Fashion Powerhouses Unite: HUGO BOSS, IODF and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana announced as judges for Real Leather. Stay Different. 2023 International Student Design Competition

Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition (RLSD ’23) has unveiled its judging panel for its 2023 global final, taking place in Milan this October, with super-brand Hugo Boss joined by digital futures champions IoDF, sustainability guru Paola Arosio, young talent and 2022 winner Gal Benjamin and stylist to the stars Mike Adler.

RLSD ‘23, delivered in partnership with Arts Thread, was established to encourage the next generation of designers to promote slow style and a more sustainable future using long-lasting natural materials and, by entering the competition and using its workshops and resources, help give them a career in the industry where they can help shape a more sustainable future.

Entirely digital, the competition is open to students in higher education or those who have graduated in the past year, the competition encourages emerging talent to enter designs in one of three categories of footwear, apparel and accessories.  Designs must be made using at least 50% natural, sustainable, responsibly produced leather. Designs are assessed  on their fashion, sustainability and durability credentials with judges wanting to see pieces that will not only last but will be loved for a lifetime.

Christopher Körber, Managing Director of HUGO BOSS Ticino and veteran judge, commented:

“Every year, the Real Leather. Stay Different. competition provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their innovative and sustainable designs. I am excited to see this year’s entries and witness how the next generation of designers are incorporating sustainability into their vision.”

Gal Benjamin, last year’s overall winner and newly appointed judge for 2023, shared his experience:

“Winning this competition was an unparalleled experience. It showed me the potential of sustainability-focused design. Now, as a judge, I look forward to fostering creativity, innovation, and sustainable practices among the new generation of designers.”

Paola Arosio, Head of New Brands & Sustainability Projects at Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, echoed these sentiments:

“I am excited to join the RLSD ‘23 judging panel. The challenge encourages designers to reconsider the importance of sustainability, promoting responsible sourcing and the value of slow fashion. Together, we can steer the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Funded by the Leather & Hide Council of America (L&HCA), RLSD encourages emerging talent to work with natural, sustainable, responsibly produced leather. Steve Sothmann, President of L&HCA, added:

“The time for talk has passed.  We need to take action now to challenge the damage wrought by the fast fashion industry.  We need to set out an alternative future that makes use of natural materials, that challenge fast fashion and that cuts the waste going to landfill.”

“We are delighted to welcome such an esteemed panel of judges for this year’s competition. Their collective expertise and commitment to sustainable fashion are sure to inspire and guide our participants in a meaningful way. 

“At the heart of our mission is the reduction of waste and the promotion of sustainable, natural materials. In an age increasingly aware of the environmental cost of plastics, synthetics, and pleathers, we believe it is the responsibility of the fashion industry to utilise hides, a by-product of the meat and dairy industries, that would otherwise end up in landfill. Together, we can shift the tide, favouring natural, sustainable materials that respect both our planet and the industries that support us.”

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to Milan, with an all-expenses-paid trip, to present their design concepts to the judges during a live showcase final this October. As part of the reward for reaching the global final, finalists’ designs will be professionally made for presentation to the judges.

Students can enter the Real Leather. Stay Different. 2023 International Student Design Competition until midnight [BST] on June 30, 2023. In addition to the international competition, regional competitions run in Mainland China, the UK, Taiwan, The Nordics and, new for 2023, The Philippines. For more information, visit: rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com