The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcasedate returns for the third year in Africa and the fifth year globally, offering designers a platform to participate in shaping the future of sustainable fashion.
An initiative of a global campaign led by the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) in collaboration with the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), RLSD promotes leather as the material of choice for a sustainable future while highlighting Africa’s exceptional design talent.
A key component of the campaign is a design competition that encourages designers to explore leather’s beauty, versatility, strength, and durability. Leather is far more sustainable than the synthetic fabrics that dominate fast fashion. Unlike polyester, nylon and acrylic, which all come from petroleum-based plastics, leather is a naturally occurring by-product of the meat industry that recovers animal hides that might otherwise be wasted
“The fashion industry cannot afford to ignore its environmental impact. Consumers are informed and change is inevitable. Leather stands at the heart of slow fashion because of its durability, offering an ethical and sustainable alternative to disposable fashion trends,” says Kerry Brozyna, President, Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA).
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By investing in products that last, Brozyna said Leather and Hide Council of America is sending a powerful message on sustainability — one that today’s conscious consumers deeply value.
RLSD serves as a launchpad for designers seeking to connect with industry leaders, fellow designers, and sustainability advocates; grow through learning; become ambassadors for sustainable fashion and design; influence industry perspectives and practices; and advocate for ‘Slow Style’ against the fast fashion model. Recognising and rewarding talent in leather product design, provides a stepping stone to career and business advancement.
The 2024 edition, held alongside Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, showcased 14 outstanding finalists under the theme “Redefining Fashion’s Environmental Footprint.” Their designs exemplified the fusion of creativity and sustainability in shaping the future of fashion.
Ethiopian designer Ruth Girmay won Most Commendable Designer 2024 with her Overfishing Bag, inspired by marine conservation. Ugandan designer Eddie Louis presented the Contemporary Leather Armour Collection, blending bold aesthetics with historical influences. Zimbabwe’s Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa showcased the Amaluba Collection, celebrating nature through intricate floral designs, while Kenyan designer Stephen Maosa won the People’s Choice Award for his Transformable Travel Bag, crafted from upcycled denim and leather, redefining circular fashion.
“The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2025 champions leather as the material of choice for a sustainable future, providing designers across Africa with the skills, exposure and platform to harness its beauty, versatility and durability. Now is Africa’s time to lead in creating ethical, high-quality leather products and shaping the future of sustainable fashion,” Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director, Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).
The 2025 competition aims to expand participation across Africa, encouraging designers to incorporate at least 50% natural leather in their creations. Participants must design a single item from one of three categories: apparel, footwear, or accessories. Submissions must include storyboards, sketches, technical specifications, and concept explanations, with an optional short video presentation. An expert panel of industry leaders and icons will evaluate the designs.
Finalists will have the opportunity to produce their winning designs for an exclusive showcase event in December 2025, where they will present their work before a continental audience. The Most Commendable Designer will represent Africa at the RLSD International Showcase, with all travel expenses covered. The People’s Choice Award will be determined by a public vote and awarded at the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase in December. All winners will receive industry recognition, certificates, trophies, and extensive global exposure.
The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase, coordinated in Africa by the Center for Business Innovation & Training (CBiT), is part of a global campaign promoting leather as a sustainable alternative to synthetics. The launch of the 2025 competition presents an exciting opportunity for designers, sponsors, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in shaping the future of sustainable fashion in Africa.
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