Leather: From IRL to URL
RLSD has partnered with the Institute of Digital Fashion (IoDF) to produce a virtual reality version of Gal Benjamin’s ‘Alexithymia’ so that anyone can try it on… Anywhere.
Ta-Tung Lin was born in Taitung, Taiwan in 2001. Taitung’s natural environment, local culture, and Lin’s parents’ upbringing have shaped his craft and thinking. At the age of 16, he enrolled in a five-year junior college program and started learning various craft and design theories. His project is based on his love of motorcycles and leather, producing a line of accessories that are both stylish and practical as they form part of the motorcycle’s storage capabilities but can also be removed when necessary.
INTERVIEW WITH TA-TUNG
Tell us about the inspiration behind your project:
When someone is riding a motorcycle and carrying luggage or items can cause a distraction. So, I combined leather goods with motorcycles and created Biker&leathers to solve this problem. These multipurpose leather storage goods can be dismantled and then used as a rear or side backpack.
What do you think makes leather a great material to design with?
Leather is one of the by-products of cattle farming, it is durable and eco-friendly. Putting aside the pursuit of famous brands, leather is the earliest technology used by human beings; the charm of leather is in our DNA.
How do you think winning this competition will impact your career as a designer?
I have more confidence in materials, in craftsmanship and design concepts; this will drive me to continue designing and crafting.
How has this competition influenced your view of working with leather in the future?
After I graduate from college, I want to create a brand with two main projects: rider leather and fine leather carving customization, and of course general leather goods.
Click here to learn more about leather and sustainability.
RLSD has partnered with the Institute of Digital Fashion (IoDF) to produce a virtual reality version of Gal Benjamin’s ‘Alexithymia’ so that anyone can try it on… Anywhere.
We are excited to unveil the first video in the international campaign promoting the sustainability, durability and beauty of leather.
Leather is undoubtedly always a key feature at fashion week – it forms the basis of countless staples, after all – but in recent seasons, the impact of leather as a textile all-rounder has majorly returned to favour.
Meet Lin Ting-Yu, this year's Accessory Gold Winner in the 2021 Taiwan Student Design Competition.