The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with INDIPROC. This collaboration is designed to empower and support independent and student footwear designers, providing them with invaluable resources and opportunities to advance their careers.
INDIPROC is an international incubator for footwear projects, founded by María del Carmen Maestre. As she explains, “INDIPROC was born out of the need to create a suitable business ecosystem to support and give support to emerging brands that are starting out in the market.” The goal is to create a product that highlights the talent of the designer with the quality of a product Made in Spain.
As part of this partnership, the winner of the Global Footwear Awards in the independent designer category will receive a comprehensive mentorship program valued at €1495, offering them personalized guidance and support. Additionally, finalists and the student designer winner will benefit from a one-hour consultancy session with the INDIPROC team, advising them on the next steps in the footwear industry.
INDIPROC works with a multidisciplinary team prepared to meet the diverse needs of incubatees looking for their niche in the market. From specialized online and on-site education programs for footwear entrepreneurs, to integration into the sector through auxiliary companies in 3D design, marketing, financing, and footwear production, INDIPROC ensures a comprehensive support system for designers. They accompany designers from concept to market, ensuring their success.
Astrid Hebert, Co-Founder of the Global Footwear Awards, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with INDIPROC to provide emerging designers with the tools and mentorship they need to succeed. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to recognize and support outstanding talent in the footwear industry. We believe that together, we can make a significant impact on the careers of many aspiring designers.”
The Global Footwear Awards admires INDIPROC’s commitment to nurturing talent in footwear design and is excited to collaborate on providing a platform for winners to develop and market their collections. This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting emerging designers in the footwear industry.
Legendary sneaker figure Sean Williams will deliver an exclusive online course for the GFA Community!
New York City icon Sean Williams, a revered figure in the sneaker world for over 37 years, is set to lead a masterclass for the entire Global Footwear Awards (GFA) community. Williams, who co-created the first-ever sneaker talk show in 2007 and advises global brands while curating public exhibitions seen by millions, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Titled “How Sneakers Redefined Luxury and Status,” this exclusive online program dives deep into the fascinating transformation of sneakers from athletic wear to cultural phenomenon and status symbol. Williams’ focus extends beyond design, exploring the broader cultural impact of sneakers, including usage, evolution, and sustainability.
Prepare to have your perspective challenged! The class will start with an introspective exercise, setting the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of how hip-hop embraced sneakers as a canvas for self-expression, ultimately reshaping street style and even the definition of luxury itself.
Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot!
Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best and connect with like-minded individuals!
When we discuss designing products, it’s crucial to recognize the significant role that footwear plays, similar to carefully crafted accessories or innovative gadgets. Fashion mavens know it’s the shoes, handbag, belt, and hat that make the outfit. But what matters as much as a great look? Super performance. How these pieces work on the body makes a huge difference to how the wearer walks, runs, moves, feels, and lives.
For those interested in creating sustainable, inventive, and high-quality products, D5 has compiled a guide for individuals aspiring to see their designs embraced worldwide.
Creativity is all that matters in most of the schools we researched, but their technical curricula are also top-notch. From staff comprised of industry leaders to the latest technologies, from workshops to traditional craftsmanship, you are sure to find your perfect academic match below.
TheUniversity of Arts London (UAL) is one of the most prestigious universities in the design world, known for its complete design programmes that range from fashion to furniture – and footwear design, of course. Its London College of Fashion encompasses a wide range of courses focused on craftsmanship, such as bags, artefacts, and accessory design, all part of its Craft Programme.
This Footwear Master’s Level course is part of UAL’s Craft Programme and is considered one of the most comprehensive out there. It understands footwear design as any design for the lower extremities, so its teaching and technical approach are suitable for any kind of footwear style. Through this Master’s, students are introduced to various industries, brands, and educational institutions, which gets them ready for the future as they learn all there is about research, networks, and the notions of shoe design.
This program nurtures your personal design vision while teaching you the skills you need to create marketable products that consumers crave. With close ties to the industry — part of the multibillion-dollar global fashion system — we connect you with a wide range of networking and career opportunities. You’ll learn to create footwear, handbags, and small leather goods from concept to finished product, while exploring technology, advanced materials, and sustainability.
Footwear and Accessories Design BFA offers advanced, hands-on study of design, incorporating nontraditional and sustainable materials along with traditional ones. You’ll visit prominent showrooms, design studios, and production sites in the fashion and design capital of the world. A required internship provides industry experience and you’ll graduate with a professional-quality portfolio.
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is well respected among the academic community as one of the best in the fields of art, design, engineering, and architecture, among many (many) others. Their Fashion and Textiles courses help shape the world of design by educating the designers of the future, so it’s no wonder we decided to include their Custom-Made Footwear Certificate here.
This certificate is equivalent to 12 months in a BA, so it is the perfect choice for people who either want to further their design knowledge or those who don’t feel like spending 3 years studying but still want to learn all the skills they need to make it big in the design world. In this course, you’ll learn how to design and produce your own footwear, learning all the skills necessary to work in every stage of the construction process – design, cutting, and sewing.
The University of Northampton (UON) is one of the youngest universities in the UK, however, it is already shaking the waters through its unique approach to education. Its main goal is to cause positive social impact in communities through its graduates.
Their BA Honours in Fashion, Textiles, Footwear, and Accessories offers quite a comprehensive array of subjects where the students are given the chance to upgrade their previous knowledge in design. For this reason, we advise you to already have a BA before applying, since not only would you find the course more enriching, but it would also be better for your CV and education overall. Through specialist workshops with expert staff and traditional and digital technologies, you are sure to learn all there is to the footwear industry while also exploring your own passions.
De Montfort University has been ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world multiple times due to their innovative approaches to education. With a long history and major partnerships, it’s no wonder it is still one of the most sought-after universities for fashion designers worldwide.
As one of the oldest available courses in the footwear and, especially, cordwainer and pattenmaker industries (more than 100 years), their BA Honours in Footwear Design is definitely a strong choice for designers worldwide. With a very practical programme, students will be able to learn hands-on while receiving the advice of industry professionals and big brands, receiving not only invaluable insights on how the industry works but also creating a strong network for their future. . From drawing to illustration, biomechanics to prototyping, you’ll learn all the skills necessary to share your designs with the world.
At Parsons School of DesignShoe Construction elective course aspiring designers will immerse themselves in the intricate world of shoe design and craftsmanship. From stitching to sole-making, students will craft their first prototypes, paving the way for future footwear masterpieces.
In this hands-on journey, expect to stretch your creative muscles and build a sturdy foundation in both design principles and technical know-how. While no prior shoe-making experience is required, a basic understanding of patternmaking is recommended.
We couldn’t miss the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) on our list, as so many of our interviewees have passed through its doors. This prestigious university offers more degrees and specialisations in art and design than any other university in the world, which makes their courses highly complete and the student life fun and diverse.
Their M.F.A. in Sneaker Design promises to teach everything from prototype to production, from marketing to merchandising, and from design culture to global distribution. With this masters degree, the graduates have the tools needed to either start their very own footwear brand or join a major company. As no detail is missed, you are sure to learn more about your passion for shoe design while learning the niches and mainstreams of the industry.
Arsutoria has been training shoe and bag designers in Milan, Italy, since 1947, connecting students with industry leaders and giving them all the tools they need to become one. As the name of the course states, this is a one-year course, however, don’t get scared by the name since it is one of the most complete out there – normally, short is concise, which is probably the best when you want to let your creativity have full reign.
In this one year shoe design course, you’ll learn about traditional artisanal techniques, digital tools, and design culture, all of which will help you figure out what works best for your particular vision. In the first 10 weeks, you’ll learn how to design a shoe, both by hand and digitally. Next, you’ll learn how to conceive prototypes for several types of shoes for a total of five intense weeks. Afterwards, you’ll be able to work on one of your early designs for five weeks, finishing everything up with an eight-week intensive class on 3D design softwares – the whole package!
Accademia del Lusso is located right in one of the most exclusive fashion neighbourhoods in Milan, providing, therefore, much more than just a stellar education. Here, the students are introduced to the industry early on, are put into small classes so the teachers can get to know them individually, and are allowed to completely personalise the course contents. The intent is for students to discover what they love and to feel connected to their dream while always being pushed by the Accademia del Lusso to turn passion into a profession.
The Shoes & Accessories Design course lasts an intense one year and provides students with the skills, knowledge, and expertise required to work for major brands worldwide. From trend research to colour research, from pattern making to branding, students are introduced to the “ins and outs”, graduating prepared to face any challenges the fashion industry might pose them with.
The Accademia Riaci is located in Florence, Italy, the capital of Renaissance art, and has been open since 1983. Its founder, Maestro Raymond Riaci, wanted to create a school where students could drink from the creative genius of the best Italian artists and learn the irreplaceable techniques that have been around for centuries. Now a vibrant institution with a student body from over 50 countries, the Accademia inspires people from the many fields of art: design, crafts, languages, and more.
In their one-year Shoe Design course, students will create a collection of their own, where they can make all of the creative and logistical decisions. From learning how to research all the information needed to launch a collection to studying colour theory, from learning about market trends and the uniqueness of every material, students are expected to follow their free ideas and, eventually, learn everything needed to start working as professionals.
Photo credit: Accademia Riaci – International School of Arts, Design, Cooking, and Italian Language in Florence, Italy
Yet another Italian design school, the Italian Fashion and Design Academy (IFDA) is located in the heart of Milan and is recognised internationally for its courses and masters in the fashion and design spheres. Here, students mingle with industry-leading companies and professionals, combining this unique advantage with classes taught by some of the best professors out there.
IFDA’s Shoe Design course not only teaches students how to create any type of shoe they desire, it also allows students to attend workshops and seminars with prestigious professionals who can give them all the tips they need to enter and succeed in the footwear design industry – plus, a little network never hurts anybody.
The Global Footwear Awards (GFA)proudly announces the initiation of submissions for its highly anticipated fifth edition, marking a significant milestone in the world of footwear design. This year promises to surpass all expectations, providing a prestigious platform for footwear designers worldwide to showcase their exceptional talent and ingenuity. With submissions welcomed from around the globe, designers are invited to vie for recognition as industry leaders. Over the past four editions, the GFA has received hundreds of submissions from designers in more than 50 countries, with winners achieving remarkable success in the industry, including features in major publications and partnerships with leading brands.
Last year’s standout winners include The Cryptide, crowned Footwear Brand of the Year for their design, the CRYPTIDE ONE, spearheaded by the visionary designer Stephan Henrich. Additionally, Constantinos Panayiotou, the creative force behind PET LIGER, clinched the title of Independent Footwear Designer of the Year with his remarkable creation, Vertex Love. Notably, Madeline Helt, a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, was recognized as the Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year.
Winners receiving “The Best Overall Design” included Base Camp Mule by The North Face, 2023 Asics FireBlast Basketball shoe concept by Jake Lin, Stealth Formations by Jóse Monroy, PUMA NFRNO by Hyon Park and many more. Other winners included Bottega Veneta Sardine Boot Concept by Anna Boutashkova, Concept Nike CONQUEROR by Marc Van Tichelen, Skechers by Jeffrey Hernandez, FILA Wings by Martin Chapuy, JOMA | Evolution Cup 23 by Piotrek J. Pérez, Adidas XPLD Football Cleat Design by James Bleakley, Astro Heel by Noriyuki Misawa, Jordan 3 2021 by James Howe and Footwear for Barefoot by Bao Qiancheng.
This year’s grand jury includes experts in fashion, design, media, and art, ensuring that the winning designs represent the very best in footwear design. Their collective expertise will rate and reward project entries across various footwear design categories. The current jury panel includes prominent names such as Oronzo De Matteis, CEO Founder & Creative Director of OROORO BRAND LUXURY, Anna Maria Giano, Contributing Editor at Vogue Italia, and Monica Mei, Footwear Designer and Product Manager at Vera Wang. Additionally, on the panel are also Mathew Kurien, Head of Department at MIT Institute of Design, and Fionn Corcoran-Tadd, Innovation Designer at adidas, and more.
“I’m thrilled to see the Global Footwear Awards as an integral part of the 3C Awards platform. It underscores our dedication to celebrating the most exceptional talent in footwear design, bringing together innovation and creativity under one prestigious umbrella,” said Astrid Hebert, co-founder of 3C Awards, the organization under which GFA operates.
The GFA has announced an enhanced offering for emerging winners in this year’s edition. Renowned sneaker industry figure Sean Williams, with over 37 years of experience, will provide an exclusive masterclass to the Emerging Winner. As co-founder of the SOLEcial Studies sneaker industry education program and a trusted consultant to brands worldwide, Williams brings unparalleled expertise to this initiative, offering invaluable guidance to emerging designers looking to elevate their careers.
Additionally, designers are invited to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Global Footwear Awards with a special contest themed “Reimagining Iconic Shoe Designs“, running concurrently with the regular competition. This contest encourages participants to explore the fusion of creativity, technology, and contemporary trends in footwear design. Notably, entry fees for this special contest will be significantly reduced to encourage widespread participation. The submission deadline for this special contest is July 31st, 2024, with winners set to be announced in September 2024.
To enter a project, applicants can complete the process online in four simple steps. Designs can originate from anywhere in the world, completed within the last five years, and may be a product in-store, a project in development, or conceptual. Additionally, the Global Footwear Awards team is accepting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing footwear designers and industry professionals with a minimum of 40 years of outstanding contributions to the field.
Passions often fuel our conversations and endeavors. For Sean Williams, that passion is sneakers—a subject he’s been deeply engaged with for over 37 years. You might wonder, “Why sneakers?” But as Sean would tell you, there’s no such thing as having too many shoes. His fascination began at the age of 13, and nearly four decades later, his obsession is still burning as bright as when it all started.
However, Sean’s enthusiasm didn’t stop at just collecting sneakers. With time, it grew into a full-fledged career and business, a development that might raise eyebrows. Nevertheless, Sean is keen to share his journey and shed light on why his love for sneakers runs so deep.
Engaged in various social initiatives, Sean Williams is a highly regarded figure in the New York City sneaker scene serving as a trusted consultant to sneaker brands globally. Additionally, he co-founded the innovative SOLEcial Studies sneaker industry education program and played a pivotal role in creating the first-ever sneaker talk show. Beyond his consultancy work, Sean’s role as an exhibition curator has brought his passion for sneakers to audiences worldwide, with his public art exhibitions captivating over 10 million viewers to date.
Sean Williams
Everything started when he made a deal with his mother to receive a new pair of sneakers every marking period if he kept his grades up. “In New York, we have four marking periods,” explains Williams. In this way, he had the opportunity to collect more sneakers than his peers. “Usually, you would have two pairs of sneakers – one for outside after school and one for school, for the gym. And if I kept my part of the deal with my mom, I would get four additional pairs per year,” adds Williams.
Following that, Williams immersed himself in work, a move that only fueled his passion for sneakers even more. This newfound momentum not only enabled him to indulge in his love for footwear but also provided the opportunity to delve deeper into this niche interest. It was this shared passion that ultimately led Williams and his friend, Dee Wells, to establish OSD (Obsessive Sneaker Disorder), “the first sneaker podcast talk show in the entire industry,” elaborates further Williams.
When asked how this happened, Sean Williams answered:
We (Dee Wells and I) felt it was the right time for it. His experience made him believe that it was time for people to have somewhere to express their love of shoes. A magazine already existed. But there was no talk show. There were of course forums and people were blogging about this but there was no talk show available. Dee came up with the idea for us to do the show. And it became wildly popular. At our peak, we were getting 10,000 to 12,000 audio downloads per week.
SEAN WILLIAMS
OSD (Obsessive Sneaker Disorder) provided an opportunity for individuals to have a platform and voice their passion for shoes without fear of judgment or stigma. “We accomplished what we set out to do in the first place,” mentions Williams. According to Williams, in America, collecting certain things might seem odd. He explains that in the past, collecting sneakers wasn’t common, leading to judgmental questions like, “Why do you need so many shoes?”
However, Williams and his partner, Wells, didn’t know that sneaker companies were also listening to them. “We were talking about the mature subjects in the industry, the business endorsements, lawsuits, technology and we were having interviews with designers at the companies. We were on top of the latest news. We were sort of the business news of the sneakers industry. And we were talking about sneakers at a level people didn’t anticipate.”
Back in 2007, before social media became widespread, the talk show gained followers naturally. “We have so many ties from our previous jobs. Dee did banking and financing and I was doing TV production and sports. We had a large network and we just knew a lot of people who were into sneakers,” explains Williams. This allowed them to have the connections and vehicles needed to promote before social media started being used the way it is now. “It was still the very early stages of Instagram and Facebook so this kind of helped.”
With OSD (Obsessive Sneaker Disorder), Williams and Dee realized there weren’t enough women and people of color working at sneaker companies. They wanted to change this. According to Williams, these companies were ignoring the very people they were trying to sell to. Many of these potential buyers didn’t even know the industry existed. The big question for Wells and Williams was: How do we get people interested in an industry they don’t know about?
This is also what triggered the birth of SOLEcial Studies back in 2011. “We set out to teach all the non-design-related topics related to the sneaker industry.” SOLEcial Studies operates on a three-pillar mission, emphasizing smart consumer entrepreneurship, corporate employment opportunities, or venturing into entrepreneurship—a vision shared by both OSD and SOLEcial Studies. Additionally, upon enrollment, individuals are exposed to a diverse array of non-design-related career paths within the industry. This serves as an eye-opener for participants, broadening their understanding of the myriad opportunities available.
The course lasts four weeks, followed by Career Council Day on the fifth week. Here, students have their resumes and portfolios reviewed to see if they’re ready for their desired job opportunities.
“The target for SOLEcial studies is everyone older than 14 years,” explains Williams. He emphasizes that this age is optimal because once individuals enter the sneaker industry, they can easily acquire additional skills needed for the future. “My oldest student did a career retraining, and he was 63 when he did it. This was 6 years ago, and before taking the study to requalify, he was working in logistics and delivery services. He switched to photography and book publishing, and he is an ambassador for Converse now,” adds Williams. “This is a story I like to tell. He is a great person, and he’s already published six books.”
When asked if he ever wanted to quit on his journey, Williams responds with a firm no. “It was like a renewed love for me. Before 2007 it was second nature to me to have a lot of shoes. It was not a big deal anymore. But once OSD started, the companies we got to work with, the places we’ve been able to travel to, and the network of people we created, brought back the spark. We’ve been through a lot during that time both good and bad, but the sneaker industry is what kept us going”.
“What difficulties did you experience on the way” was a genuine inquiry. Establishing an educational program, launching a podcast, and cultivating numerous connections demand significant effort and time.
“Luckily, we overcame our biggest obstacle. A recent struggle was to find a physical space to run our program. Thankfully in July 2023, we opened the SOLEcial Studies Community Academy, in Brooklyn. And this happened after five years of trying to get this done. And we were also lucky because it happened on the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop in 2023.”
Now the goal is to build community relations and partnerships to bring the work of SOLEcial studies to a different level. “We would like to offer new classes such as IP science which is a branding masterclass. We’ve taken what the core of the SOLEcial studies curriculum of business and culture and we are teaching the relevance and marriage between Hip-Hop, sneakers, entrepreneurship, and corporate life.”
We asked Williams if he thinks his work has an impact on the world, considering the broader implications beyond personal interests.
On the grand scheme, no. But in a more hyperlocal sense, I would say yes. We design our SOLEcial studies courses for smaller, more intimate groups. We have a personal relationship with everybody that takes SOLEcial studies and we’re able to support them through that journey. We keep in touch with a vast majority of our alumni. Over 150 people who did the program have been working in the industry now either as business owners, for brands or they’re consultants. We are still in touch with them because in this way we can have mentorship and guidance.
In the next five years, Sean Williams envisions SOLEcial Studies attaining financial stability to provide its courses free of charge. “We want to remove the financial barriers to every single course we offer,” says Williams. Furthermore, he wants to expand into embracing more technology and use this technology for footwear production. This technology would include 3D printing, VR, and AR.
As we wrap up our chat with Sean Williams, it’s clear that his love for sneakers goes beyond just wearing them. He’s made a big impact on the sneaker world through projects like SOLEcial Studies and OSD, helping others find their place in the industry. Sean also plays a role as a judge for the FIT Sport Design Awards, showing his expertise. With big plans ahead, like offering free courses and using new tech in sneaker-making, Sean’s influence will keep on growing. He’s definitely someone to watch in the sneaker world and beyond.
The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) is thrilled to unveil the distinguished jury members who will be presiding over its highly anticipated fourth edition. The GFA, an esteemed platform celebrating outstanding achievements in footwear design, is now open for submissions from talented designers worldwide.
Since its inception, the GFA has attracted designers from over 50 countries, with each edition surpassing the previous one in terms of creativity, innovation, and global participation. Winners of the Awards have not only received prestigious accolades but have also enjoyed significant industry recognition, featuring prominently in renowned publications and forging partnerships with leading brands.
The 2023 grand jury comprises experts hailing from diverse backgrounds, including fashion, design, media, and art. These distinguished individuals bring their exceptional insights and extensive experience to the selection process, guaranteeing that the winning designs represent the pinnacle of footwear design excellence.
Among the esteemed jury panel are renowned personalities such as Felipe Fiallo, Founder & Creative Director of Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S, who, after working for Ferragamo and creating concepts for Stella McCartney and Adidas Maker Lab, is now focused on luxury sneakers and footwear. Jury member Sissi Johnson, an MBA professor and Founder of SelfSells, has had her work featured by Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, Vogue, and the V&A Museum. Sean Williams, a well-respected NYC-based sneaker lover for over 37 years, serves as a sneaker industry consultant to brands worldwide and is a co-founder of the SOLEcial Studies sneaker industry education program. Jazerai Allen-Lord is a multi-hyphenate creative with deep roots in sneaker and streetwear culture. The agency she founded, True to Size, has worked extensively with notable brands such as New Balance, Nike, Reebok, Jordan Brand, and many others, focusing on women’s-focused storytelling. Richard Kuchinsky, Founder and Owner of The Directive Collective, a full-service footwear design consultancy, brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the industry, driving the creative design and development process for global brands with a sharp focus on design DNA and strategy.
Joining these luminaries are Robbie Fuller, Creative Director at Anta Group, James Lee Thompson, the innovative strategist from On Running, Oronzo De Matteis, the visionary behind OROORO BRAND LUXURY, Ann Williams, Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants, and Mary Norton, the Luxury Accessories Design Director/Specialist at Savannah College of Art. This star-studded jury panel, consisting of industry giants, ensures that the Global Footwear Awards 2023 will be an exceptional showcase of innovation and creativity. Discover the full list of esteemed jury members, including other prominent names, on the GFA website.
The GFA invites designers from around the world to submit their most remarkable work, embracing the opportunity to be recognized alongside industry luminaries. With an illustrious jury panel, the fourth edition of the GFA promises to set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation in footwear design.
For more information about the Global Footwear Awards and the submission process, please visit globalfootwearawards.com.
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