For the past 4 years, Canadian brand Danier Leather has been encouraging future designers with the Danier Design Challenge. In partnership with the Ryerson School of Fashion, the challenge is an annual competition that allows third year fashion design students to create an original women’s leather garment.
On top of receiving great mentorship from industry experts during the whole challenge, the students compete for an amazing prize: seeing their garment sold in Danier stores… and the winning designs are in!
The top-prize winner created a “Carapace Jacket” with Italian lamb leather that featured intricate curved seaming. He was inspired by armoured imaginary creatures to create this very original jacket. Oz also received a 5000$ money prize.
The second place winner, reinvented the classic black blazer. His idea was to represent the ripple effect of a water droplet as it hits the surface. This jacket is more traditional but the details make it very interesting. Som also received a 3000$ money prize.
Diana Dan Li’s Insignia Jacket
Finally, the third place winner pays homage to strong and independent women with her form-fitting jacket. Just as insignia are used to reflect rank and power, the jacket is worn to complement a woman’s bold character and lifestyle. Diana also received a 2000$ money prize.
The Ryerson School of Fashion is one of the country’s best and has trained fashion designers like Erdem and Todd Lynn… so keep an eye out for those 3 newcomers!
Lolitta xx
p.s. The designs are available online @ danier.com
