Profile: Tizita Assefa – Real Leather Design Competitions

Tizita Assefa

Self Employed

TAFLEATHER

I am a leather product designer with a lifelong passion for craftsmanship, structure, and the beauty of functional design. From a young age, I was drawn to technical things—curious about how objects were made, how parts fit together, and how design could serve both form and function. That curiosity grew into a purpose, eventually leading me into the world of leather—a material that challenged and inspired me from the start. Over the past decade, I’ve immersed myself in the art and technique of leather design. Every bag, wallet, or accessory I create begins with intention—balancing clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and tactile quality. I’m deeply involved in every part of the process, from sketching and pattern-making to hand-finishing and prototyping. My work is where engineering mindset meets creative vision. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, I’ve worked hard to build my voice and authority through skill, consistency, and bold design choices. Founding Tafleather allowed me to shape a creative studio where I could freely explore ideas, experiment with forms, and build a design language rooted in quiet strength and timelessness. Design, for me, is about problem-solving with style—making products that are not only beautiful but deeply useful. I see every piece as an opportunity to connect tradition with modern life, and to tell stories through craftsmanship. Through this competition, I aim to share my journey and creative vision as a designer who builds with both heart and hands.

Website

← →

Ancestral Modernity

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Africa

The Arsi Oromo are one of the major sub-groups of the Oromo people, primarily inhabiting the fertile, mountainous, and rift valley regions of south-central Ethiopia (areas like Arsi, West Arsi, and Bale). Their culture is a beautiful tapestry woven from ancient indigenous systems and deeply rooted social customs, heavily influenced over the centuries by both traditional beliefs and Islamic heritage.The collection draws inspiration from the Siinqee tradition of the Arsi Oromo, where the Siinqee stick symbolizes women's dignity, social justice, peace, and empowerment. The leather dress translates these cultural values into a modern luxury garment through symbolic forms, textures, and craftsmanship. The design celebrates the strength and respected role of Oromo women while preserving the essence of traditional identity in a contemporary fashion language.

← →

Genesis

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Africa

concept that was born within me through inspiration drawn from the Holy Bible, particularly from Genesis 3:7 and 3:21. In these verses, we see that man sewed fig leaves together to make garments for themselves—an effort to cover nakedness. This reflects the very first attempt at clothing, a basic human need. As time progressed, the daily struggle of humanity to clothe themselves evolved, facing great challenges. From this struggle emerged the practice of using animal hides as garments. History teaches us that the transformation of rawhide into wearable clothing marked the beginning of what we now recognize as the leather industry. Over time, this practice has advanced in quality and aesthetics. We understand from this that leatherwork is, in fact, an expression of divine creativity and wisdom. It is in this spirit that I have developed the product I present to you today: a unique and fully handmade design made from bull hide, incorporating traditional Ethiopian "Chale" embroidery and embellished with cultural ornaments. This modern approach, while grounded in heritage, highlights the innovative process behind the design. This is a signature presentation from my company, and I believe it is an offering that will earn recognition and create awareness.