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.
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. Ruth’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.”
