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We are delighted to announce the winner of the fourth year of the International Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition, a search for the best new designers around the globe and for those who want to promote slow style and a more sustainable future for fashion.
Congratulatins to Josslyn Shi, representing the California College of Art, for her outstanding design project, Ephemeral Eclosion, inspired by the lifecycle of butterflies, which deeply impressed the panel with its combination of craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to sustainability.
Click the below images to find out more about this year’s finalists!
Anna Melegh | Care and Repair Coordinator, Christian Louboutin
Anna Melegh is a footwear and accessories designer known for using the methods of surrealism to turn everyday objects inside out.
Anna is currently working at luxury footwear brand Christian Louboutin as a Care and Repair Coordinator. With almost a decade of education focused on art and shoe design, her innovative approach has ensured her work has quickly gained recognition. This includes winning the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Footwear, UK Overall and UK Footwear categories in 2022.
Christopher Koerber | Managing Director, HUGO BOSS
Christopher has spent most of his professional life in the fashion industry, from senior executive roles at Tommy Hilfiger to the current Managing Director of Hugo Boss.
He is known as a change agent, an innovative, big-picture thinker, a strong cross-functional collaborator, and a powerful motivator and mentor who raises the performance of diverse, global teams.
His expertise encompasses operations, strategy, brand management, innovation, and consumer-centric products at all stages of the life cycle.
Mike Adler | Celebrity Stylist
Celebrity fashion stylist Mike Adler works between Los Angeles, London, Paris and NYC. His client base sees him creating style and wardrobe content for the world’s leading red carpet and Hollywood awards events.
As well as campaign, editorial, luxury private consultancy and the Paris Haute Couture seasons, he has worked with the likes of Elizabeth Hurley, Alessandra Ambrosio, Pamela Anderson, Maisie Williams, Elle Macpherson, Kat Graham, Josh O’Connor, Emma Corrin, Emerald Fennell, Damian Hurley and more.
Adrien Yakimov Roberts | Fashion Education Consultant
Adrien is a considerable influence on global fashion education. Currently, the International Director of Education at Accademia Costume & Moda in Rome and Milan, Italy, he was also chair of GFWi and an International Trustee of the Graduate Fashion Foundation for over 16 years.
A Central Saint Martin’s alumnus, he completed a Parsons New School (New York) exchange, secured a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art and a Postgraduate from the University of the Arts London. He was Fashion Programme Leader at the University for the Creative Arts, Group Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni (Milan, London and Paris) before his current role. Adrien serves on various global boards and committees and has committed to positive change for a better fashion future.
Matteo is the CEO of Rino Mastrotto, a company specialising in the production of high-quality leather, textiles and bespoke services for luxury sectors. Under his leadership, the company has seen significant growth and strategic acquisitions to diversify and enhance their product offerings.
Matteo emphasises the importance of sustainability and innovation, ensuring the company’s commitment to ethical practices and environmental stewardship. His approach integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, aiming to inspire and support clients in the luxury fashion, automotive and interior design industries.
You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item, either clothing, shoes, or accessories. Entries must be at least 50% cattle hide leather and any other materials used must be natural or organic materials where possible. We do not accept the use of fur or exotic skins. Plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives are available. 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 brief summary of your project provided in English.
2. Storyboards and design inspiration.
3. Sketches, flats, technical specifications, 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 product’s 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.
Apparel
Footwear
Accessories
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.
Plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives are available.
Each of the three category winners will receive a trophy, certificate and Coffee Table Book covering the competition and including their entry. See all prizes at rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com
Click the below images to find out more about the winning designs!
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.
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.
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