Finalists of RLSD ‘instinctively understand’ sustainable design
Four student designers from Italy, the UK, Israel and Vietnam are heading to Taiwan to compete in the final of the Real Leather, Stay Different (RLSD) International Student Design Competition 2025, which received a record 1,483 entries from more than 75 design schools worldwide.
“The fashion industry is witnessing a surge in youth-driven sustainable design innovation,” said judge Christopher Koerber, managing director of Hugo Boss Ticino.
“What we're seeing is a generation that instinctively understands the environmental stakes yet refuses to compromise on either creativity or responsibility."
From armour-inspired apparel to modular footwear systems designed for circular economy principles, this year's winners demonstrate sophisticated understanding of both craft and sustainability imperatives, he added.
Kerry Brozyna, president of the Leather & Hide Council of America, funders of the competition, said: "We launched Real Leather, Stay Different to counter the mounting threat of fast fashion and its environmentally catastrophic reliance on petroleum-based plastics masquerading as textiles. What we didn't expect was this level of engagement from a generation more than capable of working out what true sustainability means for the planet. They're not just designing products - they're designing solutions that prioritise sustainably sourced natural fibres, including leather."
Apparel winner Islam Nashef from Israel’s Bezalel Academy of Art and Design created ‘Shields’, exploring the tension between protection and vulnerability through armour-evoking constructions. UK's Jamie Unlu O'Grady from De Montfort University developed ‘SubTraction’, a modular footwear system where components can be replaced, interchanged, upcycled or disposed of to biodegrade independently. Italy's Sara Morandini from Accademia Costume & Moda presented ‘Ombrage’, a unisex collection inspired by natural forces. Vietnam's Lan Anh Nguy?n from Hoa Sen University captured the People's Choice award with ‘Horn to Hope’, symbolising resilience through the union of threatened rhinos and thriving orchids.
The RLSD international final will take place on October 28. The four international category winners will be joined by the RLSD Taiwan 2025 overall winner, Wu Jo I, who will compete on behalf of the host nation.
