The RLSD China Mainland team recently visited Sichuan University, Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts and Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, meeting with hundreds of students and faculty members in a dynamic exchange of ideas between the Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) initiative and the next generation of designers.
Sichuan University
The students’ creativity and bold thinking highlighted the vast potential of Eastern aesthetics and sustainable fashion. Through a series of presentations, the RLSD team explored the realities of the leather industry, addressing common misconceptions and demonstrating how leather can be a recyclable and sustainable material. First-hand examples of student work – from accessories crafted from leather offcuts to experimental artworks – showcased a clear commitment to the values of slow fashion.
Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts
Award-winning entries from past competitions were also shared, sparking lively discussions and inspiring students to express their own design philosophies. The strong response revealed a shared ambition to take their work beyond the classroom and onto the global fashion stage.
Hubei Institute of Fine Arts
As part of its mission, RLSD provides emerging designers in China and internationally with the chance to collaborate with leading global brands. Among last year’s highlights, Zhu Xinxin – the Overall Winner of the China Mainland Student Design Competition – was awarded the opportunity to visit and study in Europe.
2024 China Mainland Competition Winners
The RLSD China Mainland team extends sincere thanks to all the students and faculty members who took part. With such promising talent and commitment to innovation and sustainability, the future of fashion looks bright.
Submit your entry to the 2025 competition here.
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.
Students look to future for fashion as natural materials and slow style take centre stage.
Lingling Li is currently studying fashion and fashion design at the College of Fashion Design in senior year. Fascinated by 'good things', whether it comes in the form of nature, life or times, Lingling appreciates the presence of beauty in the world. The
We unveil the winner and her design as featured on the front cover of Rollacoaster magazine and modelled by Sano Turdiev
After working with leather for a while, you will come to realise the importance of details. No matter the quality of the leather, if the cutting or stitching or finishing isn’t right, you’ll end up with something shoddy.
