People

Discovering the World of Real Leather: Sparking Inspiration for Thailand’s Next-Gen Designers through RLSD Thailand 2025

The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Thailand 2025 student design competition is more than just a platform for showcasing creativity – it’s a gateway to understanding the true essence of real leather through immersive, hands-on learning beyond the classroom. As part of the programme, the top ten finalists across the apparel, footwear and accessories categories were invited to take…

Read more

2025 Real Leather. Stay Different. International Shortlisting Unveiled

The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) International Student Design Competition has unveiled its shortlist, With 1,483 projects submitted from around the world, this year's competition is our biggest yet.

RLSD: Where Are They Now? – Anna Melegh

Anna Melegh, winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Design Competition Footwear Category in 2022, has made a name for herself by pushing the boundaries in footwear design. We spoke to her recently about life since her RLSD win.

The art and innovation of leather: a conversation with Curtumes Ibéria’s César Rosa

In the heart of Portugal, a family legacy thrives. Curtumes Ibéria SA, a name synonymous with quality leather production for more than five decades, is treading a line between tradition and forward-thinking.

From the workshop to the runway: The evolution of the work boot

The work boot has come a long way from the factory, the building site and the battlefield to reach the polished runways of high fashion. Born of necessity, it has evolved into a symbol of durability, rebellion and timeless style.

RLSD: Where Are They Now? – Tamar Elbaz

We first met Tamar Elbaz in Milan in 2023, just before she presented her design, WHIM, to our panel of judges. As the Apparel Category winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition, she went on to claim the joint Overall

Leather legacy: How Horween became a Chicago treasure and an NFL and NBA fixture

Tucked away in a historic five-story factory along Chicago’s North Elston Avenue, Horween Leather Company has been crafting some of the world’s finest leather since 1905.

A leather jacket worn by the late pop star Michael Jackson in a Pepsi advert has sold for £250,000

Originally worn by Jackson in the 1984 soft drink promo, it fetched the whopping six-figure sum at an auction by London memorabilia specialists Propstore.

Hollywood superstar Timothée Chalamet sports different leather suits at film premieres across the world

There’s no better way for a man to make a sartorial statement than with a leather suit and Wonka star Timothée Chalamet managed two different ones as the film’s premieres rolled out around the world.

The Real Leather. Stay Different. African Talent Leather Design Showcase 2023 Grand Finale showcases the continent’s talent

Ethiopian designer Ruth Girmay was awarded the title of ‘Most Commendable Designer’ at The Real Leather. Stay Different. African Talent Leather Design showcase in December.

African Talent Leather Design Showcase 2023 Winner: Dorcas Rutendo Shoko

Dorcas Shoko is a 19 year old student from Harare, Zimbabwe. Having studied A-Level Art, Maths and Physics at Lomagundi College, Dorcus is looking to progress into the fashion industry. She wants to make a positive impact in the leather world, so her project

African Talent Leather Design Showcase 2023 Winner: Yalew Shebabaw Akalu

Yalew Shebabaw is the owner and general manager of Zenar leather products, based in Bahirdar, Ethiopoia. His design inspiration is drawn from a world where innovation meets tradition, where the timeless allure of pure leather converges with cutting-edge

African Talent Leather Design Showcase 2023 Winner: Zeyin Mohammed

Zeyin credits the start of their love of leather products to when he had to recommend leather bag design ideas to his mother for her small-scale leather business when he was twelve. His multi-functional design was inspired by various reading materials like

Load more articles