Real Leather. Stay Different. runs this annual competition with support from the Leather & Hide Council of America. It invites higher-education students and people who graduated within the previous year to submit an original apparel, footwear or accessories concept using real cattle leather.
The 2026 cycle accepted digital entries worldwide and will bring finalists to Bangkok for final judging and awards. The program links sustainable-material design with an international showcase and professional visibility.
Benefits & funding
- Entry is free.
- Category winners are invited to the international final, with travel and accommodation covered by the organizers.
- The People’s Choice winner is also invited to present work and compete for the Overall Winner title.
- Category winners join the RLSD capsule collection, receive a certificate and trophy, and are included in program publicity.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must be enrolled in higher education or have graduated from higher education within the previous year.
- Anyone employed full-time in the creative industry is ineligible.
- The international competition states no nationality or residence restriction.
- Entries must be original, submitted in English and not previously entered in the competition.
- Designs must use at least 50% cattle leather by surface area; fur and exotic skins are prohibited.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled · PhD
Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs
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Application process
- 1When the next cycle opens, create a profile on the official competition platform.
- 2Choose Apparel, Footwear or Accessories and prepare an original design that meets the material rules.
- 3Upload an English project summary, mood board, design story, sketches, technical flats, specifications and a complete materials list; a two-minute introduction video is optional.
- 4Submit through the platform before the deadline; winners are notified by email, and shortlisted applicants may be invited to a video interview.
Program timeline
Applications opened.
Jan 12, 2026
Application deadline.
Jul 7, 2026, 23:59 BST
People’s Choice voting opened.
2026-07
Final judging and awards events take place in Bangkok.
Oct 28, 2026 to Oct 29, 2026