Lineapelle announces Young Designer winners

The winners of the 36th Lineapelle Young Designers Contest have been announced. The international competition is one of the longest running in the leather industry with the next edition to be held from April 19-21, 2006. In the footwear category, first prize was awarded to Veronika Zapalovà from the Czech Republic for her moccasin inspired by Islamic architecture and characterised by multi-coloured hand stitching. Second prize was won by Eliana Ferreira of Portugal whose design focused on comfort and elegance and was inspired by her country of origin. An outline of Portugal was reproduced onto the boot and she incorporated colours from Portuguese wine. Pietro Massarotto from Italy won third prize. His design comes from the family tradition of harvesting grapes; the wedge heel incorporates ripe fruit and the colours of the grapes are found in the textiles and leather. In the leathergoods section, first prize was awarded to Daniela Bonfanti Pamela Sironi from Italy whose design, named Escargot, incorporated different materials such as leather for the outline, soft and warm bouclé wool and stiff and cool polypropylene. Second prize was won by Barbara Scardigli whose design for a 'navy' bag is described as ideal for work and free time. Sara Ortolani from Italy won third place for her Matisse design, a scarf/bag made of leather and tweed in warm colours. In the garment sector, first prize was jointly awarded to Metello de Fazio of Italy and Martina Krahulova of the Czech Republic. De Fazio designed a red nap leather jacket with extractable pockets; and Krahulova designed a black leather suit with wide sleeves and decorations. In the objects category, Mauro Maruccia from Italy one first prize for his leather table lamp.