Only Natural Home Competition
2026
In 2026, the Only Natural International Student Design Competition enters its third year. Only Natural exists to inspire the next generation of designers to place natural materials at the heart of their work and to challenge the systems that have normalised synthetic, disposable design.
The competition champions natural materials and asks students to rethink the impact of the choices we make in fashion, furniture and the spaces we live in. Synthetic production continues to drive water and air pollution, deplete natural resources and create a cycle of low-cost, short-lived products destined for landfill. Only Natural invites designers to push back against this and imagine something better.
Supported by six leading U.S. natural fibre trade bodies – the Leather & Hide Council of America, American Wool Council, American Hardwood Export Council, National Industrial Hemp Council, Mohair Council of America and American Softwoods – the competition connects students with a global movement dedicated to changing how materials are understood and valued.
Since launch, thousands of students have joined the platform and hundreds of entries have been submitted. Two awards events have taken place in London – first at the U.S. Embassy then as part of the Material Matters Fair at London Design Festival. Each year, entries are reviewed by an expert panel representing design, sustainability and education, and showcased to brands, educators and the wider design community.
For students, Only Natural offers far more than a competition. It is a chance to gain visibility, build connections and contribute to a global shift towards responsible design.
We ask one question:
Do you want to help shape the future of design and be heard on the global stage?
The context
Fashion, furniture and interiors are still built on toxic systems. According to the UN Environmental Programme, 92 million tonnes of textiles are discarded each year, with most ending up in landfill or incinerators. Around 60% of global fibres are now synthetic, accelerating microplastic pollution, carbon emissions and harm across ecosystems.
Only Natural was created to put students at the forefront of change. The competition gives designers a platform to show what design becomes when it uses the natural world, values longevity and treats materials with respect.
Progress is not about making more, faster and cheaper. It is about finding balance – where material choice, process and purpose work together.
THE BRIEF
Create a beautiful and durable design that places natural materials at the centre of creativity. Your work should celebrate their unique qualities while offering an alternative to the throwaway cycle of fast fashion and synthetic-reliant interiors.
Our judges want to see originality, innovation and visual impact in one of two areas:
- Fashion – apparel, accessories, footwear
- Home – furniture, interiors
We are looking for designs made to last – pieces that can be loved, repaired, repurposed or recycled over time. This competition is not just about producing a single project. It’s about setting new standards and sparking ideas that move the industry towards a slower, more sustainable way of designing and living.
THE DELIVERABLES
Entries are invited in two areas:
- Fashion – Apparel, Accessories, Footwear
- Home – Furniture, Interiors
Fashion entrants may submit one item (for example a jacket, pair of shoes or bag) or one full look (two or more items worn together, excluding footwear and accessories).
Home entrants may submit one piece of furniture or an interior object (for example a chair, table, lamp or textile piece).
Your design must showcase natural materials as the primary focus. The finished piece should be made entirely from natural fibres or materials. Previous examples include wool, hemp, leather, wood, jute, silk, cotton, bamboo and algae-based alternatives. Small functional elements such as zips, fasteners or hinges may use non-natural materials where essential.
The use of fur or exotic skins is prohibited and will result in exclusion.
Each entry must include:
- A short project summary in English
- A mood board and storytelling
- Sketches, technical drawings or specifications
- A full list of materials used
- A video introducing you and your project (optional but encouraged)
JUDGING PROCESS & CRITERIA
A panel of industry experts will select category winners, overall winners and the People’s Choice winner (selected by public vote). Entries will be judged on the following:
Individuality – Does the work express a distinct creative identity or point of view?
Conceptualisation – Is the idea clearly communicated? Is the research strong and the development thoughtful?
Relevance – Does the work respond to contemporary culture, needs or aesthetics while offering something progressive?
Sustainability – How effectively does the design consider material efficiency, circularity and environmental impact? Is the approach clear and transparent?
Commerciality – Could the design be developed for market success? Is it functional, desirable and durable?
Shortlisted entries will be reviewed against the criteria above. Individual scores and feedback will remain confidential. Only selected winners will be contacted. All judging decisions are final.
COMPETITION & PRIZES
Category Winners and the People’s Choice Winner will be invited to the 2026 Awards Event in September or October.
The competition opens in January 2026 and closes on 31 June 2026 at 23:59 BST.
Entries submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
Previous entrants may re-enter, provided they have not served as a judge. However, the same design cannot be resubmitted.
Prizes include:
i) Inclusion in the Only Natural capsule collection, showcased at design events around the world. Winners will recreate their design for inclusion in the collection, unveiled at the final event in 2026.
ii) Travel and accommodation for all category winners to attend the awards event.
iii) A category certificate and trophy.
iv) Inclusion in Only Natural publicity across social media, the website and print and digital communications.
Additional prizes may be announced.
GOOD LUCK
For questions, email: [email protected]
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