Home Is Where the Leather Is
Leather furniture has gained a much bigger fanbase more recently. Not only is the material luxurious and durable, but it is easy to maintain, particularly if messy kids are around!
Now in its second year, RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase ’24 promotes Africa’s most innovative designers and their use of leather. The spotlight is on small and medium enterprises and emerging student talent and how they can work to counter the environmental impact caused by disposable fast fashion. Entries are invited in three categories, Apparel, Accessories and Footwear.
Winning designs will be exhibited in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, giving them widespread publicity across Africa and internationally. One designer will be chosen to present their work at the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Design Competition final in Europe, with travel and accommodation sponsored by the organisers. Other awards include certificates, cash prizes and trophies.
Amid growing concerns over the environmental impact caused by disposable fast fashion, the RLSD Africa’s Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24 stands as a beacon for sustainable material use and circular design.
Kerry Brozyna, President of L&HCA, said: “The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 is more than a competition. It’s a movement towards sustainability.”
“We work to inspire designers to envision a future where fashion and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. With categories spanning apparel, accessories and footwear, we’re setting the stage for innovation, originality, and breathtaking design that celebrates leather’s enduring beauty and versatility.”
RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24 will not only celebrate the aesthetic and functional qualities of leather but will also champion the slow fashion movement, encouraging the creation of clothes accessories and footwear that are as durable as they are elegant.
Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director at ALLPI, said: “The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 epitomises our dedication to growing the leather sector by fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices. It aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance value addition, sustainability and long-term competitiveness in Africa’s leather industry.”
The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24 is now open for entries. Here is what you need to know:
Leather furniture has gained a much bigger fanbase more recently. Not only is the material luxurious and durable, but it is easy to maintain, particularly if messy kids are around!
Rewind – the new documentary series, funded by Real Leather. Stay Different. - releases its first episode and takes us back to the farm. Watch the full episode here.
For this edition of my leather loves series, I have teamed up with MATCHESFASHION in presenting you with the hottest on trend leather holiday looks.
Last month, we celebrated the winners of this year's China Mainland Student Design Competition at a dedicated Awards Ceremony, where they each received their trophies in front of fellow students and key industry figures. This year’s competition received an