derick.khumalo
Judith Phiri, [email protected]
Zimbabwe has once again affirmed its reputation as one of Africa’s leading centres of leather craftsmanship after two of its designers secured places among the Top 15 Finalists of the Real Leather. Stay Different (RLSD) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2026.
The showcase one of the world’s premier competitions celebrates sustainable leather design, innovation, craftsmanship and responsible production.
In a statement, Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) said Zimbabwe’s two finalists, Ms Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa and Mr Owen Taruvinga, were selected by an independent panel of internationally renowned judges from an outstanding field of entries submitted by designers from across the African continent.
“Significantly, both Zimbabwean finalists are competing in the Footwear category, a fitting reflection of Zimbabwe’s long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s leading producers of quality leather footwear. Their success underscores the country’s enduring expertise in leather manufacturing, product innovation, and artisanal craftsmanship,” read part of the statement.
“For Ms Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa, this year’s achievement marks an inspiring return to the RLSD stage after taking a break from last year’s competition. Her comeback continues an outstanding RLSD journey that has already earned continental recognition. She captured the People’s Choice Award in 2023, was crowned the Footwear Category Winner in RLSD Africa 2024, and now returns as one of Africa’s Top 15 Finalists in 2026, an extraordinary testament to her consistency, creativity, and leadership in leather design.”
ALLPI said her latest collection, “Tethered Earth by Bu Kalanga,” combines locally sourced Zimbabwean leather, reclaimed walnut wood, and intricate leather macramé to create luxury footwear that seamlessly blends structural innovation with radical sustainability.
It said the collection demonstrates how locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship can produce contemporary products capable of competing on the global stage.
“Joining her is Mr Owen Taruvinga, whose remarkable concept, “Vandura Heritage Boot,” draws inspiration from the Shona philosophy of transformation. By repurposing discarded tyres and leather offcuts into durable heritage footwear, Owen showcases the immense potential of circular design while celebrating Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through the iconic Great Zimbabwe chevron motif,” added ALLPI.
“His concept demonstrates that sustainability, innovation, and timeless craftsmanship can coexist to create products built for both the African landscape and international markets.”
The Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design showcase is a global initiative that celebrates the beauty, versatility, strength, and durability of leather while providing emerging designers with a credible and structured platform to demonstrate originality, craftsmanship, innovation, and responsible production.
The programme equips participants with a deeper understanding of leather as a natural material derived from hides that are by-products of the meat and dairy industries, encouraging informed and responsible design practices that add value to an existing natural resource.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to Slow Fashion, an approach that challenges the wastefulness of fast fashion by encouraging the creation of high-quality leather products that are designed to last, be repaired, and be treasured rather than discarded.
This philosophy is reflected throughout this year’s competition, where sustainability, durability, and commercial viability featured prominently across the finalists’ concepts.
This year’s Africa competition attracted hundreds of online registrations and high-quality submissions from more than ten African countries. Following a rigorous moderation process and comprehensive evaluation by an international panel of judges, only fifteen finalists were selected to advance to the next stage.
The distinguished judging panel includes Michael Redwood, one of the world’s foremost authorities on leather, whose career spans more than six decades. He was joined by Preston Viswamo (Team Leader), Ruth Girmay, Jacqueline Shaw, Tezera Ketema, and Judy Ngotho, bringing together exceptional expertise in leather science, manufacturing, product development, sustainability, fashion, and international trade.
The judges assessed every design against five core criteria: Individuality, Conceptualisation, Relevance, Sustainability, and Commerciality, ensuring that only the continent’s strongest concepts progressed.
