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The Only Natural International Student Design Competition 2026 is an international competition created to inspire students and recent graduates to place natural materials at the centre of design thinking. Now in its third edition, the competition challenges the dominance of synthetic and disposable products in fashion and interiors, encouraging a return to materials that are durable, renewable, and culturally meaningful. Supported by leading natural-fibre organisations, Only Natural aims to promote a more responsible and long-lasting approach to design.

Participants are invited to create original and visually compelling projects within the categories of Fashion—including apparel, accessories, and footwear—or Home, focusing on furniture and interior objects. Designs should celebrate the inherent qualities of natural materials and demonstrate how they can offer sustainable alternatives to fast fashion and short-lived design. Projects are expected to show innovation while considering longevity, repairability, and future reuse.

Each submission must include a project summary in English, supported by visual storytelling through mood boards, sketches, technical drawings, or specifications, along with a complete list of materials used. Natural materials such as wool, cotton, hemp, silk, leather, wood, jute, bamboo, or algae-based materials must form the core of the project. A short video presentation is optional but encouraged, as it helps communicate the designer’s intent and creative process more clearly.

Entries are reviewed by an international jury of industry professionals, who assess the strength of the creative identity, the clarity and development of the concept, and the project’s cultural relevance and innovation. Particular attention is given to how effectively sustainability is addressed, including material choices and environmental impact, as well as the project’s potential for real-world application or commercial success.

Prizes

• Inclusion in the Only Natural capsule collection, presented at international design events
• Travel and accommodation for category winners to attend the awards event
• Category certificate and trophy
• Promotion across Only Natural digital, social, and print channels
• Additional prizes may be announced

Important Dates

• Competition opens: January 2026
• Submission deadline: 30 June 2026 – 23:59 BST
• Awards event: September/October 2026 (date and venue to be confirmed)

For further details: Official website