What is the L.E.D. Project?
The L.E.D. Project is a collaborative initiative by APLF that promotes the use of leather by bringing together APLF-Leather exhibitors and independent designers. Through this partnership, leather becomes the starting point for developing exclusive APLF Editions that highlight both craftsmanship and new design ideas.
LED Project Season 3
Beauty of Vegetable Tanned Leather from Tuscany
LED Project 3 is sponsored by the Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium.
This Season, LED Project has invited six talented designers from China, Vietnam, Japan and Pakistan to collaborate on creating their APLF edition handbags, using vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany.
Gallery
Leather reimagined through contemporary design.
Video
LED Project Season 3 Highlight Video Now on YouTube!
Designers
Meet the designers who have shaped the LED Project through craft, creativity, and material exploration.
Meet Aleena, founder of SAAZ—a boutique shoe brand renowned for its distinctive fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
A graduate of the National College of Arts with a degree in Architecture, Aleena channels her passion for precision and creativity into crafting footwear that is both innovative and functional.
SAAZ is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail, sustainability, and dedication to comfort. Known for handwoven leather-thong huaraches, the brand beautifully harmonizes artisanal heritage with modern global aesthetics. The leather-thong design molds uniquely to each wearer’s feet, offering unparalleled personalization. Every pair of SAAZ tells a story, reflecting the individuality of its owner while redefining “Made in Pakistan” as a hallmark of quality and creativity.
Connect:
Aleena Mughal, Pakistan
The high-end boutique accessory brand founded by renowned independent designer Jiangxi is named after her.
It embodies a blend of Eastern and Western aesthetic sensibilities and represents contemporary Eastern aesthetics.
Jiangxi’s works have been featured in prominent media outlets such as VOGUE, BAZAAR, Marie Claire, WALLPAPER, IDEAPELLE, and CCTV, and have graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival alongside movie stars.
Connect:
Jiangxi, China
The founder of Chautfifth, Chau, took an unconventional path into the fashion industry.
With a background in Sales & Marketing at corporation, she had no formal training in fashion but always had a deep love for art and design.
She saw a market gap in handbags—where local brands lacked newness. She took a leap, leaving her corporate job to focus entirely on Chautfifth. Rooted in the idea of “being in the middle of something”—embracing something functional yet creative—the brand continuously surprises customers with fresh designs. For its “newness” positioning,
Chautfifth has quickly gained traction, achieving fast growth, attracting not only local but also overseas fashion lovers.
Connect:
Chau Tran, Vietnam
Luu Viet Anh- the founder of LUU VIETANH. His exposure to the world of fashion came at an early age.
Since he was twelve, he had taken part in various fashion competitions. Then he earned the scholarship from London College for Design & Fashion for a 2-year course majoring in Fashion Design.
After graduated as a distinction degree, he has built up his own designer brand- LUU VIETANH- which is specialized in designer bag along with a mission bringing Vietnamese culture to the world through every of his designed bags.
Connect:
Luu Viet Anh, Vietnam
CRAFSTO, a Japanese fashion accessory brand, offers products that can be enjoyed regardless of the wearer’s gender.
We place great importance on “future-oriented craftsmanship” that does not sacrifice the future of people or nature in the materials or production
process.
The idea is to create products that are complete only when they are worn by someone, and to find beauty in the resonance that exists between people, things, and spaces.
We inherit traditional craftsmanship methods and sublimate standard items into new creations with a modern style.
Connect:
Masako Kubo, Japan
Founded by a design-driven team, embodies a youthful, rebellious spirit through its fun, innovative designs.
Quickly becoming a favorite among stylish travelers and celebrities, OOKONN is available online and featured at prestigious retailers. Inspired by global influences, OOKONN caters to discerning travelers seeking unique pieces, fueled by a rebellious undercurrent. The brand strives to create exquisite objects that surprise, inspire, and evoke emotion. Using only the finest materials, OOKONN allows customers to personalize their luggage with various combinations for the body, covers, handles, and monograms. By selling directly online, OOKONN makes its designs accessible. Recognizing a gap in the market, the co-founders combined fashion, travel, and affordability. Thoughtfully designed with exceptional details.
OOKONN adds excitement to every journey.
Connect:
OOKONN, Hong Kong
Previous Seasons
Explore our previous LED Project seasons below.
