Laser cut leather – artisanship in the space age
Picture a leather tradesperson at work and what do you see? Shears slicing through expertly drawn patterns… we bet you don’t see lasers.
The Real Leather. Stay Different. UK Student Design Competition, in partnership with Arts Thread and Leather UK, has announced its esteemed panel of judges for 2023. The judges for this year’s competition include renowned designer Bill Amberg, repairer Ruth Glen, and last year’s overall and footwear category winner, Anna Melegh. They will face the challenging task of selecting the best student submissions that exemplify the competition’s mission of promoting innovative designs made from leather and other natural materials with a focus on longevity and minimal environmental impact.
The competition is open to current students and recent graduates who have completed their studies within the past year. Designers can enter via the new RLSD run platform rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com. Participants are encouraged to design a piece of clothing, footwear, or an accessory using 50% or more leather. The winning design will be professionally made and included in a capsule collection showcased at the International Student Design Competition final in Europe’s fashion capital, Milan, in October. The competition is accepting entries until June 30th.
Bill Amberg, the founder of the Bill Amberg Studio, is a world-renowned expert in architectural leatherwork and the integration of leather into interior spaces. He is also a passionate advocate for sustainability and involved in various mentor and social enterprises in the craft sphere.
Ruth Glen runs a London-based studio that specializes in design, product development, and bespoke pieces. With over thirty-five years of experience in the industry, Ruth’s expertise extends across the private, commercial, and public sectors. She is also a seasoned mentor, having trained and mentored the next generation of makers at Central St. Martins, the London College of Fashion, and Cordwainers College.
Anna Melegh is a footwear and accessories designer known for using the methods of surrealism to turn everyday objects inside out. Anna has nearly a decade of education focused on art and shoe design, and her innovative approach has garnered recognition, including a win in the International Footwear, the UK Overall, and UK Footwear categories of The Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competitions.
With the appointment of such an esteemed panel of judges, the 2023 UK Student Design Competition is sure to attract some of the best and brightest young designers.
To access further information about the competition, including entry requirements, kindly click here to view the competition page.
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