First winners of the Only Natural Student Design Competition announced
An MFA Fashion Design graduate from the London College of Fashion, who now works for Vivienne Westwood creating bespoke commissions, has been named the first winner of the Only Natural Student Design Competition, which attracted more than 400 entrants from 68 countries.
Molly Wade (pictured) won the Apparel category and the title of Overall Fashion Winner with her project titled Shenn Vyrneen Aym' (An old love of mine), which incorporated wool, shearling sheepskin and regenerative leather.
In the Home section, Sam Bird Smith was awarded the Interiors category and Overall Home Winner title for his project Phyto. Sam studies at Nottingham Trent University, UK, and his work, a hanging pendant light made from 3D printed algae-based bioplastic.
Other category winners included Zachary Berry (Footwear), Anjala Shamla Shajan (Accessories), and Mingyu Xu (Furniture), along with People’s Choice Award winners Ashraful Alam (Fashion) and Arunima Sachan (Home).
Kerry Brozyna, president of the Leather & Hide Council of America, said: "We are proud to support the Only Natural competition, which showcases the creativity and innovation of the next generation of designers who are committed to sustainability. This competition highlights the endless possibilities that natural materials offer. We hope it will inspire more young designers to think sustainable and drive these practices in the wider industry."
Only Natural is a global initiative aimed at promoting the use of natural, sustainable materials in design. It is funded by the Leather & Hide Council of America in partnership with leading trade organisations, including the American Wool Council, American Softwoods, American Hardwood Export Council, National Industrial Hemp Council and the Mohair Council of America. The event was held at the US embassy in London.
