The Higher School of Design ESDI, an institution affiliated with Ramon Llull University, and Inter Leather, a leading leather company, have signed a collaboration agreement to promote the research and development of high-quality leather garments.
Sabadell, January 8, 2025. The Higher School of Design ESDI, an institution affiliated with Ramon Llull University, and the company Inter Leather have signed a collaboration agreement aimed at fostering creative talent and strengthening ties between academia and industry. The agreement will promote the research, development, and exhibition of leather garments and proposals, thus creating new opportunities for both students and professionals in the sector.
Thanks to this collaboration, during the 2024-25 academic year, third-year students of ESDI’s Fashion Design degree will create two capsule collections, designing unique garments under the supervision of Inter Leather experts. Furthermore, they will visit the company’s facilities in Barcelona’s 22@ district to gain in-depth knowledge about the characteristics of the leathers used, receiving personalized guidance. The resulting pieces will be showcased both at Inter Leather’s showroom, located on Brusi Street in Barcelona, and at national and international fairs, ensuring significant visibility for future fashion designers.
Additionally, ESDI will provide its facilities for training activities, conferences, and courses related to the agreement while promoting internship opportunities and career paths for its students and graduates.
Inter Leather will grant access to its leather warehouse, offer favourable prices to students, and provide guidance in selecting materials for the collections. The company will also engage its professional network to participate in exhibition events, ensuring valuable connections between emerging designers and the industry.
IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT
This strategic collaboration not only enhances students’ practical learning but also encourages innovation and sustainability in textile design. “This agreement is a significant step toward bridging the academic world with the realities of the sector, providing our students with a unique platform to develop their creativity and technical skills through a project where they must commit to learning how to work with the high standards demanded by a company with the tradition and expertise of Inter Leather,” said Georgina Bombardó, General Director of ESDI.
For his part, José Gallés Fuster, CEO of Inter Leather, added: “We are excited to work with ESDI on this project, which combines tradition and modernity in the use of leather, promoting innovative and responsible solutions for fashion design.”
With this agreement, both institutions consolidate their commitment to training future designers and strengthening the textile and fashion industries in a global context. The collaboration aims to establish itself long-term and expand into interior design, the school’s second-largest specialization after fashion.