The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) announce a strategic partnership to launch the Brazilian edition of the Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Student Design Competition. This initiative brings together two leading institutions in the global leather sector to promote sustainable fashion, encourage new talent, and celebrate leather as a natural, durable, and versatile material. Check it here.
Now in its fifth edition, the RLSD Competition has already educated hundreds of thousands of young designers and fashion enthusiasts about leather, its relevance, and its role in the future of the industry. The contest brings together judges from major fashion houses such as Hugo Boss, prestigious media outlets like Wonderland and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as leading international stylists. Many of its winners have gone on to careers at top brands, including Christian Louboutin, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Loewe—solidifying the competition as a unique platform for showcasing global talent.
The competition challenges fashion students and young designers to create innovative pieces in three categories—apparel, footwear, and accessories—using at least 50% bovine leather in their designs while prioritizing natural materials. The goal is to stimulate creativity and sustainable design, highlighting leather as an alternative to fast fashion and as a long-lasting material.
Brazilian winners will have the opportunity to compete in the international RLSD finals in October 2026. If selected, all travel and accommodation expenses will be covered, increasing their visibility and connecting them with global fashion brands. In previous editions, winners participated in exclusive experiences such as trips to Italy to witness the luxury leather production process firsthand.
About LHCA
The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) is a nonprofit association representing the U.S. hides and leather industry. LHCA promotes genuine leather as a sustainable, high-quality alternative to synthetics, highlighting its environmental, durability, and performance benefits.
About CICB
The Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) represents the companies that produce leather in Brazil. Since 1957—the year of its foundation—it has worked for the growth, qualification, strengthening, and unity of the sector. Guided by sustainability, CICB develops technology and professional training projects, fosters dialogue with government entities, promotes Brazilian leather internationally, and builds a strong industry reputation.
About the RLSD Competition
The Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition is a global campaign that has already reached more than 200 universities and young designers across 40+ countries. Celebrating creativity, innovation, and sustainability, the project places leather at the heart of fashion’s future.
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