Profile: Konthorn Wutthiwongangkhana – Real Leather Design Competitions

Konthorn Wutthiwongangkhana

University of Westminster

Konthorn Wutthiwongankhana is a London-based fashion designer whose work explores the intersection of structure, culture, and narrative. Born in Thailand and raised in Singapore, he moved to the UK at 17 to pursue his creative education, beginning with A-levels in art and painting in Brighton, followed by a foundation course in art with a focus on fashion illustration. He later earned a First-Class Honours degree in Fashion Design from the University of Westminster. Konthorn’s design approach blends conceptual storytelling with precise construction, often informed by his personal and cross-cultural background. His graduate collection, which explored themes of identity and memory through bold silhouettes and textile manipulation, gained recognition from 1Granary and SHOWstudio, and was named a Winner of the Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024 by ArtsThread in the Fashion & Accessories category. Professionally, Konthorn has worked with renowned London studios including JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, and Richard Quinn, gaining hands-on experience in draping, embroidery, pattern cutting, and high-level garment development. These experiences have shaped his technical skillset while deepening his understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of fashion. Konthorn is driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the use of fashion as a vehicle for cultural expression. He is currently focused on expanding his industry experience with the goal of establishing his own label in London—one that reflects his values and bridges global perspectives through innovative, meaningful design.

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HYBRID RACKSACK

Category: Accessories

Competitions: International

This rucksack forms part of my graduate collection, Memory of Places, which explores personal and spatial memory through material, form, and functionality. Developed as a sub-project, the rucksack responds to the challenge of material waste by reworking discarded cowhide—donated by a fashion brand—into a structured, multi-functional accessory that bridges sustainability with refined utility. Designed for adaptability, the rucksack features modular compartments, hidden closures, and reconfigurable elements, making it suitable for commuting, short travel, or everyday use. Its construction celebrates the individuality of each hide, incorporating the natural imperfections and variations of the leftover leather to emphasise authenticity and character. Technically, the piece demonstrates a combination of traditional leatherworking techniques and modern design strategies. Hand-finishing, edge-painting, and reinforced stitching ensure the bag is both durable and elevated. The pattern placement was guided by the irregular shapes of the offcuts, requiring intuitive problem-solving and a sculptural approach to assembly. Conceptually, the rucksack echoes the broader themes of Memory of Places, where functionality becomes a vessel for emotional narrative. The use of salvaged materials becomes symbolic—repurposing what’s been left behind, much like memory reshapes and reframes the past. By turning waste into something valuable, the project reflects my belief that sustainability and luxury can coexist through intentional design. This rucksack serves not only as a functional object, but also as a quiet meditation on memory, use, and material transformation—bringing meaning and responsibility to accessory design.