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.photo courtesy
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 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.
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 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:
Ruth Girmay’s Overfishing Bag (Ethiopia): Accessories Award and Most Commendable Designer 2024
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): Apparel Award:
Louis’ theatrical, armor-plated collection blends historic design with bold, avant-garde aesthetics, symbolizing protection and resilience.
Nompumelelo Marilyn, Samambgwa’s Amaluba Collection (Zimbabwe): Footwear Award
This collection, featuring floral leather elements, pays tribute to nature, merging intricate 3D designs with sustainable leather fashion.
Stephen Maosa, Transformable Travel Bag:(Kenya) :People’s Choice Award
Maosa an accessory designer, crafts travel bags from Kenyan leather and up-cycled denim. His work captivated the public and emerged as the favorite.
The Most Commendable Designer award, presented to Ruth Girmay for her Overfishing Bag, highlighted her impact 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 emphasized 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 toward sustainable fashion.
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. Organizers have already extended an invitation to more African designers to participate next year, expanding this impact movement across the continent.
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 programs, technical support, and leather production efficiency, creating pathways for African designers to access specialized 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 programs 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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