RLSD Africa Unveils 2026 Talent Leather Design Showcase, Highlighting Sustainable Fashion Invites Kenyans to Win Over KSh 130,000

Fresh off the high of Nairobi Fashion Week Season VIII's Decarbonize push, Kenyan designers get another shot at global shine. The RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2026 just opened registrations on February 2.

Kenyan designers and artisans have been invited to compete for a share of significant cash prizes and international exposure in a major continental leather design showcase.

The fourth edition of the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase, launched by the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), is now open for registration.

The competition champions sustainable, high-quality leather craftsmanship and offers winners cash awards and other prizes.

Continental Leather Design Showcase Opens for 2026

A prestigious continental competition offering Kenyan fashion designers a pathway to global recognition and cash prizes exceeding KSh 130,000 is officially open for entries.

Artists at the 2025 RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase. Photo: Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA). Source: UGC

The 2026 RLSD (Real Leather. Stay Different.) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase, a collaboration between the American leather industry council and Africa's premier leather institute, seeks to elevate African design talent while promoting sustainable, durable fashion.

Key Dates and Submission Timeline

The registration and design submissions opened on February 2, 2026.

The showcase is structured into three main categories.

These categories are Apparel, Accessories, and Footwear.

Registration and design submission opened on February 2, 2026 and the submissions deadline is June 5, 2026.

Selected designs will be announced on June 26, 2026 and the winners will be invited to produce a physical item after selection.

The physical product submission window will run from July 3, 2026, to August 7, 2026.

Notably, all entries must incorporate at least 50% cowhide leather by surface area and natural materials must be used wherever possible.

The use of fur or exotic skins is prohibited.

Prizes and Opportunities for Winners

The competition will crowns five winners:

• Most Commendable Designer
• A winner in each of the three categories
• A People’s Choice Award selected by public vote

Kerry Brozyna, President of the Leather and Hide Council of America, confirmed  that in the previous edition, each winner received a USD $1,000 cash award (approximately KSh 130,000), with expectations that prize values will grow for the 2026 edition.

Industry Exposure and International Recognition

Beyond the financial incentive, winners gain unparalleled industry exposure.

“In the previous edition, each winner received a USD 1,000 cash award, with prize values expected to grow as additional award sponsors come on board. Beyond the financial incentive, RLSD Africa places strong emphasis on visibility, mentorship, and industry exposure.

The Most Commendable Designer is invited to attend the international RLSD award ceremony, with travel and accommodation covered by the organisers.

All 15 finalists are also invited to participate in the continental judging and showcase event, with travel and accommodation likewise covered by the organisers, where category winners and the People’s Choice Award are announced.

Winners receive official trophies and certificates and are featured across RLSD Africa’s global publicity platforms, including digital, print, and social media channels,” Beatrice Mwasi, RLSD Africa Coordination Team Lead.

The Broader Goal of the RLSD Africa Showcase

Speaking at the launch, Kerry Brozyna stated the initiative underscores Africa's central role in the global sustainability conversation.

“Africa is no longer participating in the sustainability conversation from the margins—it is helping define it. Leather explains how... RLSD Africa exists to elevate this truth through design,” she said.

Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, added that the platform has “matured into a continental platform linking design, industry, and policy,” translating Africa's raw potential into globally competitive, sustainable products.

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Promoting Slow Fashion and Sustainable Industry Growth

The competition is positioned as a direct challenge to fast fashion, promoting “Slow Fashion” principles by highlighting leather's durability, versatility, and natural origins as a by-product of the food industry.

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Kenya’s Leather and Textile Exports to the United States

Kenya’s leather and textile exports to the US

In related economic news, Kenya’s textiles and apparel industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, supported by the US market.

Kenya's textile exports to the United States have seen significant growth, driven by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

As reported, Kenya exported apparel worth $470 million (approximately KSh 60.72 billion) to the US under the AGOA arrangement in 2024 alone.

This trade supports an estimated 66,800 direct jobs in Kenya, highlighting the critical importance of the textile industry in the country.