Sustainable style takes center stage at the Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024

The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 is set to celebrate the best of Africa’s leather design talent while spotlighting the continent’s thriving leather industry and commitment to sustainable fashion.

This landmark event, to be held alongside the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW), will feature the creative visions of 14 exceptional designers, each selected for their innovative use of leather.

With a strong emphasis on ethical design, innovation, and slow fashion principles, the showcase embodies the RLSD campaign’s dedication to redefining fashion’s environmental footprint.

Themed “Redefining Fashion’s Environmental Footprint,” this year’s showcase highlights leather as a sustainable material choice, emphasizing its role as an eco-friendly by-product of the meat industry.

Real Leather. Stay Different. promotes slow fashion, advocating for the use of materials that are durable, versatile, and sustainable. The showcase aims to shift the fashion industry towards environmentally conscious practices by demonstrating leather’s longevity and adaptability.

Among the dignitaries attending the event will be Kerry Brozyna, President of the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA), who champions leather as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.

“Not only does plastic get thrown away very quickly in all of our closets, it also goes into the ground and lasts forever. Leather, as a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetics. Leather is long-lasting, durable, and beautiful. It has been around for thousands of years, so join us and help us fight for leather,” Brozyna stated.

Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), emphasized the economic and sustainable impact of Africa’s leather industry in the mission to redefine fashion’s environmental footprint.

“The leather industry has long supported our economies, providing livelihoods, fostering innovation, and driving the growth and development of our nations. We must acknowledge that we are at a crossroads—faced with both formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities.

"By adding value to our leather products, we can create more income, empower future generations, and ensure that Africa’s leather industry continues to lead in redefining fashion’s environmental footprint. This is what the Real Leather. Stay Different.

"Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 is all about—giving our designers the opportunity to showcase their talents and transform the future of fashion,” Mudungwe remarked.

The event will be held from November 8 to 11, 2024, in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.