RLSD International Student Design Competition 2026 open for entries
Global platform for emerging fashion talent builds on record-breaking momentum and industry success stories
As of 25 March 2026, The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) International Student Design Competition 2026 is officially open for entries, inviting the next generation of fashion, footwear and accessories designers to showcase their creativity, technical skill and innovative thinking on a truly global stage. Entries are free of charge and should be submitted at https://rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com/ by 30th June 2026.
Now a respected platform for emerging talent, RLSD connects ambitious design students with international brands, industry mentors and career-defining opportunities. Its reputation is defined not only by the calibre of its judging panel, but by the tangible career impact it has on its finalists and winners. It has become recognised as a launchpad for fashion careers with previous finalists going on to work with brands including Dior, Louboutin, Loewe, Balmain and Ulla Johnson.
Chris Koerber, MD of Hugo Boss Ticino, and Kora Hsieh, editor in chief of Harpers Bazaar Taiwan, with highly commended Sara Jaqueline Morandini.
In 2025, the competition reached a new milestone when Hugo Boss offered a fully funded, six-week work experience prize at its operations in Ticino, Switzerland. The prize was awarded by Christopher Koerber, MD of Hugo Boss Ticino, to International Accessories Category
Winner Sara Jaqueline Morandini during the RLSD International Final in Taiwan. Sara’s experience offers a powerful insight into what RLSD makes possible. Her journey at Hugo Boss Ticino is captured in the short video: “A Day in the Life of a Design Competition Winner.”
Chris Koerber, MD of Hugo Boss Ticino, and Kora Hsieh, editor in chief of Harpers Bazaar Taiwan, with overall 2025 winner Jamie O’Grady.
Meanwhile, Jamie O’Grady, RLSD 2025 Overall Winner, has gone on to secure a role as Associate Designer at New Balance – a testament to the competition’s ability to spotlight industry-ready talent and connect it directly with global brands.
The RLSD International Final brings together leading industry figures, brand representatives and educators to review, mentor and celebrate emerging designers. At the heart of the competition is a commitment to real-world relevance – challenging students not just to create compelling concepts, but to demonstrate commercial awareness, material understanding and responsible design thinking.
Christopher Koerber, judge and long-standing supporter of RLSD, commented: “The importance of RLSD continues to grow because it consistently uncovers exceptional young talent from across the world. What stands out to me each year is not only the creativity, but the depth of thinking - these are designers who understand craft, innovation and the realities of our industry.
“At Hugo Boss, we see enormous value in engaging with emerging design talent at this stage. Competitions like RLSD allow us to identify individuals with true potential and to support them in meaningful ways. My continued involvement as a judge and mentor reflects how strongly I believe in what RLSD represents - a serious, global platform that helps shape the future of fashion.”
The 2026 competition invites entries in three categories – apparel, accessories and footwear – from students worldwide. Shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to present their work to an international judging panel, gain industry exposure and compete for prestigious prizes and professional experiences.
With previous finalists progressing into global design roles and exclusive brand placements, RLSD is far more than a student competition – it is a career catalyst.
Entries for RLSD 2026 close on 30 June 2026. For full details on how to enter, visit: https://rlsd.internationaldesigncomp.com/
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