22 December 2025
Ho Chi Minh City, 15 November 2025 — As part of APLF ASEAN 2025, a dedicated Education Day brought together over 100 students from three of Vietnam’s leading design universities — Hoa Sen University, Ton Duc Thang University, and HUTECH University — for an immersive day of material learning, industry dialogue, and creative presentation. The event spotlighted leather not only as a product, but as a narrative medium — natural, sustainable, and full of creative possibility.
The day began with a keynote seminar by Simona Tanning, titled “The Story of Leather”, which walked students through the full lifecycle of leather — from raw hide to finished fashion material. The session also addressed the common misconceptions about synthetic alternatives, emphasizing lifecycle impact and traceability.
“We believe the future of fashion begins with education,” said Alane Marder, Head of Marketing and Sustainability.
“I hope that today, these students leave here very inspired — knowing a little more about leather, and that when they design now, they will design with much more purpose. Sustainability and creativity work beautifully together.”
With visuals showing hide sourcing, tanning, finishing, and upcycling techniques, Alane advocated for leather as a material of depth and responsibility — more than just a disposable luxury, but rather a substance with a story.
“It’s not just something to be used — it’s something to be respected,” she said.
“We believe that the future of fashion begins with education. And I believe we can support this new generation to become more conscious and more innovative in their designs.”
Simona Tanning, which opened its new tannery in northern Vietnam in 2024, also donated certified leather to all three universities — a step aimed at helping educators build or expand future leather-focused curricula.
The next session featured a live sharing by Châu Trần, founder and creative director of CHAUTFIFTH, one of Vietnam’s most original Gen Z–focused fashion accessory brands. Her talk focused on building a brand through individuality, imperfection, and emotional relevance — illustrating how design can act as both self-expression and social commentary.
“I truly admire that. They bring their own perspectives and personalities into their designs. It’s not about whether a design is good or bad, beautiful or not — it’s about expressing individuality and identity..”
She also gave students a behind-the-scenes look at CHAUTFIFTH’s visual retail concepts, digital branding, and approach to storytelling through shapes and materials.
“During the time I spent listening to the students present, I saw that although they are still young, they have deep perspectives and life experiences. It makes me believe Vietnam has strong potential to rise on the fashion map.”
The spotlight next shifted to the Design-A-Bag Vietnam Talent Edition, a local variation for the international Design-A-Bag Competition 2026. Twelve shortlisted students presented their original bag design sketches live on stage, adhering to strict international submission standards and the theme “New Uses / Functionalities.”
After careful deliberation by the judging panel, Phan Nguyễn Hoài Thươngfrom Hoa Sen University, was announced the winner for her striking design titled Still on Shattered – The Unbowed Bag. Her concept merged architectural structure with ergonomic functionality, expressing the resilience and inner strength of young professionals navigating chaotic environments. “This competition helped me understand how leather tells a story—not just in form, but in meaning,” Hoài Thương said. “I’m incredibly grateful. Thank you, APLF ASEAN and Simona Tanning, for making this possible.” As the top winner, she will travel to APLF Hong Kong 2026 in March, where she will experience the fair firsthand and represent Vietnam on the international stage.
Second place was awarded to Phùng Trà My from Ton Duc Thang University for The Bird Bag, a minimalist design that fused elegance with smart functional features, including a built-in mirror and hidden tech compartments. Third place went to Nguyễn Vũ Vui, also from Ton Duc Thang University, for The Miralis Bag, whichdrew inspiration from reflective surfaces and organic forms, symbolizing self-awareness and feminine strength.
All 1twelve entries have been submitted to the global jury. From the international pool, three finalists will be invited to present their physical prototypes in Hong Kong, and one global winner will receive a scholarship to Arsutoria School in Italy, sponsored by APLF.
Educators across all three universities praised the initiative:
“Thanks to APLF and Simona Tanning, our students worked with genuine leather for the first time — and saw how a design becomes a product with meaning.”
— Nguyễn Lê Huyền Trân, Lecturer in Fashion Design, Faculty of Industrial Fine Arts of Ton Duc Thang University
“This is the start of what we hope will be long-term collaboration, It gave students both technical knowledge and confidence.”
— Trần Minh Nhựt, Director, Fashion Design Programme of Hoa Sen University
“Exposure like this connects students directly to future career paths in sustainable fashion,” added Phạm Thị Hồng Liên, Lecturer in Fashion Design of HUTECH University.
In addition to participating the global competition, the top 3 Vietnam winners have earned seats in the Simona L.E.A.T.H.E.R. Academy, an 8-day leather training programme at Simona’s Ninh Binh tannery. Students will receive accommodation, materials, tools, and hands-on training — gaining practical knowledge and skills.
This collaborative effort between APLF, Simona Tanning, and Vietnam’s design universities not only exposed students to real-world design scenarios but also laid the groundwork for future materials education in Southeast Asia.
The next leather designers of Asia may have just taken their first step — right here in Vietnam.
