We are delighted to be partnering for the 3rd time with Only Natural. In 2026, the Only Natural International Student Design Competition enters its third year. Only Natural exists to inspire the next generation of designers to place natural materials at the heart of their work and to challenge the systems that have normalised synthetic, disposable design.
The competition champions natural materials and asks students to rethink the impact of the choices we make in fashion, furniture and the spaces we live in. Synthetic production continues to drive water and air pollution, deplete natural resources and create a cycle of low-cost, short-lived products destined for landfill. Only Natural invites designers to push back against this and imagine something better.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 30 2026
THE PRIZE
- Inclusion in the Only Natural capsule collection, showcased at design events around the world. Winners will recreate their design for inclusion in the collection, unveiled at the final event in 2026.
- Travel and accommodation for all category winners to attend the awards event.
- A category certificate and trophy.
- Inclusion in Only Natural & Arts Thread publicity across social media, the website and print and digital communications.
Additional prizes may be announced.
THE BRIEF & DELIVERABLES
Create a beautiful and durable design that places natural materials at the centre of creativity. Your work should celebrate their unique qualities while offering an alternative to the throwaway cycle of fast fashion and synthetic-reliant interiors.
Our judges want to see originality, innovation and visual impact in one of two areas:
Fashion – apparel, accessories, footwear
Home – furniture, interiors
We are looking for designs made to last – pieces that can be loved, repaired, repurposed or recycled over time. This competition is not just about producing a single project. It’s about setting new standards and sparking ideas that move the industry towards a slower, more sustainable way of designing and living.
Fashion entrants may submit one item (for example a jacket, pair of shoes or bag) or one full look (two or more items worn together, excluding footwear and accessories).
Home entrants may submit one piece of furniture or an interior object (for example a chair, table, lamp or textile piece).
Your design must showcase natural materials as the primary focus. The finished piece should be made entirely from natural fibres or materials. Previous examples include wool, hemp, leather, wood, jute, silk, cotton, bamboo and algae-based alternatives. Small functional elements such as zips, fasteners or hinges may use non-natural materials where essential.
The use of fur or exotic skins is prohibited and will result in exclusion.
Each entry must include:
- A short project summary in English
- A mood board and storytelling
- Sketches, technical drawings or specifications
- A full list of materials used
- A video introducing you and your project (optional but encouraged)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applications are open to students currently studying at a higher education institution across the globe or who have graduated in the past two years (2024, 2025).
Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
HOW TO ENTER
Create a profile and upload your entry now via the competition platform
ENTRY: Free to apply
DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 30 2026
THE JUDGING
A panel of industry experts will select category winners, overall winners and the People’s Choice winner (selected by public vote). Entries will be judged on the following:
Individuality – Does the work express a distinct creative identity or point of view?
Conceptualisation – Is the idea clearly communicated? Is the research strong and the development thoughtful?
Relevance – Does the work respond to contemporary culture, needs or aesthetics while offering something progressive?
Sustainability – How effectively does the design consider material efficiency, circularity and environmental impact? Is the approach clear and transparent?
Commerciality – Could the design be developed for market success? Is it functional, desirable and durable?
Shortlisted entries will be reviewed against the criteria above. Individual scores and feedback will remain confidential. Only selected winners will be contacted. All judging decisions are final.
There will also be a People’s Choice award, selected by public vote in July 2026.
ABOUT ONLY NATURAL
Here at Only Natural, we love and respect our planet. Deeply concerned by the impact of fast fashion and artificial materials on the environment, we united to restore the balance and find the way to live in harmony with nature.
We cherish the beauty and versatility of natural materials and believe they are vastly underused as more and more items are produced using synthetics and plastic. Natural materials were used for centuries by our ancestors for their superb qualities. We find this inspirational – we need to go back to our origins by cultivating love for natural materials and showcasing sustainable alternatives to what is currently available in the market.
To help us do this, we receive funding from the Leather & Hide Council of America [L&HCA] and support from other partners (American Wool Council [AWC], Mohair Council of America, National Industrial Hemp Council of America [NIHC] and American Hardwood Export Council [AHEC]). We work together to promote natural materials worldwide and build a better future without waste.
For more background information on the competition and Only Natural, visit onlynatural.internationaldesigncomp.com and follow us on Instagram at @onlynatural_design and on Facebook .