26 Oct 2023
In addition to showcasing cutting-edge trends, top-of-the-line products, and high-quality leather materials, the APLF ASEAN 2023 also offered undergraduate designers the chance to showcase their skills. As a key highlight of the show, “The Next Leather Goods Designers Competition 2023” took place on October 26 at Hall 1, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The competition featured ten finalists from leading universities who will design bags made of leather sponsored by Thai tanneries.
From 41 participating student teams, there were ten finalists who will present their creation and marketing strategy at APLF ASEAN 2023:
Grey Scale from Burapha University inspired “Green Shade” with seeds, flowers, and vines. It is a zero waste product that can be folded like an origami.
Garnishien from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) presented their creation based on dometic chicken and the classic Thai proverb: “Chickens are admired by their feathers, while people are beautiful by their makeup”.
Another KMITL team is Papblur. Based on a Thai proverb, “Some people cannot see the wood for the trees” coupled with the idea that simplicity is sustainable, they created “Hair Hide the Hill”. So, their creation is a cross body bag for daily life.
In the following presentation, Kardashian from Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) presented a fascinating bag inspired by colorful Siamese Fighting Fish. Known as one of Thailand’s soft powers, the fish are economic creatures that possess a unique beauty.
The next finalist was Absord Heat from Bangkok University who entered the contest with “Absord Heat” with the theme “The Hand”. This craft has a thermal color that changes as the temperature changes. A large hand is depicted on the bag to represent the touch of the human hand.
Tomboy represented Bangkok University with the work “Tomboy”, based on the song (G)I-DLE’s which describes resistance to society’s expectations. Materials from leftovers were used to create this bag in order to maximize its beauty.
The seventh team was Saruan Chocolatebuabud from SWU. Their bag-inspired partial lunar eclipse, “Highlight,” impressed the judges and audience. The imperfect alignment of the sun, earth, and moon creates a beautiful phenomenon, and become the bag.
Afterwards, Nonthakorn Bouloy of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi presents his “Raksa”. As a tribute to cow, the first and most popular source of leather material since the beginning of time, the bag was made from genuine leather.
Next, we had Ori-ginal from SWU with a bag defined in three words: extravagant, timeless, and frequent. The concept is derived from folding origami. It is made of a single piece of leather. Consequently, there is no waste in the production process. Bags can be ordered in a variety of shapes and colors, according to the team.
The last but not least is Ling A Lome Khan from Burapha University who presents the design “Loylom” inspired by geometric shapes. The bag can also be made into 3 different shapes to suit a variety of purposes.
Regarding the contest, Assoc. Prof. Kulchrnut Termprayul from Burapha University stated that “The contest develops my student’s harmony, work, and courage. I believe it will influence the Thai leather products industry including the design and marketing strategy in the next 3-5 years. Also, leather goods will be popular among the younger generation too.”
Meanwhile, Tammarat Boonsuk, lecturer at Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi added that “This is the first contest for my students. In this way, they will be able to turn their creativity into a real work of art. I think there should be more of this competition with prizes.”
Finally, the judges panel, comprised of President of Thai Tanning Industry Association Mr. Suwatchai Wongcharoensin, Founder of Jakawa Leather Mr. Tee Jakawa, Founder and CEO of Mynte Studio Ms. Nichapa Jitsarangboon, and CEO and Designer of Vera Paris Ms. Vilaiporn Sirinapapan, finally made their decision. The winners are as follows.
Online Favorite Design was awarded to “Raksa” by Nonthakorn Bouloy from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.
The Best Innovation Award was given to Garnishien from KMITL. They also received a 5,000-baht prize.
The 2nd runner up with a 10,000-baht prize was Saruan Chocolatebuabud from SWU.
The 1st runner up with a 15,000-baht prize was Grey Scale from Burapha University.
And The Next Thai Leather Goods Designer Competition 2023’s winner was Ori-ginal from SWU. The award came with a 20,000-baht prize.
The 2023 competition closed with tremendous success. It would encourage young designers to develop themselves and boost the Thai leather goods industry to the next level in the future. The 2024 edition promises exciting highlights and we can expect great creativity from Thai students again.
The Competition is sponsored by the following 10 Thai APLF ASEAN exhibitors: 1. Allied Chemical Co Ltd, Chung Wang Brothers Co Ltd, CPL Group Public Company Ltd, I.B leather Co Ltd, Kongsiri Tannery Co Ltd, S.F.Leather House Co Ltd, Samutprakarn Tannery Co Ltd, Tan Sin Co Ltd, Thai Tanning Co Ltd and Vaikijanek Co Ltd.
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APLF ASEAN 2023 is a world-class leather goods exhibition under the slogan “ASEAN IN ACTION”, which is a grand gathering of leather industry professionals, buyers and leather goods exhibitors from all over the world to expand on. The 2022 event successfully brought together more than 200 leading leather suppliers domestically and internationally. Covers all matters of leather goods. From upstream to downstream, with positive feedback from buyers in the leather production and leather fashion industry in more than 50 countries. More information: www.aplf.com.
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