REAL LEATHER CONTEST 2023

Real Leather. Stay Different International Contest 2023 (RLSD 2023).

THE CONTEST

. Now in its third edition, it is an international competition sponsored by LHCA (Leather & Hide Council of America) open to fashion, design and craftsmanship students over the age of 18.

. Judges challenge students to create an original, innovative, and visually stunning design, in one of the following categories: apparel, accessories or footwear.

. Student’s piece should capture one or more of the facets of leather, from beauty and versatility to strength and durability.

. Entries must be at least 50% cattle hide leather and plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives or organic materials are available.

. Fur or exotic leathers are not accepted.

. It is recommended to give consideration to ease of recycling, reuse and disposal at the end of the product’s life, and also to think about the practicalities of commercial production.

DEADLINES AND WINNERS

. Students will be able to upload their entries from March until June 30, 2023.

. Winners (one winner per category) will be decided by a top judging panel, which will be announced in April. Previous judges have included the likes of Christopher Koerber (Managing Director at Hugo Boss), Rosie Wollacott-Phillips (Head of Sustainability at Mulberry), Kerry Brozyna (Vice President at Wolverine Worldwide), Katie Greenyer of the Pentland Group, and Milan Miladinov (Art Director at Rollacoaster magazine).

. Winners will be notified via email by the 15th July 2023 and announced via the RLSD competition platform, website and social media channels.

. An additional 'People's Choice' category winner will be decided by public vote and announced by the 30th July 2023.

DELIVERABLES

Entries should include the following elements:

. A brief summary of the project provided in English.

. Storyboards and design inspiration.

. Sketches, flats, technical specifications, and final design (the item does not need to be physically made at this stage)

. A short two-minute video to introduce the student and the design. This is optional but encouraged, as it brings life to your project.

PRIZES

. RLSD branded trophy

. RLSD branded certificate

. Coffee Table Book covering the competition and including the winners’ entry.

. The category winners will have their designs professionally made and form part of a capsule collection showcasing the best international talent, and unveiled at a final event hosted in Milan in October 2023.

. All three category winners and the People’s Choice award winner will win an all expenses-paid trip to attend the final event in Milan where the overall winner will be chosen and announced.

. At the final event the students will be able to network with some of the leather and design industries’ most important movers and shakers.

. Winning profiles and designs promoted online across RLSD channels including video, photography, editorial interviews and social media promotions.

. Additional prizes to be announced at a later date.

SOME OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED TO PAST WINNERS

. Editorial coverage

. Celebrity shoots with industry stylists such as Mike Adler

. Internships and working with big fashion names (such as Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Celine, Loewe, Borbonese)

. Sponsorship from competition partner AForce for further education

. Celebrity dressing opportunities

. Winning designs professionally made and appeared in international capsule collections showcased around the globe.

HELPFUL LINKS

2022 CATEGORY WINNERS

THE OVERALL WINNER 2022