The Real Leather. Stay Different. 2025 International Student Design Competition brings together a diverse panel of leading voices in fashion, education, media and styling.
For its fifth edition, the judging panel will decide on the overall winner in Taipei 101, Taiwan. Where category winners, and the People’s Choice Award will be flown to compete for the title of Overall Winner. Each of our judges brings a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for creativity, craftsmanship and vision – all essential ingredients in selecting the brightest new leather design talent from around the world.
Managing Director, Hugo Boss
Christopher has spent most of his professional life in the fashion industry, from senior executive roles at Tommy Hilfiger to the current Managing Director of Hugo Boss.
He is known as a change agent, an innovative, big-picture thinker, a strong cross-functional collaborator, and a powerful motivator and mentor who raises the performance of diverse, global teams.
His expertise encompasses operations, strategy, brand management, innovation, and consumer-centric products at all stages of the life cycle.
Fashion Influencer | @yulee_yutopia
After graduating from the Italian Department at Fu Jen Catholic University, Yu Lee moved to Italy in 2010 to study and immerse herself in the Milan fashion scene. She began her career as a Milan-based correspondent and, in 2013, founded her platform Yutopia, becoming one of the first Taiwanese bloggers in Italy.
On her return to Taiwan, she became editor-in-chief of Talter magazine, delivered TEDx talks, and was regularly invited to guide tours at major international exhibitions for brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior. Yu has also served as a VIP lecturer for luxury names such as Gucci, Fendi, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
With over a decade of storytelling and cross-cultural insights, Yutopia bridges Taiwanese heritage with Milanese style, sharing a vision of beauty, craftsmanship, and a high-quality life.
Fashion Education Consultant
Adrien is a considerable influence on global fashion education. Currently, the International Director of Education at Accademia Costume & Moda in Rome and Milan, Italy, he was also chair of GFWi and an International Trustee of the Graduate Fashion Foundation for over 16 years. As of 2015 founder and creative director of Global Fashion Graduate in association with Arts Thread.
A Central Saint Martin’s alumnus, he completed a Parsons New School (New York) exchange, secured a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art and a Postgraduate from the University of the Arts London.
He was Fashion Programme Leader at the University for the Creative Arts, Group Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni (Milan, London and Paris) before his current role. Adrien serves on various global boards and committees and has committed to positive change for a better fashion future.
Celebrity Stylist
Celebrity fashion stylist Mike Adler works between Los Angeles, London, Paris and NYC.
His client base sees him creating style and wardrobe content for the world’s leading red carpet and Hollywood awards events.
As well as campaign, editorial, luxury private consultancy and the Paris Haute Couture seasons, he has worked with the likes of Elizabeth Hurley, Alessandra Ambrosio, Pamela Anderson, Maisie Williams, Elle Macpherson, Kat Graham, Josh O’Connor, Emma Corrin, Emerald Fennell, Damian Hurley and more.
Editor-in-Chief, Harper’s Bazaar
Kora Hsieh is the Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Taiwan, a position she took on in August 2023. With over a decade of experience in the fashion and media industry, she is not only a respected editorial leader but also a prominent voice in fashion commentary and trend forecasting across Asia.
Known for her sharp insights and global perspective, Kora regularly engages in international fashion conversations and brings a thoughtful, culturally grounded lens to contemporary style. Her work continues to shape the dialogue between local creativity and global fashion movements.
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.
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