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With grateful thanks to our sponsors, 2025.
Initially focused on students from De Montfort University, the University of Northampton and London College of Fashion, University of the Arts, London, from 2024 the awards have been opened up to talented product design students with a passion for footwear. All students submit portfolios which are assessed by a distinguished judging panel drawn from members of the footwear industry.
The awards embody the Company’s core purpose, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting both the footwear industry and student footwear designers.In addition to competing for prizes totalling £12,000, finalists will benefit from mentoring and guidance from established footwear professionals.
We are delighted to inaugurate a new award for 2025, sponsored by Carréducker, which celebrates the craft of handsewn shoemaking.
Cordwainers Footwear Award judges 2025
Craft of Shoemaking Award judges 2025 (photo courtesy Carréducker)
Cordwainers Footwear Awards Trophy
The judging panel for the 2025 design competition was led by Liveryman Katie Greenyer, Creative Director of Pentland Brands. She was joined by:
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik
Freeman Brian Kutsch, co-owner and creative director of Locol Design
Darren McKoy, global vice-president of product design and creative development at Timberland
Sophia Webster, founder and creative designer of Sophia Webster.
Every year we are amazed by the creativity and dedication of the entrants and we are never surprised when we hear that they have progressed to their dream jobs within the footwear industry.
Past Participants
Sponsored by bespoke shoemakers Carréducker, the Craft of Shoemaking Award has been launched to celebrate and encourage the heritage craft of handsewn shoemaking.Judge Fiona Campbell said, ‘Heritage craft is under threat, and we need the weight of the Cordwainers to highlight this issue and promote shoemaking.’The winning entry will receive a package in the form of specialist training of over 100+ hours at the Carréducker School, covering pattern making, closing techniques and handsewn shoemaking.
View 2025 Craft Of Shoemaking Award Winners
The Judges
Fiona Campbell, bespoke footwear specialist and visiting lecturer at the London College of Fashion
Liveryman Sarah Day, formerly Course Leader at the London College of Fashion and external examiner at Capel Manor College
Freeman Michael James, managing director of Springline Lasts, a highly skilled bespoke lastmaker
Sebastian Tarek, talented bespoke shoemaker. Former tutor at Capel Manor College and visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art, London.
Launched in 2023, the Sue Saunders Award for Excellence is given by nomination to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the footwear trade.
We are delighted to announce that the 2025 award will be conferred upon Honorary Liveryman Datuk Professor Jimmy Choo OBE.
A graduate of Cordwainers College, Jimmy Choo is a footwear designer of international repute. In addition to designing some of the most beautiful shoes in the world, he is also a great supporter of the Cordwainers Company and of emerging talent.
