The 2026 “Real Leather. Stay Different.” International Student Design Competition held its Mainland China Award Ceremony at the Kerry Hotel Pudong, recognising 20 shortlisted designers and making seven major awards.
The overall winner was Tang Leqi of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, for the work Empty Reef. The piece will represent Mainland China at the 2026 International Finals in Bangkok, Thailand.
The panel praised the entries for their mature execution in circular design principles, noting that several standout pieces demonstrated high commercial viability and patent potential alongside exceptional artistic quality.
To honour both student creativity and mentorship, the Overall Winner was awarded a cash prize and a luxury stay, sponsored by The Place Taipei, for them and their faculty advisor, recognising their shared dedication throughout the creative journey.
The competition is organised by the Leather and Hide Council of America (L&HCA), supported by the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), and sponsored by Xingye Leather Technology Co., Ltd. and Henan Prosper & Colomer Mode. This year’s competition received 176 entries from 16 design schools, five of which participated for the first time.
Category winners:
People’s Choice Award: Cui Xuan, Jiangxi Institute of Fashion Technology, Tangled Textures
Category runners-up:
Category third place:
The remaining 11 shortlisted designers received Excellence Awards.
Guests at the ceremony included L&HCA Director Dave Seaver, CLIA Vice Chairman Chen Zhanguang, Alex Blamberg, Agricultural Trade Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, Dr. Jadon Marianetti, Deputy Agricultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, Sun Shaojun, representative of Xingye Technology, and Gu Hongliang, Lead Designer of Songmont.
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