HSIAO TUNG HSU

Hello, my name is Hsiao Tung Hsu, and I am currently an undergraduate student in the Department of Apparel Design and Management at Shih Chien University. As I pursue my degree, I have gravitated toward leatherwork because it offers both timeless craftsmanship and tremendous potential for environmental innovation. My design focus centers on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and I strive to translate these global objectives into every stage of my creative process. In the classroom, I have sharpened my technical foundation in pattern drafting, precision stitching, and hand-finishing techniques using vegetable-tanned and responsibly sourced hides. Under the mentorship of industry-seasoned faculty, I have explored surface treatments that minimize water usage and chemical byproducts, as well as modular construction methods that extend a product’s lifecycle. Outside of formal coursework, I have prototyped a small series of leather pouches and cardholders, experimenting with zero-waste cutting layouts and plant-based dyes to achieve rich, lasting color without petroleum-derived pigments. When approaching a new design challenge, I begin by researching the specific SDGs most relevant to material choice, production ethics, and end-of-life recovery. I then sketch multiple iterations, iteratively refining both form and function: strap attachments become detachable for repairability; interior pockets are sized for upcycling into future accessories; and hardware is sourced from certified recycled metals. This process ensures each piece not only meets aesthetic goals but also contributes to broader environmental stewardship. By participating in this leather design competition, I seek to both test and showcase my commitment to sustainability-driven innovation. My ambition is to collaborate with eco-conscious tanneries and manufacturers, ultimately launching a small-batch leather atelier that proves luxury and sustainability can flourish hand in hand.