Tal Zohar from Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art in Israel has won the top title at the 2026 Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition with her outfit ‘Neo-Heritage Tennis Club’. The competition finals took place in Bangkok, Thailand on 29 October 2026.
Zohar’s winning design combines tennis fashion from the 1920s and 1970s with contemporary athleisure. The outfit features a leather jacket quilted to represent the strings of a tennis racket paired with a tightly pleated leather skirt. A sun visor and leather ball bag complete the look.
The design uses cow leather and natural cotton with its colours and construction lines inspired by a tennis court.
Speaking about her entry Zohar said the competition brief encouraged designers to consider a more sustainable future for fashion by working with leather and natural materials.
“The strength and durability of leather and the growth of athleisure gave me both inspiration and audience” she said.
The annual competition attracted thousands of entries from students at more than 100 fashion colleges worldwide. It is supported by the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and delivered in partnership with Arts Thread.
Participants are required to use natural fibres with at least 50% bovine leather in their designs. The competition aims to introduce emerging designers to leather and encourage them to explore its versatility and potential for long-lasting fashion.
