WINNERS OF THE ITALIAN REAL LEATHER. STAY DIFFERENT STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

13th October 2021

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After interruption by the pandemic, the 2020/21 competition reaches a fantastic conclusion with announcement of four winners

Initially launched in January 2020, the Italian Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition reached its conclusion in September 2021.

Brigida Aiello won the clothing category, Astrid Heisterberg won the footwear category and Elisa Castiglioni won the leather goods category. The winner chosen by readers of this website, in a public vote, was Philomena Seelos, also in the leather goods category. She received more than 2000 votes.

Philomena’s design was striking, trapezium-shaped leather handbag with metal handle and chain strap. Brigida’s was a sleek, full-length coat with rolled leather detailing on the shoulders, sides and waist. Astrid designed sculptural shoes and boots with folded leather detailing and Elisa’s design was a handbag constructed in an arch shape with tonal detailing on the leather and metal adornments.

The competition invited students to create unique and innovative accessories made exclusively or predominantly of leather. It was launched and coordinated by UNIC – Italian Tanneries and LINEAPELLE, Italy’s international leather fair.

All entrants were asked to submit sketches and technical drawings of their designs. The best of these were selected by professors from the universities attended by the entrants and experts from UNIC and LINEAPPELLE and the designers were asked to create prototypes. The final winners were then chosen by a jury of high-profile leather experts, fashion designers, journalists, trend forecasters and professional insiders as well as members of the public who chose their own winner via this website.