We are delighted for the sixth year to be partnering with the International Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition 2026 a search for the best new designers around the globe and for those who want to promote slow style and a more sustainable future for fashion.
Are you ready to join the fight against fast fashion and for the planet? Time is short …. according to Greenpeace synthetics – which are made from oil – now make up 60% of our clothing and the average item is worn just five times. These clothes are then discarded, resulting in huge dumps, notably in Ghana and Chile, that are visible from space. It’s time to challenge the fast fashion business model and all those who say no to nature by designing beautiful, durable clothes from natural fibres that people will want to wear longer, and that will last longer.
In the meantime, leather, a natural by-product of the dairy and meat industries and our growing demand for food — from burgers to milkshakes, can be used to make items that last a lifetime and, when disposed of, biodegrade quickly. Leather is a perfect solution to one of fashion’s biggest problems, but each year almost half of the world’s cattle hides are just thrown away.
To encourage thinking about our planet’s future and to combat this waste, our judges are challenging you to create an original, innovative, and visually stunning design, in one of three categories of apparel, accessories or footwear made from real cattle leather. They would also like to see how entrants approach creating garments that will not only last, but be loved, for a lifetime.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 07 2026
Free to enter
THE PRIZE
- Category winners will be included in the RLSD capsule collection shown at events around the world. Winners will be asked to recreate their winning design, to form part of the capsule collection showcasing the best international talent, and unveiled at a final event hosted in October 2026.
- All category winners will be invited to attend the final judging event and selection of the International Design Competition’s overall winner. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Organisers. Organisers reserve the right to host a digital event in the case of travel restrictions being in place;
- winners will receive a certificate and trophy according to their category; and
- winners will be included in publicity including, but not limited to, social media promotion, website promotion and print and digital collateral.
Additional prizes may be announced by the organiser at a later date.
THE BRIEF & DELIVERABLES
Create a beautiful, durable design using at least 50% cattle leather by surface area that in design, execution and application, counters the fast fashion cycle and celebrates individual style. Other leathers, made from hides that are by-products of the food and dairy industries, may also be used as supplementary materials.
Entries are invited in one of three categories: Apparel, Footwear or Accessories. Footwear and accessories entrants must submit one (1) item, for example a pair of shoes or handbag. Apparel entrants may submit one (1) item or one (1) look. A look comprises of two or more items intended to be worn together and excluding footwear and accessories, for example a jacket or top and skirt or trousers. Whether you choose to submit a single garment, accessory or look, all entries will be judged equally using the same criteria.
Entries must be at least 50% cattle leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. Other leathers, made from hides that are by-products of the food and dairy industries, may also be used in addition to the required 50% cattle leather. Exceptions are made for items such as zippers or snap fasteners. The use of fur or exotic skins is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic exclusion from the competition.
Digital tools and AI may be used in the design process. Entrants must be able to physically produce their design and must have an appropriate methodology to create a prototype. Entries should include the following:
- A short summary of your project in English
- Mood board and design storytelling
- Sketches, technical flats and specifications
- A full list of materials
- A 2-minute video introducing you and your entry (Optional but encouraged)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applications are open to anyone currently studying at a higher education institution across the globe or who has graduated from higher education within the last (1) year and is not currently employed full-time within the creative sector.
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: July 07 2026
THE JUDGING
The Competition shall be judged by a panel comprised of representatives chosen by L&HCA and Real Leather. Stay Different. (the “Panel”). Entries will be judged on the following equally weighted criteria: individuality, conceptualisation, relevance, sustainability impact and commerciality and functionality. The Panel shall select:
- the Overall Winning Entry
- the Category Winners
Winners shall be notified by email. The panel may invite shortlisted entrants to conduct an interview by video. The People’s Choice Winner will be selected by public vote (Voting open from July 2026).
ABOUT REAL LEATHER. STAY DIFFERENT.
Real Leather. Stay Different is a global campaign that last year reached some 750 million people around the globe. It makes the case for leather and other natural materials, and for making the best use of society’s waste, particularly the hides that are by-products of the dairy and meat industries, before looking to the petrochemical industries for manmade materials. Flexible and durable, leather is part of a more natural alternative to ‘fast fashion’.
For more background information on the competition and the Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign, visit chooserealleather.com and follow us on Instagram at @chooserealleather and on Facebook .