Sparking Inspiration for Thailand’s Next-Gen Designers
Discovering the World of Real Leather: Sparking Inspiration for Thailand’s Next-Gen Designers through RLSD Thailand 2025
31st July 2025
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The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Thailand 2025 student design competition is more than just a platform for showcasing creativity – it’s a gateway to understanding the true essence of real leather through immersive, hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
As part of the programme, the top ten finalists across the apparel, footwear and accessories categories were invited to take part in an exclusive series of tannery visits across Thailand. These visits provided an invaluable opportunity to explore local craftsmanship, witness sustainable practices in action and gain a deeper understanding of leather as a design material.
Discovering innovation at Interhide Public Co., Ltd.
The visit began at Interhide Public Co., Ltd., where participants were introduced to cutting-edge innovations in leather tanning and finishing. Interhide demonstrated how real leather can take on countless forms from bold, futuristic textures to refined, classic finishes. The visit opened their eyes to leather’s versatility and inspired them to think differently about how the material can be applied in design.
Setting standards at CPL Group Public Co., Ltd.
Next, the group visited CPL Group Public Co., Ltd., where every step of the leather-making process reflects a commitment to excellence. CPL sources over 90% of its hides from the United States, CPL demonstrated a strong commitment to global production standards and emphasised their company’s ethos – “Quality meets sustainability.” With strict environmental practices and social responsibility integrated into every phase, the students saw firsthand that leather can be made with both precision and purpose, making it a responsible material choice for the future of fashion.
Craftsmanship and colour at Chun Wang Brothers Co., Ltd.
The journey continued to Chun Wang Brothers Co., Ltd., a heritage tannery with over 85 years of experience. Specialising in high-end fashion leathers, Chun Wang shared their dedication to artistry, color mastery, and intricate design. Their approach – infused with craftsmanship, integrity, and a shift toward bio-chemicals – highlights the idea that beauty and environmental responsibility can coexist. For many finalists, it was a meaningful lesson in how tradition and innovation blend in the leather world.
Hands-on learning at Kongsiri Tannery Co., Ltd.
The final stop on the tour was at Kongsiri Tannery Co., Ltd., where finalists took part in a hands-on workshop designed to strengthen their understanding of leather. Students explored the characteristics of different types of leather, learning how to select materials for specific design functions, and, most importantly, got to feel, observe, and interact with leather in its true form. This rare opportunity helped demystify the material and brought new clarity to their design thinking.
For these young designers, the experience was more than educational it was transformative. The finalists left with a renewed respect for real leather, not only as a beautiful and durable material, but also as a sustainable, responsible choice for the future of fashion.
Real Leather. Stay Different.would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the teams at Interhide, CPL Group, Chun Wang Brothers and Kongsiri Tannery for generously opening their doors to the next generation of Thai design talent. Together, we are shaping a more informed, creative, and sustainable future for fashion.