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Girum Mesfin

Bahir Dar University

Girum Mesfin Ketema is an Ethiopian fashion designer, product development specialist, and academic professional with a Master of Science (MSc) in Product Design and Development (2022). He currently serves at the Ministry of Skills and Labor – Federal Technical Institute (FTI), Ethiopia, where he works as a Fashion Designer, Product Development Expert, Lecturer, and Head of the Fashion Design Department. With strong expertise in leather design, sustainable material innovation, and technical product development, Girum integrates research, education, and industry practice. His academic and professional work focuses on innovative material utilization, sustainability, and performance-based design solutions. His research contributions include: * Characterization and utilization of leather solid waste into construction materials * Footwear slip resistance analysis and performance evaluation Girum is actively engaged in advancing Ethiopia’s leather and fashion sector through design innovation and sustainable development approaches. Currently, he is preparing for the RLSD Competition 2026 with a project titled: **“Design and Development of Symbolic Fashionable Leather Garment for Indigenous Omo Valley Tribes of Ethiopia.” This project emphasizes cultural identity, symbolic aesthetics, indigenous inspiration, and modern leather fashion integration, aiming to promote Ethiopian heritage through contemporary sustainable design.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.