The Only Natural 2025 International Student Design Competition has just wrapped up its second year, and the results are nothing short of inspiring.
This year’s winners gathered in London for a glittering awards ceremony at the Material Matters Fair, where their innovative creations went on display for five days during the London Design Festival. The seven winning projects showcased how natural materials can push creative boundaries without compromising sustainability.
The competition’s two overall winners exemplified the perfect marriage of heritage and innovation. Mor Elfasi claimed the Fashion Competition title with “Touch Wood,” a womenswear collection that reimagines classic tailoring through natural materials. Using wood, leather and wool, Mor used techniques such as carving and leather weave-knitting to create garments that contrast softness with rigidity, proving that natural materials can be both sculptural and wearable.
In the Home Competition, Japan’s Yu Watanabe took top honours with “Symbiosis Garden,” a project that explores the beautiful tension between craftsmanship and mass production. Watanabe created unique vases using urushi, a natural lacquer derived from trees, combined with mycelium. The result celebrates traditional Japanese techniques while embracing cutting-edge biomaterials.
“It was a pleasure meeting everyone and I really appreciate the chance to be part of the exhibition,” Yu said after the awards.
A global movement takes root
What started as a promising initiative in 2024 has blossomed into a truly global movement. This year’s competition saw entries nearly double, with close to 350 participants creating profiles to submit their work. The campaign’s reach has been equally impressive, generating more than 1.2million social media views and 3.3million impressions.
But the numbers tell only part of the story. A survey conducted at the London Design Festival revealed that 80% of respondents said they were more likely to choose natural materials after engaging with the Only Natural campaign. This shift in thinking is exactly what the initiative, supported by the Leather and Hide Council of America, the Mohair Council of America, American Hardwood Export Council, National Industrial Hemp Council, American Wool Council and American Softwoods, aims to achieve.
The category winners demonstrated the remarkable versatility of natural materials. Evelina Lavergren from Sweden created “Biological Footprint,” innovative footwear made from seaweed that doesn’t just minimise environmental impact but actively contributes to ecological restoration. As wearers walk, the shoes disperse seeds and nutrients.
Ireland’s Orla Reilly crafted “Along the Grain,” a jewellery collection using responsibly sourced cow horn, a byproduct of the meat industry, combined with recycled sterling silver. The wearable sculptures create a tangible connection between the wearer and the natural world.
Le Phan Vu drew on her Vietnamese heritage with “At Thresholds,” a low-dining table crafted entirely from macrocarpa wood without a single metal component. “It’s been an absolute honour to be here in London presenting my work alongside such talented individuals. Truly a surreal experience,” she said.
Creating Real Impact
The competition’s influence extends far beyond the awards ceremony. Winners had the opportunity to exhibit their work alongside 40 carefully curated brands and emerging designers at Space House, one of London’s most famous modernist buildings. The fair attracted thousands of visitors, hundreds of journalists and representatives from major global brands, creating networking opportunities that could shape these designers’ careers.
Sriya Reddy, the People’s Choice Home Winner for her Cherry Wood table “Swivel,” said: “This competition truly does so much for students which is so rare to see. I’m extremely grateful to have been a part of it.”
Beyond the showcase, Only Natural has integrated natural fiber education into leading design schools and fostered vital connections among designers, educators and manufacturers. The campaign has built a community of more than 2,000 followers on Instagram and created opportunities for students to engage directly with industry professionals, including speaking engagements at institutions including the London College of Fashion.
Looking ahead
As Only Natural sets its sights on 2026, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. With competition entries doubling year on year and public awareness growing, the initiative is proving that the future of design is not just sustainable – it’s naturally beautiful.
For emerging designers around the world, Only Natural represents more than just a competition. It’s a movement that’s reshaping how we think about materials, celebrating craftsmanship and proving that the path to innovative design can lead us back to nature.
