We first met Tamar Elbaz in Milan in 2023, just before she presented her design, WHIM, to our panel of judges. As the Apparel Category winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition, she went on to claim the joint Overall Winner title. Since then, we’ve watched her journey unfold—from competition champion to a rising, multi-award-winning designer, now on the verge of launching her own brand.
We caught up with Tamar to talk about her journey since winning RLSD, her evolving design philosophy and what’s next on the horizon.
Tamar, crowned Winner in Milan, 2023
Tamar’s experience with Real Leather. Stay Different. has had a lasting influence on her design approach, especially when it comes to sustainability “Since RLSD, I’ve focused on working with natural and recyclable materials, creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible,” Tamar shares. Sustainability has become central to her creative process, guiding her decisions at every stage.
RLSD also opened doors for Tamar around the world, leading not just to collaborations but also to job offers. Reflecting on her growth, she says, “It taught me to accept criticism constructively and present my ideas clearly, which has been crucial in my development.” This newfound confidence has allowed her to navigate the pressures of the fashion industry with greater ease.
So, what happened after her great win? Tamar shares, “I launched my final collection as part of my last year of studying Fashion Design at Shenkar College. The collection was greatly influenced by the piece I created for the competition, both in its aesthetic and in using leather as a primary material. The inspiration I drew from it was also incorporated into the collection.”
Her RLSD success also led to two big wins in the Lab of Mittelmoda Fashion Awards, where she took home the Innovation category award and the Lineapelle award for working with Italian leather.
Tamar’s work continues to explore the relationship between the body and design. One of her recent projects, shown on Instagram, featured high heels transformed into bags—a bold take on the connection between body and material. Tamar, a former dancer, brings a unique understanding of movement to her designs. “My latest project is about the relationship between the body and the garment,” she says, “I’ve reimagined high heels as bags, turning something traditionally seen as oppressive into something empowering.”
Beyond aesthetics she aims to work with the body’s natural movements. Tamar explains. “I want to create garments that allow the body to transform within the piece, even when it’s presented as a static object.” This focus on form and function is a hallmark of Tamar’s design philosophy.
Leather continues to be a cornerstone of her designs. She’s captivated by its durability and versatility, using it as a medium to push her creativity in exciting new directions. “Leather allows me to experiment with techniques like threading wires and hand-sewing patterns, which gives my garments a sense of movement and depth.” She also embraces the challenges leather presents, enjoying the unexpected outcomes it often brings.
When we asked what she meant by ‘limitations,’ Tamar explained:
“Leather can sometimes be tricky to work with. Its texture and behaviour can vary unexpectedly—whether due to the type of leather, its ageing process, or even environmental factors. These challenges often push me to get more creative and find solutions I wouldn’t have initially considered. In many cases, it’s those ‘limitations’ that lead to unique, unexpected outcomes that turn out to be even better than I imagined.”
Looking to the future, Tamar is preparing to launch her eponymous brand. “I’m taking my time to create something truly special,” she says. “I have exciting surprises ahead, but for now, I’m focused on building a brand that combines minimalist aesthetics with sophistication.”
At RLSD, we are incredibly proud of Tamar and all she has achieved since winning the International Competition. Watching the positive impact our competition has had on her career and witnessing her growth as a designer has been deeply rewarding. We truly admire her design philosophy—blending creativity with sustainability—and her ability to push boundaries while staying true to her core values.
We do not doubt that Tamar’s future designs will continue to inspire and excite the fashion world. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Tamar’s work since winning RLSD
To read the full interview with Tamar Elbaz, click here.
To see more of Tamars work, visit her Instagram here.
Stay tuned for more ‘Where are they now’ interviews with the RLSD Alumni
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