Over the past few years, people have become obsessed with the, ‘old money look‘. People from the 70s to 90s dressed elegantly, with perfectly tailored clothes, bags and jewellery which have been passed down as heirlooms in families.

Can our generation do the same with the fast fashion takeover? Cheap Chinese replicas have flooded our markets.

Real Leather, Stay Different (RLSD) Talent Showcase, birthed five years ago globally and with three years in Africa aims to promote sustainability, slow fashion whilst empowering African designers. RLSD promotes the use of leather and other natural materials when making fashion pieces.

The competition therefore helps designers to connect with other designers and industry leaders as well as becoming influencers of slow fashion, promoting sustainability and learning. In the previous years, local footwear designer Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa won several awards at the competition.

The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase ‘25 is now open for entries. Here is what you need to know:
• Registration: Opened on 3rd March, 2025.
• Categories: Apparel, Accessories, and Footwear.
• Design submission: Opens on 3rd March, 2025.
• Design submission: Closes on 6th June, 2025, midnight BST.
• Announcement of winning designs: Selected designs will be announced on 2nd July, 2025, along with invitations to submit the physical product.
• Submission of the physical product: This will run from 4th July, 2025, until 6th August, 2025.
• Material Requirements: Entries must be at least 50% cowhide leather by surface area and use natural materials wherever possible. While exceptions may be made for items such as zippers and snap fasteners, the overall design will be evaluated holistically, and a list of materials must be provided with submissions. It is important to emphasise that natural materials should be used whenever possible. Please note that the use of fur or exotic skins are strictly prohibited.
• RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2025: Scheduled for December 2025 (venue and date to be confirmed), with the possibility of a digital showcase should travel restrictions apply.

Interested designers can apply on chooserealleather.com/competition/africa-competition/