Only Natural invites synthetic-free submissions
Applications have opened for a new, sustainability minded student design competition, Only Natural, targeted at high school students and 2022-2023 graduates alike.
There are two categories, Fashion and Home, and the idea is to combine at least two natural materials per article of footwear, apparel and accessories (Fashion), or furniture and interiors (Home).
Submissions are welcomed until May 31.
Only Natural is funded by the Leather and Hide Council of America, with support from trade associations like the American Wool Council, National Industrial Hemp Council, Mohair Council of America and the American Hardwood Export Council. The judging panel includes industry experts such as designer Jens Laugesen and Nikitia Jayasuriya, formerly eco-innovation platform The Mills Fabrica's European lead.
A People’s Choice award will be presented following an online public vote.
Education partner Arts Thread’s representative, Alex Brownless, commented: "Arts Thread is delighted to support the drive for students to enter this inspirational competition that has the potential to shape the material preferences they choose to use in their future careers.
“For the sake of our future, we need to go back to our origins. The power is ours to act now.”
Mr Jayasuriya added: “It is time to say no to plastic and fossil fuel-derived products.”
Learn more about the competition here.
