The Real Leather. Stay Different. China 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.
China Student Design Competition: Zhang Mengmeng
I’m Zhang Mengmeng and I’m 20 years old. I’m from Wenzhou and study at Wenzhou University.
Tells us about your submission?
The inspiration for my designs comes from mountains and the way in which mountain rocks have different lines and textures. Nature offers a visual feast and can overwhelm people with is huge and magnificent appearance, but also attracting with its beauty a sense of quietness and stillness. The sole of my shoes reflects the majestic and heroic mountain stones. Countless mountain stones combine to make a beautiful landscape, just as the shoe body becomes enriched when decorated with the shoelaces and patterns.
What are your thoughts working with leather?
When dealing with a large amount of leather it requires time to gain the experience required. In order to broaden our horizons and accumulate the knowledge needed to work with leather we must visit the market. During this visit we can see fascinating leather and touch and study it. We can discuss how we can fit the leather together and use the material to create exquisite works. The diversity of the fabric is what makes it both challenging and interesting.
*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.
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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