The International Design Competition launches this month in partnership with Rollacoaster Magazine and ArtsThread. Entries open from 25 January 2021.
Following the success of its student design competitions in Italy, China, the UK and Taiwan, Real Leather. Stay Different. is stepping up a gear for 2021.
After attracting more than 1,000 design submissions in categories spanning Garments, Footwear, Accessories and Design, Real Leather. Stay Different. is going truly international.
Run by Leather & Hide Council of America, the International Student Design competition is co-ordinated by ArtsThread in partnership with Rollacoaster Magazine and launches on 25 January 2021. It is inviting students to design an item of visually stunning apparel, accessories or footwear using 50% or more leather.
Running alongside the national programmes and connecting students from all over the world by way of one outstanding prize, the competition closes at midnight on 28 April 2021. Submissions will all be made virtually with the help of mood boards, sketches, technical specs, videos and more.
The shortlist will be assessed by a panel of industry experts (to be revealed soon) and chaired by the president of L&HCA, the competition organisers. The winner’s design will be professionally made and featured on a front cover of Rollacoaster Magazine AW21 with the winner interviewed for a competition feature, which will also be promoted in sister magazine, Wonderland.
“Leather is a strong and natural product. It is also one of the most durable, adaptable, fun and challenging materials a designer can work with. We work with those thinking about ‘Slow Style’; in a world with limited resources we should use what we have and use it well.” Says Steve Sothmann, president of competition organisers L&HCA.
Real Leather. Stay Different. celebrates all that is great about leather: sustainability, versatility, durability, beauty and, of course, its iconic place in fashion. The competition gives an amazing opportunity to students around the world to push boundaries and fulfil their ambitions. Something that has become increasingly relevant after a challenging year plagued with social distancing and restrictions that have impacted university learning and students lives everywhere.
Through the International Student Design Competition, Real Leather. Stay Different. will engage with designers while also directly educating on leather, its history, applications and sustainable credentials. Through recognising and rewarding creativity, craftwork and innovation in fashion & design, it aims to create new ambassadors for leather and support the next generation of talent.
If you think that you’ve got what it takes, enter the competition now by clicking here and get started!
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