International 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.
Each year thousands of entries are judged by a panel of experts and international brands. The competition has produced alumni who have gone on to launch their own labels and pursue careers with the likes of Christian Louboutin, Dior and Loewe. All share a mission; to design beautiful, sustainable clothing that challenges fast fashion and put individual style back on the agenda!
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 12 January 2026, and closes on 30 June, 2026, 23:59 BST. 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.
*Cover image 2025 Shortlisted design RAW LAYERS – By Hagar Lautman, Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art
THE BRIEF & DELIVERABLES
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 AND 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 in English
- 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
Category Winners, selected by judges, and the People’s Choice Winner, chosen via public vote, will be invited to the international finals to present their work and compete for the Overall Winner title.
The prizes shall consist of the following, which are non-transferable and non-exchangeable:
i) Category winners will be included in the RLSD capsule collection shown at events around the world. Winners will be asked to recreate their winning design, to form part of the capsule collection showcasing the best international talent, and unveiled at a final event hosted in October 2026.
ii) All category winners 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) winners will receive a certificate and trophy according to their category; and
iv) 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 organiser at a later date. 6
