Farida Eid of Egypt has made history by becoming the first non-Ethiopian to win the coveted Most Commendable Designer 2025 award at the Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase.
Her winning creation, the Zahw - Serpent Sandal, captivated judges with its bold fusion of ancient symbolism and modern luxury.
Crafted from deep purple cowhide leather and adorned with copper serpent motifs, the design draws inspiration from a historic Egyptian emblem of sovereignty and divine authority, reimagined for the global fashion stage.
Judges praised the Zahw Sandal for its artistry and storytelling power, describing it as a striking demonstration of leather's beauty, versatility, durability, and sustainability.
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"Farida's Zahw Sandal is not only a powerful demonstration of leather's qualities but also a bold reminder that our heritage can define the future of fashion. We are proud to see her carry Africa's story onto the global stage," said Beatrice Mwasi, Team Lead for the RLSD Africa Showcase.
Eid, who studied design in Milan, described her victory as both a personal milestone and an opportunity to champion African creativity internationally.
"This title is not only a celebration of my work but also a call to champion leather's potential and to show the world the strength of African creativity," she said.
As the 2025 RLSD Africa champion, Eid will represent the continent at the International RLSD Showcase in Taipei, Taiwan, scheduled for October 27-28, 2025.
She will also feature at the Continental Showcase in Lusaka, Zambia later this year, where her designs are expected to attract global buyers and fashion houses.
Now in its third year, the RLSD Africa Showcase has become a vital launchpad for rising talent across the continent. The 2025 competition attracted hundreds of submissions, with 116 entries meeting the rigorous standards of originality, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
From these, 15 finalists were shortlisted to present prototypes before an international panel of experts.
The initiative is part of the global Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign, which champions natural leather as a sustainable alternative to synthetics while providing African designers with a global stage to showcase their creativity.
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Past winners include Ethiopia's Ruth Girmay, who has since returned to the program as a judge and ambassador.
With her win, Farida Eid not only breaks new ground for Egyptian design but also strengthens the narrative that Africa's heritage and innovation belong at the heart of global fashion's future.
