The Real Leather. Stay Different. Chinese Student 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.
Design student Shen Yiting has proved some serious competition with her submission that focuses on the window to the soul: the eye. Exploring an eclectic mix of exotic colours to complete her quirky looks, Shen has focused on every intricate detail in the attempt of bagging first prize. Luckily, we were able to talk to her and get more information about her spectacular submission for the Real Leather Global Student Design Competition.
My name’s Shen Yiting. I’m 22 years old and I live in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China. I’m a student at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology.
Tell us about your submission.
The eye has long been regarded as the “window to the soul”. Thousands of years ago, the symbol of the eye was given a sacred meaning and it was used as an amulet to resist evil forces – this was the inspiration for my design. In addition to such mysterious legendary colours, I have also added retro, romantic and other interesting elements.
What are your thoughts on working with leather?
I hope to present a noble, romantic and delicate feeling through fabric, so my choice of leather has been sheepskin and mink as they have a very good texture. The sheepskin is soft and smooth and the mink fur is rich and lustrous. At the same time, velvet, plaid, yarn and other fabrics are used for matching and splicing with leather, and printing, embroidery, bead and other techniques are used to enrich the texture of the fabric.
*To find out more and check out the other entrants see our YouTube video here*
The Chinese Student 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.
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.
You can still put style at the heart of your indoor wardrobe with our pick of lockdown leather.
One of the things we love about leather is that it is so durable that it can last for forever. So, why throw away an old pair of sandals when you can make them look as good as new?
Sharing occasion wear may appear to be the ethical choice, but is it as green as it seems?
Emily Omesi, winner of the 2021 Intentional Student Design competition discusses the inspiration behind her designs and her thoughts on leather
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Stay different with our monthly roundup, which includes the latest on leather fashion and sustainable features, competition news and more.
