Vietnam 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.
This year marks an exciting milestone as the Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition debuts in Vietnam, inviting local talent to join a global mission— 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 17, 2025, and closes on Apr 26, 2025, 23:59 BST. Any entries submitted after that date will not be accepted.
To enter, first create your student profile on this platform. Once your profile is registered, you can upload your entries for review. Click Sign Up or Log In to get started!
Click here to read the Creative Brief and T&C’s in Vietnamese
THE BRIEF AND 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 Vietnamese & 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
- Category winners & The People’s Choice winner will receive a trip to Taiwan.
- One representative, The overall winner, will be invited to attend the International Competition Final Award Ceremony (location TBA) as representation for the Vietnam Regional Competition as the Thai 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
- Winners will receive a certificate and a trophy corresponding to their category.
- Winning participants will be featured in promotional activities, including but not limited to social media promotions, website features, printed and digital materials.
JUDGING PROCESS
The Competition will be judged by a panel comprised of representatives chosen by gt&i and 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 26, 2025, Closing 2 July, 2025)
