Arts Thread and Real Leather. Stay Different. Launch Their Global Search for Sustainable Design Talent in 2026 Competition
London January 2026 – Arts Thread has announced it is partnering with Real Leather. Stay Different. for the sixth consecutive year to launch the International Student Design Competition 2026.
This global initiative seeks to identify the best new designers from around the world who are dedicated to promoting slow style and a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
The competition aims to address the urgent environmental crisis created by the fast fashion business model.
Currently, synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels constitute 60% of clothing, with the average item worn only five times before being discarded.
This cycle has resulted in massive landfills in regions such as Ghana and Chile that are visible from space.
Leather, a natural by-product of the dairy and meat industries, offers a sustainable solution to this waste.
While nearly half of the world's cattle hides are currently thrown away, leather remains a biodegradable material capable of lasting a lifetime.
To encourage a shift toward this durable material, judges are challenging students and recent graduates to create original, innovative, and visually stunning designs in one of three categories: Apparel, Accessories, or Footwear.
Entrants must create a design using at least 50% cattle leather by surface area, countering the fast fashion cycle by celebrating individual style.
The competition is open to anyone currently studying at a higher education institution globally or who has graduated within the last year.
The deadline to apply is 7 July 2026.
Category winners will see their designs included in the RLSD capsule collection showcased at events worldwide.
Furthermore, all category winners will be invited to attend the final judging event in October 2026, where the overall winner will be selected.
The organisers will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the finalists.
About Real Leather. Stay Different.
Real Leather. Stay Different. is a global campaign that reached approximately 750 million people last year.
It makes the case for leather and other natural materials, advocating for the best use of society’s waste—particularly hides from the dairy and meat industries—before turning to petrochemical industries for manmade materials.
Flexible and durable, leather is presented as a vital part of a more natural alternative to fast fashion. For more information, visit chooserealleather.com.
About Arts Thread
Arts Thread is the world’s leading digital platform connecting emerging creatives with industry professionals, institutions, and opportunities that shape creative careers.
Dedicated to fostering talent, developing ethical practices, and driving sustainability in design, Arts Thread serves as an essential resource for young creatives navigating today’s competitive industries.
