“Real Leather. Stay Different.” is the campaign launched by the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) that celebrates all that is great about leather – sustainability, versatility, durability and beauty. The most recent leg of its worldwide design competition has attracted hundreds of Chinese entries, building on the success of similar competitions running in Italy, the UK and the Taiwan region.
The competition, organised by LHCA in partnership with China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), has attracted more than 800 entries from students from 23 prestigious Chinese universities. The students have grabbed the chance to show off their talents and to fulfil the brief of ‘unique, compelling designs that promote the use of leather’. There are three design categories: Apparel, Footwear and Accessories.
All designs had to feature leather made from US hide as the principal material.
The judging team, which consists of renowned Chinese designers and leather experts, has shortlisted 55 designs – 19 in Apparel, 19 in Footwear, and 17 in Accessories– to enter the competition’s final stage. The line-up of judges includes designer Diao Mei, from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology’s Haining Fashion Industrial Park.
The talented 55 shortlisted designers now have until June 25 to make samples of their designs. During the sample production stage, the leather catalogue will be provided by local Chinese tanneries. Leather sponsors include: People’s government of Xinji, Zibo Dahuanjiu Polygrace Tannery Group, and Xinye Leather Technology Co., Ltd.
In July, winners will be honoured at an awards ceremony hosted by LHCA and CLIA at China’s largest Tanning Park at Xinji, Hebei. Attendees, including entrants, students and local media, will be able to see examples of the best of the competition.
Competition winners will receive cash awards sponsored by CLIA and in-country sponsors. The overall winner will also feature in Rollacoaster Magazine’s A/W issue and in the RLSD coffee table book, sponsored by LHCA.
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Once you’ve crafted your leather design, you may well want to give it some kind of finishing.
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