Cordwainer Footwear Student of the Year 2016

Many congratulations to all 15 finalists from the universities of Northampton, De Montfort and University of the Arts London, who dazzled the judges with portfolios of passionate and thought-provoking designs in the Cordwainer Footwear Student of the Year Awards 2016.

Chair of the judging panel Katie Greenyer praised the students and their tutors: ‘It’s a real credit to LCF, De Montfort, Northampton, and the staff, who I know all work incredibly hard to drive, nurture and direct the students to become the best crop of footwear designers globally. It gives me great encouragement to see such talented designers coming through these institutions and that we have the opportunity to employ and benefit from their talents in the near future. Thank you to the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers for this competition.’

2016 Winners

1st Prize – Caroline Klemp, UAL, London College of Fashion

2nd Prize – Chantal Lavender, UAL, London College of Fashion

3rd Prize – Claire O’Connor, De Montfort University

Commendations – Doey Kim, De Montfort University and Da Young Im, UAL, London College of Fashion

Pages from Caroline Klemp’s portfolio can be seen here.

John Saunders, chief executive of the British Footwear Association (BFA) presented the awards and he reminded the audience of the need for the industry to work closely with schools and universities to promote British footwear saying,’We can all play a part in keeping British footwear great.’ A group of emerging independent footwear companies exhibited their shoes at the ceremony, including Kat Maconie, Esska, Air and Grace, Swift and Co, Taylor Blake and Julian Hake.

Graduate of Cordwainer College and internationally renowned footwear designer Sophia Webster gave the keynote address, encouraging the students to ‘believe and have self determination, visualise your success. . . Always go above and beyond what is expected from you, be prepared to work hard and build a dream team, as you need a team of people to support you.’