The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 is set to crown the best of Africa’s leather design talent while spotlighting the continent’s thriving leather industry and commitment to sustainable fashion. This landmark event, to be held alongside the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW), presents the creative vision of 14 exceptional designers, each selected for their transformative use of leather.
With a strong focus on innovation, ethical design, and slow fashion principles, the showcase embodies the RLSD campaign’s dedication to redefining fashion’s environmental footprint. By supporting Africa’s leather designers and nurturing young creatives, the event aims to build a sustainable future for fashion while celebrating the creativeness and potential of Africa’s leather design on a global stage.
Themed “Redefining Fashion’s Environmental Footprint,” this year’s showcase highlights leather as a sustainable material choice, emphasizing its role as an eco-friendly by-product of the meat industry. Real Leather. Stay Different. promotes slow fashion, advocating for the use of materials that are durable, versatile, and sustainable.
The showcase aims to shift the fashion industry towards environmentally conscious practices by showcasing leather’s longevity and adaptability. Among the dignitaries at the event will be Kerry Brozyna, President of the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA), who champions leather as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials: “Not only does plastic get thrown away very quickly in all of our closets, it also goes into the ground and lasts forever. Leather, as a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetics. Leather is long-lasting. It’s durable. It’s beautiful. And as we’ve seen, it has been around for thousands of years. So, join us and help us fight for leather.”
Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), highlights the economic and sustainable impact of Africa’s leather industry in the mission to redefine fashion’s environmental footprint, “The leather industry has long supported our economies, providing livelihoods, fostering innovation, and driving the growth and development of our nations. We must acknowledge that we are at a crossroads—faced with both formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities. By adding value to our leather products, we can create more income, empower future generations, and ensure that Africa’s leather industry continues to lead in redefining fashion’s environmental footprint. This is what the Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 is all about—giving our designers the opportunity to showcase their talents and transform the future of fashion.”
The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 will present a lineup of events over several days, highlighting Africa’s talent in sustainable leather fashion. The 14 finalists will exhibit their leather designs from November 8th to 11th at the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and include Biniyam Solomon Bekele – Ethiopia, Zeyin Mohammed – Ethiopia, George Otieno – Kenya, Peter Kinyanjui – Kenya, Raymond Shikuku – Kenya, Eddie Louis – Uganda, Angela Ndonga – Kenya, Tokuma Sime Tola – Ethiopia, Andrew Chihungu – Zambia, Marilyn Samambgwa – Zimbabwe, Paulina Mokhothu – Lesotho/Kenya, Muna Abi Elmi – Kenya, Stephen Maosa – Kenya, Ruth Girmay – Ethiopia.
Over these four days, attendees will have the chance to explore unique creations across Apparel, Accessories, and Footwear, each piece highlighting the versatility and sustainability of leather in fashion. This event will also mark the signing of an MOU between the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).
The competition Designers in this year’s showcase were tasked with creating a single piece inspired by leather in one of three categories: Apparel, Accessories, or Footwear. Each design must be composed of at least 50% cattle-hide leather, complemented by natural or organic materials wherever possible. The use of fur, exotic skins such as crocodile or snake, or any endangered species is strictly prohibited, underscoring the eco-friendly nature of leather.
Sponsored by the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), this year’s showcase celebrates leather as a sustainable resource across Africa, supports local production, and champions innovation in the industry. The initiative also seeks to educate young designers across Africa on the benefits of sustainable leather usage, discovering and promoting Africa’s most talented designers who work with leather and natural materials.
The 2024 showcase finalists represent Africa’s finest in sustainable leather design, selected from hundreds of entries across the continent. Each designer brings a unique perspective, blending artistry with sustainability and reflecting the diversity and innovation of African fashion.
