The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 proudly unveils the 15 finalists of this year’s competition. This prestigious event, an initiative of the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the African Leather and Leather Products Institute, celebrates the best of Africa’s leather industry. The competition is coordinated in Africa by the Center for Business Innovation and Training (CBIT).
Following an overwhelming number of exceptional entries, our esteemed judges undertook a rigorous review process to select designs that exemplify Individuality, Conceptualisation, Relevance, Sustainability and Commerciality. The mission of this campaign is to fostering sustainable fashion practices, honouring Africa’s leather design, and elevating its designers to a global scale. It promotes the use of natural materials, advocates for slow fashion, and supports the growth of sustainable design across the continent. This is part of the international Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign which has reached an audience of 100s of millions of designers across the world.
“This year, we saw an overwhelming number of entries, an indication that Africa is rising and its creative talents are being recognised globally. The passion and ingenuity displayed by these designers showcase the boundless potential of Africa’s leather industry.” says Beatrice Mwasi, Managing Director of CBIT
Meet George Otieno, a Footwear Designer. His project: Africa’s Top Leather Product Designer – Culture. Innovation. Sustainability. Ruth Girmay, an Accessories Designer. Her project: Overfishing Bag. Introducing Muna Elmi, an Accessories Designer. Her project: Eco-Elegance: The Recrafted Collection. Stephen Maosa, an Accessories Designer. His project: Transformable Travel Bag from Leather and Upcycled Denim. Biniyam Solomon Bekele, an Accessories Designer. His project: Eco-Chic: Sustainable Leather Accessories for the Modern Conscious Consumer. Gideon Munyao, an Apparel Designer. His project: Hide & Sick. Raymond Shikuku, an Accessories Designer. His project: Minimalist Two in One Ladies Tote Bag with Focus on Longevity and Circularity. Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa, a Footwear Designer. Her project: Amaluba/Maruva @4141. Paulina Mokhothu, an Accessories Designer. Her project: Embodied Collection. Eddie Louis, an Apparel Designer. His project: Design Concept for Contemporary Leather Armor. Tokuma Sime Tola, an Accessories Designer. His project: Urban Leather Passion: Connecting Cities with Nature’s Touch. Angela Ndonga, a Footwear Designer. Her project: The Continuity of the Yarn Culture. Peter Kinyanjui, a Footwear Designer. His project: Iratu. Zeyin Mohammed, an Accessories Designer. His project: Madiba Leather Shirt Bag. Finally, we have Andrew Chihungu, a Footwear Designer. His project: The Continuity of the Yarn Culture.
These designers will now embark on a journey to bring their creative visions to life, transforming concepts into reality. The judges will select the best in each category, and later pick the most commendable designer. Don’t forget to participate in the ‘People’s Choice Award’ where the public will vote for their favorite designer, one that resonates with them, and support their incredible work.
The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase, 2024 encourages followers to stay engaged with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and join the conversation on social media. The event celebrates the boundless creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Africa’s designers, honoring the versatility, beauty, and sustainability of leather use.
Winners in each category—Accessories, Apparel, and Footwear—will be announced at the culmination of this exciting journey in Ethiopia, highlighting the exceptional talent and ground-breaking designs that define the future of leather fashion in Africa.
