Bridging the Divide: Emerging Talents Redefine Craftsmanship in the Age of AI
TAIPEI, May 12, 2026 – The 2026 “Real Leather. Stay Different.” (RLSD) Student Design Competition in Taiwan has officially announced its shortlist, naming 20 finalists who represent the vanguard of the next generation. From a highly competitive field of 257 submissions, these designers were selected for their sophisticated ability to harmonize heritage leather techniques with the principles of modern sustainability.
Spanning four categories, including Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, and Design, the top five finalists in each field are now entering the prototype phase. With the final works set to debut in late August, the focus shifts from digital concepts to the tactile reality of premium leather.
The distinguished jury, featuring Mr. Darran Huang (Founder, Raw Piece), Ms. YuChun Chen (Jewelry Artist & Curator), and Mr. Fu-Shen Hung (Founder, FUSIO FUSIO), observed a defining shift in this year’s talent—the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence. According to the panel, while AI is fundamentally changing how the next generation creates their designs, the true test remains in the execution. “Originality in 2026 is defined by how a designer leverages leather’s unique properties to elevate an idea from a machine-generated prompt to a physical masterpiece,” the jury noted.
The competition reaches its peak on August 28 with the Final Judging, followed by a high-profile Awards Ceremony on August 29 at Songshan Creative Park in Taipei. Through a creative partnership with The Place Taipei, overall winners will be awarded luxury stays alongside their cash prizes. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Leather & Hide Council of America (L&HCA), the Taiwanese International Leather Association (TILA), and the Taiwan Regional Association of Tanneries, all dedicated to fostering the next generation of eco-conscious designers.
2026 Finalist Apparel
Tasi Shang Hsuan
Ou Xiou Wei: Crimson Apostle
Lim Xin Ru: Dancing Within Constraints
Sung Yu Huan: STILL HERE / WHAT I STAND FOR
Chen Xuan Lin: The Shedding of Light
Waiting List
Chen Abby: Grandparents’ SUOYI
Chong Ruei Jie: Verdigris Jazz
Accessories
Chuang Yun Chen: Beyond Two Wheels ~
Lu Wen Yu: Enter the body from stillness
Chen Wei Yu: MUA-INN
Cheng Kai Chin: Outline
Sun Yu En: Tectonic Time
Waiting List
Li Xing Zhi: Chan Bao Bao
Hsu Chia Shan: Time Fold — Compressed Memor
Footwear
Huang Shu Kai: ICHNITE
Chen Ying Tong: Leaf Revival
Cho Yen Chung: Leather Memory Layers
Shin I Wan Kuei: MUD BOUND
Zhan Yi An: RE : GLOVE
Design
Lim Jia Xuan: CALMA
Yu Bing Ze: Healing motion
Lai Pin Wen: LEAHARD – Leather Hardening Experimental
Furniture
Tu Ya Xuan: Plum Blossom Divided
Tray Chen Yi Zhen: Ridges Bloom
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