INDIA STUDENT DESIGN

COMPETITION

India’s design culture has always been shaped by craftsmanship by hands that understand material, form and function. From footwear and accessories to everyday objects, leather has long been part of India’s crafting traditions, valued for its strength, adaptability and longevity. It is a material that responds to the maker and evolves with the wearer, carrying stories of use, skill and time.

Today, Indian design students are reinterpreting this legacy with contemporary sensibilities. With growing interest in sustainable fashion, circular design and responsible material choices, young designers across India are exploring how traditional craftsmanship can inform modern design.

The RLSD International Student Design Competition offers Indian fashion, accessories and design students an opportunity to take this thinking to a global stage.

The competition celebrates creativity rooted in material understanding, encouraging students to move beyond short-lived trends and focus on durability, craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

For Indian students looking to gain global exposure and become part of a worldwide, sustainable design community, RLSD 2026 is the chance to showcase ideas shaped by both heritage and innovation.

Design with intention. Create with care. Share your work with the world.

The brief and deliverables

You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item, either clothing, shoes, or accessories. Entries must be at least 50% cowhide leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. While exceptions may be made for items such as zippers, snap fasteners, the overall design will be evaluated holistically, and a comprehensive list of materials must be provided upon submission. It is important to emphasise that natural materials should be used whenever possible. Please note that the use of fur or exotic skins is strictly prohibited.  We would like your piece to capture one or more of the facets of leather, from beauty and versatility to strength and durability.  

Entries should include the following elements: 

  1. A summary of your project provided in English. 
  2. Storyboards and design inspiration. 
  3. Sketches, flats, technical specifications (including full list of materials used), and final design (the item does not need to be physically made at this stage). 
  4. A short two-minute video to introduce you and your design. This is optional but encouraged, as it would make a great addition to your entry. 

Please give consideration to ease of recycling, reuse and disposal at the end of the products life, and also think about the practicalities of commercial production, as we are looking for designers who will start new brands, fashion movements, or style trends.  

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 holistically on all materials used, these must be natural or organic where possible.

Prizes

Each of the three category winners will receive a trophy, certificate and Invitation to display their work at an International Event. See all prizes at rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com

image

Alida Xavier

2023 International Accessories Category winner, Alida is an Indian student who entered the International Competition and presented her work to the judging panel in Milan, where she took home the category title for her outstanding design.

Read more here.

HOW TO REGISTER

India will take part in the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition from 2026. Rather than running a separate national competition, students in India will enter through the International Competition alongside participants from other countries.

All Indian entrants must register via the competition platform, rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com and submit their work through into the International competition.

Head here to sign up and register now.