The Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition has launched the careers of exceptional design talent from around the world. We’re proud that past winners have gone on to work for prestigious fashion houses and form their own independent labels. They are proving that sustainable leather design is the future of fashion. Here’s a look at where some of our standout winners are today.
Ana Del Rio Mullarkey
2023 International Competition Overall Winner
Ana has wasted no time establishing herself as a force in sustainable fashion. The De Montfort University graduate launched her own independent label and her designs have already graced red carpets. In recognition of her achievements, Ana was invited as a guest speaker to the 2025 LHCA annual general meeting where she shared her expertise in craft and innovation. Her winning collection, “El Domingo,” drew inspiration from her Madrid upbringing and showcased her passion for hand-crafted design that transcends fast fashion.
Sara Morandini
2025 International Accessories Category Winner
Sara’s winning design, “Ombrage”—a unisex collection inspired by the primal forces of nature—earned her a prestigious six-week internship with Hugo Boss in Switzerland. This remarkable opportunity allows her to work with one of Europe’s leading fashion brands.
Mor Elfassy
2024 International Apparel Category Winner
Mor’s design “Form and Substance: The Duality of Human and Material Expressions” has already made waves beyond the competition. Her work was worn by Israeli model and Big Brother star Aliyah Hoff, demonstrating the practical appeal and wearability of her innovative designs. The Shenkar College student’s exploration of contrasts—exposure versus concealment, rigidity versus fluidity—resonated with both judges and the public.
Jamie Unlu O’Grady
2025 International Overall Winner & Footwear Category Winner
Jamie’s groundbreaking “SubTraction” collection reimagines footwear as a modular, circular system—personal, purposeful, and sustainable. His revolutionary approach to design has led to a role as footwear designer at New Balance where he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in athletic and lifestyle footwear design.
Oriol Clavell
2022 UK Competition Apparel Category Winner
Oriol has quickly become one to watch in the fashion world. His “Epentismo” collection has been spotted on celebrities including rapper Machine Gun Kelly, musician Drumaq and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Bimini Bon Boulash. After styling shoots for Pap magazine and working as a fashion assistant for artist Sarah McCormack, the London College of Fashion graduate is now an Assistant Womenswear Designer at Jaded London, bringing his bold aesthetic to a wider audience.
Anna Melegh
2022 UK Competition Overall Winner & International Footwear Category Winner
Anna’s journey from competition winner to luxury footwear specialist is a testament to the quality of talent RLSD attracts. Her winning design “Haute Couture Trash” caught the eye of one of fashion’s most recognisable brands. She now works as a Care and Repair Specialist at Christian Louboutin, where she applies her expertise in cobbling and sustainable practices to extend the life of the brand’s famous footwear.
Brigida Aiello
2020/21 Italy Competition Apparel Category Winner
Brigida’s ascent has been remarkable. Her “VIRTUS” collection, inspired by finding beauty and strength in adversity, launched her career at the highest level of fashion. After working at Celine and Maison Alaia, she is now a designer at Dior, where she brings her expertise in leather goods to one of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.
Astrid Heisterberg
2020/21 Italy Competition Footwear Category Winner
Following her competition success, Astrid interned at Bottega Veneta before landing a dream role as a footwear designer at Loewe. Her transition from emerging talent to working at one of fashion’s most influential brands is one of the RLSD Student Design Competition’s greatest success stories.
Emily Omesi
2021 International Competition Overall Winner & Apparel Category Winner
After winning the competition Emily worked as a design assistant at Oscar de la Renta before moving to her current role as Associate Designer at Ulla Johnson. Her success demonstrates how competition winners can quickly establish themselves at leading American fashion brands.
These alumni represent just some of the remarkable talent that has emerged from the Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition. From haute couture houses to innovative startups, from New York to Tel Aviv, our winners are proving that sustainable leather design isn’t just the future—it’s happening right now. Their success stories continue to inspire the next generation of designers to think differently about materials, sustainability and the enduring appeal of exceptional craftsmanship.
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