The buzz around this year’s Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition is growing by the day. We’ve already been inspired by the incredible entries coming in from students and recent graduates around the world. But the competition is still open, and you still have chance to make your mark.
We’re delighted to announce that all competition finalists will be flown to Thailand’s vibrant capital city, Bangkok, for the final judging event and awards ceremony.
Finalists will receive flights and accommodation, along with the extraordinary opportunity to present their designs in one of Asia’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities. Bangkok is a city of breathtaking contrasts. Ancient temples and royal palaces rise alongside a glittering modern skyline, while its street food scene, rooftop bars and world-class restaurants make it one of the most exciting destinations on the planet. The city’s fashion and creative industries are flourishing, drawing on a deep cultural heritage and a young, fearlessly innovative design community.
The judging will take place at the US Ambassador’s Residence, an elegant setting to reflect the prestige of this competition and the calibre of the designers we expect to see. The awards ceremony will follow on 28 – 29 October at the famed Jim Thompson House, a landmark steeped in the history of Thai silk and international craftsmanship, and a fitting stage on which to celebrate the very best in leather design.
The event continues our record of providing a world-class platform for the next generation of designers to gain international recognition and build connections with some of the most influential figures in global fashion. The 2025 final brought finalists from across the globe to Taipei, while the 2024 final was held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
The competition is free to enter and open to students and recent graduates. We want to see bold, innovative and thoughtful designs that showcase the beauty, versatility and sustainability of real leather.
Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your international design career. Enter now and you could be packing your bags for an unforgettable trip to Bangkok.
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
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