. The selected 15 participants, as well as the People’s Choice Award winner, will have the opportunity to create their items at any of ALLPI’s satellite studios. These created items will be featured in the RLSD African Talent Leather Design Showcase scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya. They will also receive a certificate and five Coffee Table Books covering the competition that includes their designs. The most highly commended design, selected by the panel of curators, will be awarded a trophy and feature as part of a capsule collection showcasing the best international talent.

Preston Viswamo has work experience that spans over 25 years, he has acquired skills and knowledge from a variety of industries, including leather, NGO and education sectors. His proficiency covers leather value chains, cluster development and management. It also spans footwear design,  production technology and vegetable (organic) leather technology. He has experience in NGO management, tertiary education management, and micro enterprise/microfinance programmes.

Teklemariam Gebrehiwot is a professionally qualified and experienced leather products technologist and leather craftsman. With more than 44 years of experience in the industry. His extensive knowledge and skills cover leather products design and manufacturing, such as leather goods and garments. He is an effective and efficient production and technical manager, quality manager, training instructor, and technical consultant. He educates various public, private leather product enterprises and training institutions related to leather and leather products.

Judy Mania is the founder and CEO of Siafu Leather, a bespoke leather manufacturing company based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an incredibly creative designer with a passion for circular economy, ethical and sustainable fashion. She showcases her interests through her production house. Judy also engages with the audience physically in meetings, round tables, and through her online writings on various media platforms.

Tezera Ketema, an Ethiopian residing between Ethiopia and Canada, has primarily devoted his adult life to the leather industry, with a particular focus on footwear design and technology. In 2005, he founded Podo Pal, and the company was selected to design, manufacture, and supply parade boots for the Canadian Winter Olympic and Paralympic Team in 2006, held in Turin, Italy. The Team was named the best-dressed of the 2006 Winter Olympics, and the company was consequently awarded the Hudson Bay Company Premier National Partner Award and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Award.”