Ruth Girmay. CEO And Founder Shamrock Leathers: PHOTP[COURTESY]
The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) International Design Award, held in London, gathered designers from around the world to spotlight sustainable fashion, with a focus on leather as an eco-friendly material.
This global competition emphasized the fusion of creativity and environmental responsibility, attracting participants from various continents.
A standout moment of the event was the recognition of Ruth Girmay, hailed as Africa’s Most Commendable Designer.
Girmay’s Overfishing Bag, a leather creation addressing marine sustainability, stole the show, blending artistry with environmental awareness.
Her early success at the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase paved the way for her participation in the UK event, where her design was met with admiration.
The upcoming RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November, where the top 15 finalists will compete for various awards, including the coveted People’s Award, decided by public voting.
Girmay’s success at the UK event highlights the significance of this fast-tracked recognition.
The event opened with remarks from U.S. Ambassador to the UK, Jane Dorothy Hartley, who underscored the critical need for sustainability in fashion.
Hartley praised the designers for reducing waste and promoting ethical fashion, calling leather a durable and recyclable alternative to synthetic fabrics that harm the environment.
“This event shows how fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating beautiful and long-lasting products that benefit the planet,” Hartley said.
Kerry Brozyna, President of the Leather and Hide Council of America, further highlighted leather’s sustainable qualities, urging a shift away from synthetic materials like plastic, which contribute to long-lasting waste.
He emphasized leather’s durability and its role as a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, offering a sustainable solution.
“Leather lasts is beautiful, and has been used for thousands of years. Help us fight for leather,” Brozyna urged the audience, reinforcing the importance of educating young designers through the RLSD platform.
Christopher Koerber, Managing Director of HUGO BOSS, echoed this support, encouraging young designers to continue innovating with sustainable materials like leather.
Koerber praised the RLSD competition for nurturing global talent and promoting slow fashion through its emphasis on leather.
Since its inception, the RLSD International Design Award has engaged thousands of students worldwide, challenging them to create designs using at least 50% leather.
Regional events have been held across China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Africa, promoting sustainability and the reduction of synthetic materials.
The evening concluded with optimism for the future of sustainable fashion. Ruth Girmay’s Overfishing Bag stood as a symbol of how fashion can drive environmental change, inspiring others to embrace sustainability in their designs.
