China Design Competition: Lin Fang explains the thinking behind her experimental concept

The Real Leather. Stay Different. China Design Competition celebrates the beauty, sustainability and versatility of leather, while recognizing the innovation and craftsmanship that the new generation has to offer. The competition engages with young and exciting designers to directly highlight the history, application and sustainable credentials of leather as a rich and versatile material. In doing so we look to recognize and reward creativity, craftwork and innovation in fashion & design while also creating new exciting ambassadors who can champion leather for the future.

Congratulations for being shortlisted! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Lin Fang. I’m 21 years old and from Fuzhou, Fujian, China. I Study at the Zhejiang University of Science and Technology.

Tells us about your submission?

My inspiration comes from the dawn that people long for in life, it is beautiful and valuable, it shines but not dazzling. The concept is abstract but not illusory. To give the sense of this idea I have used rich colours in my designs.

What are your thoughts working with leather?

To me, if you want to learn how to properly use leather it means constantly trying out different types of leather textures, colours and thicknesses, as the features of each are very different. Experimenting with different fabrics is part of the learning process and is essential. After all different types of leather will create different visual effects, especially when you combine two or more leather techniques this can create an unexpected effect, I found this the most challenging.

*To find out more and check out the other entrants see our YouTube video here*

The China Design Competition received 416 sketch designs from seven renowned universities and colleges, including Tsinghua University and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, were submitted for the categories of Apparel, Footwear and Accessories. A judging panel consisting of domestic fashion designers, leather designers of retail brands and leather experts, has selected 54 of the most innovative designs. Winning finalists will then be selected for a product demonstration and award ceremony, planned to take place at Shanghai Fashion Week 2021, with national lifestyle and fashion media in attendance.