The Real Leather. Stay Different. China fashion 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 Zhu Qing has been shortlisted for the ‘Real Leather’ Student Design competition and her entry focuses on one of our favourite American fashion icons: the cowboys of the Wild West. We wanted to get her view on working with leather and why she chose this iconic style for her submission. Yee-haw!
I’m Zhu Qing and I’m 20 years old. I study at Wenzhou University and originally from Quzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tell us about your submission.
My inspiration comes from the cowboys who are called “Heroes on Horseback” by Americans. Inspired by their adventurous and hard-working spirit, my designs features elements taken from their western style clothing, their environment and even the equipment they use.
What are your thoughts on working with leather?
I think designing with leather is an art that takes time to learn. Different leathers have different thickness, hardness, textures and functions, so it’s necessary to experiment with many to find the right one. I’ve learnt it’s important to master the techniques required to properly design with leather, such as hollowing, stitching and carving.
*To find out more and check out the other entrants see our YouTube video here*
The China fashion 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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