To encourage thinking about our planet’s future and to combat this waste, our judges are challenging you to create an original, innovative, and visually stunning design, in one of three categories of apparel, accessories or footwear made from real cattle leather. They would also like to see how entrants approach creating garments that will not only last, but be loved, for a lifetime.
We are delighted for the second year to host the Nordic Region Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition 2023, a search for the best of the Nordic Region’s new designers and for those who want to promote slow style and a more sustainable future for fashion.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT FAST FASHION AND UNSUSTAINABLE MATERIALS?
According to Greenpeace, synthetics – made using petrochemicals from the oil industry – now make up 60% of our clothing. These clothes not only take hundreds of years to biodegrade but are often cheap and poorly made. The result — nearly one billion items of clothing, each typically worn just five times — are thrown away every year.
In the meantime, leather, a natural by-product of the dairy and meat industries and our growing demand for food — from burgers to milkshakes, can be used to make items that last a lifetime and, when disposed of, biodegrade quickly. Leather is a perfect solution to one of fashion’s biggest problems, but each year almost half of the world’s cattle hides are just thrown away.
You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item, either clothing, shoes, or accessories. Entries must be at least 50% cattle hide leather and any other materials used must be natural or organic materials where possible. We do not accept the use of fur or exotic skins. Plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives are available. 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 brief summary of your project provided in English.
2. Storyboards and design inspiration.
3. Sketches, flats, technical specifications, 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 product’s 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.
The competition opens March 15, 2023, and closes on June 30, 2023. Any entries submitted after that date will not be accepted.
Register for the competition via the link below to create your profile and upload your entry.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE COMPETITION AND VIEW THE T&CS
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.
Plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives are available.
Each of the three category winners will receive a trophy, certificate and Coffee Table Book covering the competition and including their entry. The overall winner will be chosen from three categories, their design will be professionally made, and form part of a capsule collection showcasing the best international talent and unveiled at an event hosted in Europe in October 2023.
The panel of judges for the Real Leather. Stay Different. Nordic Region Student Design Competition 2023, in partnership with Arts Thread, has been announced featuring two prominent industry figures and our first ever overall winner of the competition.
Meet this year’s People’s Choice Category Winner for the inaugural Nordic Region Student Design Competition, Maria Julia Echarte Pascual – with her entry Sukeban.
Meet the Accessories Category Winner for the inaugural Real Leather. Stay Different. Nordic Region Student Design Competition, Riikka Peltola – with her beautiful Leather Blossom design.
Meet this year’s Apparel Winner and Overall Winner for the 2022 Nordics Region Student Design Competition- Emilia
The results are in! The Inaugural Real Leather. Stay Different. Nordic Student Design Competition announces its
The inaugural Real Leather. Stay Different. Nordics Student Design Competition 2022 has announced the appointment of three leading industry figures to the judging panel for its first ever
As part of this year's Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition, a Digital Fashion Futures workshop will be available to all fashion students globally on Wednesday 15th June at 12:00 BST for one
Real Leather. Stay Different. partners with ARTSTHREAD to find the best new designers to promote slow style and a more sustainable future for fashion.
Want to learn more about how to using leather cuts waste, landfill and carbon? Or about its durability, versatility and timeless style?
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