RLSD Vietnamese Student Design Competition Launch

Real Leather. Stay Different.: Creating a new mark of real leather on the Vietnamese fashion map

28th January 2025

Few materials carry the hallmarks of tradition, art, and utility quite like leather.. Its appeal lies not only in its timeless beauty but also in its versatility – from durable practicality to sophisticated high fashion. The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) campaign champions a singular vision: to cement leather’s position in the sustainable fashion movement, transforming a natural by-product into an enduring material that can be used innovatively and sustainably.

For thousands of years, leather has been prized for its strength, flexibility, and beauty. But hidden beneath that luxurious surface is an often-overlooked truth: cow leather is a by-product of the meat and dairy industries. Things that could become waste are instead transformed into something durable, meaningful, and beautiful.

The RLSD campaign encourages designers to use natural leather not as a relic of the past, but as a material that speaks to the future of fashion. In a world increasingly plagued with overproduction and disposability, RLSD offers an appealing alternative: create with what already exists.

Now, the campaign has arrived in Vietnam. A country rich in handicraft tradition and creative potential, Vietnam is the ideal stage for the 2025 International Leather Design Competition. Here, a new generation of designers is invited to explore the possibilities of leather and create visions of sustainable fashion.

Real Leather. Stay Different. Sending meaningful messages through each design

The 2025 International Leather Design Competition is not just a showcase, it’s a platform for change. A space where ideas are formed, and where young creatives are challenged to rethink fashion’s relationship with materials, culture and responsibility.

The competition aims to:

Challenge designers to realize bold design ideas with high-quality real leather.

Contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion.

Provide opportunities to learn from leading experts and designers and give the opportunity for designs to be recognized internationally.

By participating, designers are not just competing, they are contributing to a global movement to shape a future where fashion values longevity over trends and responsibility over excess.

Exploring the allure of leather in design

Leather is not just a material, it’s a medium for storytelling. Each cut, stitch, and finish embodies craftsmanship, personal expression, and cultural identity.

In Vietnam, where traditional craftsmanship has deep cultural roots, working with leather is an act of preservation and innovation. Designers can reinterpret heritage techniques by creating pieces that blend tradition and modernity. From handcrafted shoes to bespoke bags, Vietnamese artisans have long worked with natural materials to create durable and meaningful products. This competition offers a new generation the chance to carry that tradition forward while introducing contemporary perspectives to leather design.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, leather challenges designers to think about quality and longevity. It demands attention to detail and precision, encouraging a shift from fast, disposable fashion to slow, thoughtful creation.

A movement for the future

The 2025 International Leather Design Competition is a call to action. An invitation for designers to use materials with purpose and to lead the charge in shaping a more responsible fashion industry.

In Vietnam, this movement resonates deeply. It’s about honoring the past while building a sustainable future. Through the RLSD campaign, Vietnamese designers can leave a lasting mark on the global stage – creating fashion that is both meaningful and beautiful.

Vietnam is ready to Stay Different. And to weave its cultural heritage into the fabric of tomorrow’s fashion.