China Mainland Student Design Competition
2026
Now celebrating its sixth year, the International Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition is now part of the global fashion calendar – and an essential springboard for those wanting to make their mark in the fashion industry.
The Real Leather. Stay Different. China Mainland Student Design Competition is now in its seventh consecutive year, having expanded its reach to 29 institutions across 24 cities. Award winners have progressed to pursue advanced studies internationally or secured positions at leading domestic companies, reflecting the competition’s role in launching promising design careers.
The Question: Have you got what it takes to stand on the international stage, to change the fashion dialogue and accelerate your career in fashion?
Our planet is facing a crisis which we can help address. According to Greenpeace 60% of garments are now oil-based synthetics with the average item being worn just five times. Discarded clothes pile up in waste dumps from Ghana to Chile and are visible from space. Leather, made from hides which are a by-product of the meat and dairy industries, offers an alternative to supporting the oil industry; it lasts a lifetime, biodegrades and displaces petrochemical-derived materials. Yet every year, millions of hides are thrown away.
The world is reacting, for example with the French banning fast fashion promotion, but it is all too slow. We need to get back to natural, durable products that break the fast fashion cycle. Now.
The competition opens for profile registration on 1 March 2026, and closes on 16 June, 2026, 23:59 CST. Any entries submitted after that date will not be accepted. Entrants may re-enter the competition, provided they have not been selected as a judge. However, the same design may not be re-submitted.
To read the full Creative Brief in English please see HERE.
*Cover image designed by Li Yuanyuan from Donghua University, with “THE PARADOX OF BLOOM”.
THE BRIEF
Create a beautiful, durable design using at least 50% cattle leather by surface area that in design, execution and application, counters the fast fashion cycle and celebrates individual style. Other leathers, made from hides that are by-products of the food and dairy industries, may also be used as supplementary materials.
Our judges ask you to think about our planet’s future and how to combat fashion’s waste. They challenge you to create an original, innovative, durable and visually stunning design in one of three categories – apparel, accessories and footwear – made from real cattle leather.
They want to see how entrants approach the creation of garments that can be commercially produced, will last, and be loved, for a lifetime. And that can then be repurposed or recycled at the end of the period.
We are looking for designers who will start new brands, fashion movements or slow-style trends. People who will make a difference.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO & CONSIDER
Entries are invited in one of three categories: Apparel, Footwear or Accessories. Footwear and accessories entrants must submit one (1) item, for example a pair of shoes or handbag. Apparel entrants may submit one (1) item or one (1) look. A look comprises of two or more items intended to be worn together and excluding footwear and accessories, for example a jacket or top and skirt or trousers. Whether you choose to submit a single garment, accessory or look, all entries will be judged equally using the same criteria.
Entries must be at least 50% cattle leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. Other leathers, made from hides that are by-products of the food and dairy industries, may also be used in addition to the required 50% cattle leather. Exceptions are made for items such as zippers or snap fasteners. The use of fur or exotic skins is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic exclusion from the competition.
Digital tools and AI may be used in the design process. Entrants must be able to physically produce their design and must have an appropriate methodology to create a prototype. Entries should include the following:
- A short summary of your project both in English & Chinese
- Mood board and design storytelling
- Sketches, technical flats and specifications
- A full list of materials
- A 2-minute video introducing you and your entry (Optional but encouraged)
For an example of a previous successful submission visit here.
HOW ENTRIES WILL BE ASSESSED
Each qualifying entry will be evaluated using five equally weighted criteria,
- Individuality: Does the work demonstrate a distinct point of view or creative identity?
- Conceptualisation: Does the work clearly articulate a strong concept and underlying idea? How effectively is the research and idea development communicated?
- Relevance: Does the design align with contemporary ideas, while offering something progressive or visionary?
- Sustainability: To what extent does the project consider material efficiency, circularity and environmental compatibility? Is the sustainable approach transparent and well-communicated?
- Commerciality: Does the work demonstrate potential development for market success, whether mass-market or luxury niche? This includes functionality, desirability, usability, and durability.
Shortlisted entries will be reviewed by the judging panel based on the criteria as set out. Scores and individual feedback will remain confidential and will not be disclosed. Only selected winners will be notified. All judging decisions are final.
THE PRIZE
The prizes shall consist of the following, which are non-transferable and non-exchangeable:
i) Shortlist works can have their work sampled and photographed by professional photography team.;
ii) The Overall Winner, will be invited to attend the final judging event and selection of the International Design Competition’s Overall Winner. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Organisers. Organisers reserve the right to host a digital event in the case of travel restrictions being in place;
iii) All shortlisted designers will be invited to attend the award ceremony of the China Mainland Finals, and the overall winner will be invited to the international award ceremony. The organizers will cover transportation and accommodation expenses. In the event of travel restrictions, the organizers reserve the right to host an online event.;
iv)winners will receive a certificate and trophy according to their category; organisers reserve the right to host a digital event in the case of travel restrictions being in place;
v) Winners will receive a certificate and trophy according to their category;
vi) The winners will be included in publicity including, but not limited to, social media promotion, website promotion and print and digital collateral.
Additional prizes may be announced by the organizer at a later date.
