The Leather and Hide Council of America (L&HCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) have announced the commencement of Real Leather. Stay different. Africa’s Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 (RLSD Africa’s Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24). This will be the second year of the competition.
RLSD Africa’s Talent Leather Design Showcase ’24 promotes Africa’s most innovative designers and their use of leather, spotlighting small and medium enterprises, as well as emerging student talent.
Amidst growing concerns over the environmental impact caused by disposable fast fashion, the RLSD Africa’s Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24 stands as a beacon for sustainable material use and circular design.
Kerry Brozyna, President of L&HCA, emphasized the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24’s mission, stating: “The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 is more than a competition; it’s a movement towards sustainability. We work to inspire designers to envision a future where fashion and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. With categories spanning apparel, accessories and footwear, we’re setting the stage for innovation, originality, and breathtaking design that celebrates leather’s enduring beauty and versatility.”
RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24 will not only celebrate the aesthetic and functional qualities of leather but will also champion the slow style movement, encouraging the creation of garments and footwear that are as durable as they are elegant.
Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director at ALLPI, commented: “The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 epitomises our dedication to growing the leather sector by fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices. It aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance value addition, sustainability and long-term competitiveness in Africa’s leather industry.”
The RLSD Africa’s Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘24 is now open for entries. Here is what you need to know:
It is open to SME designers and university students across Africa who should enter their design submission by June 7, 2024, midnight British Summer Time (BST).
The physical product submission will run from June 17th to August 12th, 2024.
The categories available are Apparel, Accessories and Footwear.
There is the aspect of material requirements for the designs which must comprise at least 50pc cow hide leather, celebrating its strength, beauty and durability. The use of fur and exotic skins is prohibited.
The final event will take place October 2024 (venue and date to be confirmed), with potential for a digital showcase, should travel restrictions apply.
Applicants can enter online at https://rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com/competitionevent/africa-2024/
The winning designs will be exhibited in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, receiving widespread publicity across Africa and internationally. One designer will be selected to present their work at the Real Leather. Stay Different.
International Design Competition final in Europe, with travel and accommodation sponsored by the organizers.
Other awards include certificates, cash prizes and trophies.
