Only Natural design competition calls out for sustainably-minded talent

Only Natural, a new international student design competition focusing on the use of only natural fibres and materials, is calling for entries in its home and fashion categories – and seeking to challenge the future of design and manufacture

Only Natural design competition inspiration
The first Only Natural design competition calls out for entries, providing AI-generated images, seen throughout, for inspiration
(Image credit: AI-generated images by Only Natural)

In partnership with Only Natural

Young creatives are key to a sustainable future. Putting natural fibres and materials at the heart of design is a way to help the new generation redefine processes, challenge manufacturing practices, and consider quality, responsibility and longevity as we move towards a more conscientious creativity.

The inaugural Only Natural international design competition places nature at the forefront of its ethos, daring to slow current production cycles and redefine the future of fashion and interiors by inviting young and forward-facing designers to be part of this new and sustainable thinking.  

Only Natural design competition inspiration

(Image credit: AI-generated image by Only Natural)

Organised by the Leather & Hide Council of America and launched in partnership with trade bodies representing wool, hemp, mohair and hardwood, Only Natural showcases new talent and long-lasting craft at a time when much product design is driven by volume, fleeting trends and wasteful disposability. The competition invites students and recent graduates to rise to a simple task: to take inspiration from nature to create bespoke designs using only natural materials.

Only Natural design competition inspiration, AI image of woman in ruffled sleeves

(Image credit: AI-generated image by Only Natural)

The initiative asks us to consider the material choices we make in the spaces where we live, and to explore their negative effects, such as water pollution, air contamination, depletion of natural resources, and never-ending textile landfills. It contrasts the constant demands for the new and synthetic with a quiet call for the respectful consideration offered by nature.  

Only Natural design competition inspiration, side table

(Image credit: AI-generated image by Only Natural)

Only Natural is a testament to the power of creativity in fostering positive change. Entrants are encouraged to embrace the beauty and resilience of natural materials, including sustainably sourced wood and textiles woven with natural fibres.

How to enter Only Natural design competition

To be part of this transformative journey and plant the seeds for a future where design is built around environmental consideration, enter now at:  

https://onlynatural.internationaldesigncomp.com/

Entries close 31 May 2024, midnight BST. Open to students in higher education or designers who have graduated in the past two years (2022-2023).

Only Natural design competition inspiration: AI generated armchair

(Image credit: AI-generated image by Only Natural)
Read more
Julia Lohmann in her studio
Sea change: RDI Julia Lohmann on riding the wave of regenerative design
flamingos in lake by Dayana Blanco Quiroga part of young climate prize 2025
Young Climate Prize 2025 winners: the creatives designing for a better tomorrow
09 MycoColors_KulturTextil_BirkeWeber Kopie
15 highlights from Heimtextil: spot the textile trends for 2025
Jorge Penadés designs olive wood furniture collection
‘Uprooted’: Jorge Penadés and Seetal Solanki rethink the value of discarded olive tree roots
ecoLogicStudio_Studio and their biodesign approach in London
Is biodesign the future of architecture? EcoLogicStudio thinks so
Templa
‘Designing to disappear’: The story behind Templa’s first biodegradable jacket
Latest in Design & Interiors
vases PAD Paris
At PAD Paris, Omar Chakil’s new alabaster works for Galerie Gastou fuses Egyptian heritage and contemporary design
Pierre Yovanovitch
Pierre Yovanovitch’s set and costumes bring a contemporary edge to Korea National Opera in Seoul
Brera_Design_Apartment
Milan Design Week 2025: step inside this Brera Design Apartment before the crowds
1967 Simonne Renvoize & Rodney Sumpter
This nostalgic exhibition dives into a century of British surfing
Guilherme Wentz piece, Objects for Silence
Brazilian designer Guilherme Wentz’s new collection creates sanctuary at home
Rooms-Am-Tacheles-Vignettes-
At Berlin's storied Am Tacheles, three renowned design studios create interiors inspired by Herzog & de Meuron's architecture
Latest in News
the lavery london restaurant review
At The Lavery, Anglo-Italian cooking caters to London’s design obsessive
perfume bottle archive Cristalleries de Nancy
This perfume bottle archive was nearly lost. Now, it offers a rare whiff of fragrance history
AMR-C01-R from Curv Racing Simulators
Curv teams up with a British sports car brand to create the ultimate luxury racing simulator
frida kahlo
A major Frida Kahlo exhibition is coming to the Tate Modern next year
vases PAD Paris
At PAD Paris, Omar Chakil’s new alabaster works for Galerie Gastou fuses Egyptian heritage and contemporary design
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin looks set to make a bigger splash with its new Vanquish Volante