The Real Leather. Stay Different. Chinese fashion design Competition celebrates the beauty, sustainability and versatility of leather, while recognizing the innovation and craftsmanship that the new generation has to offer. The competition engages with young and exciting designers to directly highlight the history, application and sustainable credentials of leather as a rich and versatile material. In doing so we look to recognize and reward creativity, craftwork and innovation in fashion & design while also creating new exciting ambassadors who can champion leather for the future.
Design student Qian Peng is rebelling against masculine stereotypes and looks to nature to find inspiration for his designs. We wanted to hear more about his brave, bold and beautiful entry.
My name is Qian Peng. I’m 23 years old from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China and I’m a student at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology.
Tell us about your submission.
I’ve always thought that men are never in the spotlight when it comes to wearing nature’s beauty in fashion. My design inspiration has been derived from just that thought. For my submission I’ve featured butterflies, peacocks and stamens – with the intention to prove that men can also wear them and look stunning.
What are your thoughts on working with leather?
I think leather can bring a different kind of energy to clothes that can make a piece of fabric come alive. In terms of the look and feel I prefer a slightly matte leather. I love a stiff leather that supports the shape of the clothes really well. In short, I think the choice of leather you go for when approaching the execution of your design is critical.
*To find out more and check out the other entrants see our YouTube video here*
The Chinese fashion design competition received 416 sketch designs from seven renowned universities and colleges, including Tsinghua University and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, were submitted for the categories of Apparel, Footwear and Accessories. A judging panel consisting of domestic fashion designers, leather designers of retail brands and leather experts, has selected 54 of the most innovative designs. Winning finalists will then be selected for a product demonstration and award ceremony, planned to take place at Shanghai Fashion Week 2021, with national lifestyle and fashion media in attendance.
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