Ruth Girmay of Ethiopia (third from right), winner of the Most Commendable Award, pictured with Kerry Brozyna, President of the LHCA (right), Preston Viswamo, Project Manager at ALLPI, Justina Torry, Senior Agricultural Attaché from the Foreign Agricultural Service, and Jane Lee, Vice President of LHCA.
The Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024, held as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW), brought the spotlight to the creative and sustainable talents of African designers.
The event, which took place from November 8 to 10, was a vibrant celebration of innovative leather fashion, featuring 14 designers from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond.
With the theme “Redefining Fashion’s Environmental Footprint,” the showcase emphasized sustainable practices and slow fashion, revealing the immense potential of Africa’s leather industry. Supported by the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), the event attracted industry leaders, government officials, and international partners who gathered to honor environmentally conscious designs.
The runway centerpiece of the RLSD event displayed unique creations in three main categories: Apparel, Accessories, and Footwear. Among the highlights was Ethiopian designer Ruth Girmay’s Overfishing Bag, inspired by the Nile Perch, which blended artistry with a call for marine conservation. Uganda’s Eddie Louis impressed with his Contemporary Leather Armour Collection, a bold, theatrical display of resilience, while Zimbabwe’s Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa showcased her Amaluba Collection, paying tribute to nature with intricate floral leather elements.
The awards ceremony recognized exceptional talent across four categories:
Apparel Award: Eddie Louis (Uganda) for his innovative armour-inspired collection.
Accessories Award: Ruth Girmay (Ethiopia), who also earned the title of Most Commendable Designer 2024 for her impactful environmental advocacy through design.
Footwear Award: Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa (Zimbabwe) for her nature-themed footwear.
People’s Choice Award: Stephen Maosa (Kenya), who captivated public voters with his creative vision.
Ruth Girmay’s recognition in both the Accessories and Most Commendable categories highlighted her skill and commitment to using fashion as a tool for environmental awareness. The Overfishing Bag stood out not only for its craftsmanship but also for its message on sustainable resource use.
Speaking at the event, Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing Africa’s leather industry. “By adding value to our leather products, we can create more income, empower generations, and ensure that Africa’s leather industry thrives globally,” he stated, highlighting the economic potential of sustainable leather production.
Kerry Brozyna, President of LHCA, reiterated the environmental benefits of leather as a sustainable material, noting its durability and appeal. “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.
A significant moment during the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LHCA and ALLPI. This partnership aims to promote sustainable leather production in Africa, offering educational programs, technical support, and efficiency improvements. The MoU sets the stage for growth, providing African artisans access to specialized training and international market opportunities.
The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 highlighted the campaign’s mission to promote leather as a sustainable, stylish, and durable choice. By encouraging designers to use eco-friendly practices, the RLSD initiative is paving the way for a more responsible fashion industry.
The event’s success and public engagement, particularly through the People’s Choice Award, underscored the growing interest in sustainable fashion. Organizers have already extended invitations for next year’s showcase, aiming to include even more African designers and expand the movement across the continent.
The showcase concluded with remarks from Justina Torry, Senior Agricultural Attaché with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, who praised the creativity of the finalists. She introduced additional support programs, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, encouraging designers to leverage these resources for personal and professional growth.
Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA): Advocates for sustainability and innovation in the leather industry, collaborating globally to promote responsible production and consumption.
Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI): A key organization under the African Union, ALLPI aims to transform Africa’s leather industry through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and training.
Center for Business Innovation & Training (CBiT): As the RLSD coordinator in Africa, CBiT connects African designers with global opportunities, fostering business innovation and value chain development.
With its focus on sustainability, creativity, and collaboration, the RLSD showcase has set a high bar for the future of African fashion, proving that the continent is ready to lead the way in redefining the global fashion industry’s environmental impact.