Designers from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya Shine at the 2nd Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 in Addis Ababa

The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 took place from November 8 to 10 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW). The event brought together the continent’s most innovative leather designers was a vibrant celebration of African talent, sustainable practices, and slow fashion. The showcase, themed “Redefining Fashion’s Environmental Footprint,” exhibited the immense potential of Africa’s leather industry and the role of sustainable design in reshaping the future of fashion.

The event attracted attendees, including prominent industry leaders, government representatives, and international partners, who came together to recognise and celebrate African designers committed to environmentally conscious practices in leather fashion. The event which was supported by the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), presented a unique platform for 14 exceptional African designers to display their creative vision, each selected from hundreds of entries across the continent.

Among the standout presentations were:

  • Ruth Girmay’s Overfishing Bag (Ethiopia): Girmay’s Overfishing Bag, inspired by the Nile Perch, combines artistry with environmental advocacy, bringing attention to the issue of marine conservation.
  • Eddie Louis’ Contemporary Leather Armour Collection (Uganda): Louis’ theatrical, armour-inspired collection blends historic design with bold, avant-garde aesthetics, symbolising protection and resilience.
  • Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa’s Amaluba Collection (Zimbabwe): This collection, featuring floral leather elements, pays tribute to nature, merging intricate 3D designs with sustainable leather fashion.

The awards ceremony recognized excellence across four categories including apparel, accessories, footwear and the people’s choice award which allowed the public to vote for their favorite design. The winners were:

  • Apparel Award: Eddie Louis (Uganda)
  • Accessories Award and Most Commendable Designer 2024: Ruth Girmay (Ethiopia)
  • Footwear Award: Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa (Zimbabwe)
  • People’s Choice Award: Stephen Maosa (Kenya)

The Most Commendable Designer award, presented to Ruth Girmay for her Overfishing Bag, highlighted her impactful use of fashion as a medium for environmental advocacy. Girmay’s dual win in both the Accessories and Most Commendable categories celebrated her innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainable design.

Speaking during the event Executive Director of ALLPI Nicholas Mudungwe acknowledged the power of collaboration in bringing the RLSD showcase to life. Mudungwe emphasised the RLSD initiative’s mission to be a catalyst for growth in the leather industry by empowering African artisans and connecting them to international markets. He also highlighted the economic opportunities that sustainable leather production can bring to Africa.

“By adding value to our leather products, we can create more income, empower generations, and ensure that Africa’s leather industry thrives globally.”

Kerry Brozyna, President of LHCA, reinforced the importance of leather as a sustainable and durable alternative to synthetic materials.

“Leather, as a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetics. It’s long-lasting, durable, and beautiful,” he remarked.

Brozyna praised the RLSD showcase for highlighting the benefits of leather, encouraging attendees and designers alike to view it as a responsible choice in the journey towards sustainable fashion.

The Real Leather Stay Different leather showcase had a runway as its centrepiece where each of the 14 finalists presented their unique creations across three categories: Apparel, Accessories, and Footwear. Attendees were captivated by the intricate designs and eco-conscious approaches that underscored Africa’s rich creativity and dedication to sustainability.

The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 served as a testament to the RLSD campaign’s vision of promoting leather as a sustainable, durable, and stylish choice in fashion. By challenging designers to integrate eco-friendly practices and materials, the RLSD campaign is redefining fashion’s environmental impact and positioning Africa as a leader in sustainable fashion.

With overwhelming public engagement through the People’s Choice Award voting and the promising partnerships forged during the event, the RLSD showcase is poised to continue its mission of fostering sustainability in African fashion. Organisers have already extended an invitation to more African designers to participate next year, expanding this impactful movement across the continent.

Meanwhile the event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LHCA and ALLPI. This partnership represents a shared commitment to promoting best practices in sustainable leather production across Africa. Among the highlights of the MoU include initiatives for educational programmes, technical support, and leather production efficiencies, creating pathways for African designers to access specialised training and resources. The agreement also sets the stage for future growth, empowering African artisans with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in global markets.

Senior Agricultural Attaché with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Justina Torry expressed her admiration for the creativity displayed by the finalists and introduced additional support programmes for African entrepreneurs, including the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and the Mandela Washington Fellowship. She encouraged designers to explore these opportunities for personal and professional growth, underscoring the role of international collaboration in fostering sustainable development within Africa’s leather industry.

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