INDIA REGION STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION
INTRODUCING THE
COMPETITION
Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA), through its global campaign Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD), is
bringing its Student Design Competition to India for the very first time in the academic year of 2025–26.
The RLSD International Competition has become an essential springboard for young designers worldwide, with
alumni going on to collaborate with iconic brands such as Christian Louboutin, Dior, and Loewe. The competition
challenges students to create innovative apparel, footwear, and accessories using real cattle leather — a natural,
sustainable by-product of the dairy and meat industries.
Over the past 5 years, RLSD competitions have been successfully hosted across Taiwan, Brazil, China, Thailand,
Vietnam, and Europe, engaging thousands of design students and producing capsule collections showcased at
global fashion platforms.
IN INDIA, WE ARE LOOKING FOR DESIGNERS WHO WILL START NEW BRANDS, FASHION
MOVEMENTS OR SLOW-STYLE.
YOUNG DESIGNERS WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
COMPETITION BRIEF
Create a beautiful, durable design using real leather that, in its design, execution, and application, counters the fast-fashion cycle and celebrates individual style.
CATEGORIES
Fashion Apparel | Fashion Footwear | Fashion Accessories | Design Artefacts
MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS
Entries must be at least 50% cattle leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. Other leathers, made from hides that are a by-product of the
food and dairy industries, can be used as an additional material to the 50% cattle hide. Exceptions are made for items such as zippers, snap fasteners. The use of fur
or exotic skins is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic exclusion from the competition.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
▪ A short summary of your project in English
▪ Research & Experimentation
▪ Mood board and design storytelling
▪ Sketches, technical flats, and specifications
▪ A full list of materials
▪ A 2-minute video introducing you and your entry (optional but encouraged)
JUDGING PROCESS
How Entries Will Be Assessed
INDIVIDUALITY CONCEPTUALISATION RELEVANCE SUSTAINABILITY COMMERCIALITY
Distinct point of view Clear concept, strong idea, and Contemporary alignment Material efficiency, Market potential,
or creative identity. well-communicated research. while offering progressive or circularity, environmental functionality, desirability,
visionary elements. impact, and transparent usability, and durability.
communication.
Our competition will be judged by a panel of fashion industry leaders and experts that we invite to participate.
The judging panel will select the 4 Category Winners and Overall Winner.
There will also be a People’s Choice Award, selected by public vote prior to the India final.
All winners will be notified via the official RLSD social media handle.
Q chooserealleather_india
E Real Leather. Stay Different- India
M chooserealleather_india
D RLSD_India
TIMELINE
8TH DECEMBER 2025
Submissions Open
1ST FEBRUARY 2026
Submission Deadline
20TH FEBRUARY 2026
Shortlisted Winners Announcement
1ST MARCH 2026
Public Voting Starts
31ST MARCH 2026
Public Voting Closes
27TH APRIL 2026
National Winners Announcement