Student Design Competition

Brazil

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2026 marks the first year of the Real Leather. Stay Different. Regional Competition in Brazil. Each year thousands of entries are judged by a panel of experts and international brands.

The Question: Have you got what it takes to stand on the international stage, to change the fashion dialogue and accelerate your career in fashion?

Sign ups open on 12 January. Head to rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com to register and submit your entry.

The brief and deliverables

Entries must be at least 50% cattle leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. Other leathers, made from hides that are by-products of the food and dairy industries, may also be used in addition to the required 50% cattle leather. Exceptions are made for items such as zippers or snap fasteners. The use of fur or exotic skins is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic exclusion from the competition.

Digital tools and AI may be used in the design process. Entrants must be able to physically produce their design and must have an appropriate methodology to create a prototype. Entries should include the following:

A short summary of your project in English.
Mood board and design storytelling
Sketches, technical flats and specifications
A full list of materials
A 2-minute video introducing you and your entry (Optional but encouraged)

To see an example of a successful submission from previous international competition editions, visit here.

Read the full creative brief in Portuguese & English

THREE CATEGORIES AVAILABLE:

1

Apparel

2

Footwear

3

Accessories

DESIGNS THAT CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY, VERSATILITY & SUSTAINABILITY OF LEATHER AND CHAMPION SLOW STYLE.

Designs must be made of at least 50% leather from cow hide.

Any other materials used must be natural or organic materials, for example wood or any natural fibres.

No fur or exotic skins. Our mission is to cut waste and utilise materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

Designs will be judged hollistically on all materials used, these must be natural or organic where possible.

Prizes

i) The Overall Winner will be invited to attend the international award ceremony to represent their region. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Organisers. (The Organisers reserve the right to host a digital event in case of travel restrictions being in place);

ii) Category winners will receive receive a certificate and trophy according to their category; and

iii) Winners will be included in publicity including, but not limited to, social media promotion, website promotion, and print and digital collateral;