On the occasion of Fashion Graduate Italia 2026, Lineapelle and Piattaforma Sistema Formativo Moda ETS renew their commitment to supporting emerging talent through the “Next Gen Leather Designers” contest, dedicated to the new creative languages of contemporary fashion.
The competition invites students from partner schools to present original projects consisting of mini capsules of outfits and/or accessories using leather as the main material, promoting research that combines innovation, sustainability, and design experimentation.
Among the finalist projects are those by two students from our Fashion Design degree course: Asia Angiovini and Arianna Portolano.
Selected among the finalists is an outfit from Asia Angiovini’s “Atargatis” collection, inspired by the mythological figure of the mermaid. The project interprets the female body as a hybrid identity, capable of blending cultures, instincts, and different visual languages into a seductive and powerful presence. Central to the collection is the use of vegetable-tanned lamb and calf leather, shaped through wet-forming techniques and combined with silk georgette and tulle treated with experimental dyeing and burning processes.
Also selected is a bag from Arianna Portolano’s “Hajin” collection, a project that explores Egyptian culture through a balance between mythological imagery and contemporary sensibility. Materials and artisanal craftsmanship — from wool fabric to alpaca yarns processed using shaded needle-felting techniques — intertwine with gabardine, leather, and metallic details, creating a ritualistic and tactile aesthetic.
The finalist projects will be showcased in a dedicated exhibition during Lineapelle 2026, taking place in Milan from September 15 to 17. The final winner of the contest will be announced during the event.