INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DESIGN

COMPETITION

Sign Up Now!

The Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition returns for 2026 and the sixth chapter of our global search for bold, future-facing design talent.

This is your opportunity to design with real leather, challenge the fast fashion cycle and showcase your work on an international stage. Previous finalists have presented their work in London, Milan and Taipei, with each year opening new doors for the designers involved.

Have you got what it takes to stand out globally and shape the future of fashion?

Sign ups now open. Head to rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com to register and submit your entry.

The brief and deliverables

You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item, either clothing, shoes, or accessories. Entries must be at least 50% cowhide leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. While exceptions may be made for items such as zippers, snap fasteners, the overall design will be evaluated holistically, and a comprehensive list of materials must be provided upon submission. It is important to emphasise that natural materials should be used whenever possible. Please note that the use of fur or exotic skins is strictly prohibited.  We would like your piece to capture one or more of the facets of leather, from beauty and versatility to strength and durability.  

Entries should include the following elements: 

  1. A summary of your project provided in English. 
  2. Storyboards and design inspiration. 
  3. Sketches, flats, technical specifications (including full list of materials used), and final design (the item does not need to be physically made at this stage). 
  4. A short two-minute video to introduce you and your design. This is optional but encouraged, as it would make a great addition to your entry. 

Please give consideration to ease of recycling, reuse and disposal at the end of the products life, and also think about the practicalities of commercial production, as we are looking for designers who will start new brands, fashion movements, or style trends.  

THREE CATEGORIES AVAILABLE:

1

Apparel

2

Footwear

3

Accessories

DESIGNS THAT CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY, VERSATILITY & SUSTAINABILITY OF LEATHER AND CHAMPION SLOW STYLE.

Designs must be made of at least 50% leather from cow hide.

Any other materials used must be natural or organic materials, for example wood or any natural fibres.

No fur or exotic skins. Our mission is to cut waste and utilise materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

Designs will be judged hollistically on all materials used, these must be natural or organic where possible.

Prizes

Each of the three category winners will receive a trophy, certificate and Invitation to display their work at an International Event. See all prizes at rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com

image

India Applications Open!

Indian students can submit their entries via the RLSD International Student Design Competition, bringing their work to a global stage.

India’s design heritage is shaped by craftsmanship and hands-on knowledge of materials. Leather has long been valued for its durability, adaptability and ability to evolve with use, carrying the story of both maker and wearer.

Visit the India page to learn more. Sign ups now open through the International Competition. Visit to rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com to register and submit your entry.

Latest
News

TAIPEI 101

2025 INTERNATIONAL FINAL AWARD CEREMONY, TAIPEI, TAIWAN

2024 International Winners

Click the below images to find out more about the finalists!

2023 Category Winners

Click the below images to find out more about the winning designs!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

“More than 100 billion items of clothing, worn on average just seven times, are thrown away annually, taking 10s if not hundreds of years to biodegrade.”

Slow Style. Fast Fashion. Or both?

Almost half of the world’s leather hides, created by our ever-growing demand for fast-food – burgers and milkshakes, are just thrown away every year. Our student design competition puts some of this waste to use.

Download
Learning Materials

Want to learn more about how using leather cuts waste, landfill and carbon? Or about its durability, versatility and timeless style? Download our educational materials.