Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey? How did the design come to have such an important role in your life?
I have always told myself I’ve been lucky to know from when I was 5 years old what I wanted: to be a Fashion Designer. Then after my study I shaped my career in Footwear.
My Mom shared her creativity with me and she made me grow flowing with that vibration. She taught me all she knows about tailoring, embroidery, crochet. My family has always supported me and I’m really thankful for it.
Design is expression, I would say is part of myself, something I need to do in several ways.
I’ve worked and lived abroad and I currently live in Italy working for a few brands as Design Director and Merchandising.
Is there a philosophy, a vision, or a special process that influences how you approach design? Would you say that you apply it to your life as well?
I could define myself eclectic. I’m attracted and inspired from whatever surrounds me… nature, travelling, art.
My process is quite full of adrenaline. Everyday is quite funny I know, but many many ideas pop out in my mind. Then some of them really gave me that fire I need and I can do it right away.
I could say I’m experienced and connected enough to Make it Happen. So for the creativity stage of the product I’m super enthusiastic and I don’t see any limits.
When it comes to Marketing and Sales it does become much harder for me and that’s the time where I kind of get demotivated and I let it go. As also in my personal life I like to do many different things and I do it with effort and enthusiasm. I know is not always the right choice.. cause after that I would start a new project again. So Yes, maybe this is the right Time to find someone that can support me on that part of the project that you need to have to call it business and get consistent.
How did you come up with the vision for the AYUMA Collection? How did you manage to join your experience in art itself while also focusing on sustainable production?
AYUMA is a brand I’ve created as a safe box for my creative projects.
During a trip to Tokyo I found out Ayuma means Dream – Desire and I thought it was the best way to call my own dream.
My vision of this latest project is a result of years of exploration through art and handcraft based on colors and images.
I wanted to mix the handwoven leather I have explored for a project of interior design presented for the first time in 2016. That project is called Woven life: pictures taken in Tibet and Patagonia of amazing people and nature and handwoven on leather to halve the percentage of colors leaving that beauty of the image when you step back from it. As in our life: sometimes we need to step back and have a bigger vision to see the actual beauty. Then I’ve mixed that project with colorful rubber eva bracelets I’ve developed.
I have worked as a Footwear Designer for 15 years and I’m still thinking of a business where there is so much waste. So I want to work thinking about sustaining the project producing with respect but mostly left over materials where possible.
What kind of feedback have you received and how do you deal with it?
I did receive nice feedback from people I know in the business, I got some interest in my profile too, so I have to say it has been definitively exciting and I thank you for it.
The project I presented is a concept that must be developed to become a capsule collection…
So I would say: stay tuned! It might be a great opportunity to start collaborations in the future.
What did you find most challenging while working on the collection and what did you enjoy the most?
I love to give shape to the construction and find the balance within colors and different materials.
I have always been attracted by colors and geometry.
Is challenging to create a product that is a mix of concepts, based on recovery materials and handcraft work.
Which designers do you admire the most? Do you take inspiration from their work when diving into a new project?
I got inspired from so many different artists and designers and I have to say it changes while travelling and discovering more thanks also to exhibitions around the world.
I could highlight Philippe Apeloig that impressed me years ago after a show where I’ve jumped in. His extraordinary evolution of graphics and color patterns has given me a great emotion since then.
Also Yves Saint Laurant and his impressive and exciting play of colors, the influence of geometry he got back in his early career was such an imprint in my mind.
What does winning the GFA Awards mean to you in terms of validation and recognition of your work in the footwear design industry?
I’m thankful to GFA for giving me the opportunity to show my vision and my name. I’m one of these professionals who has always worked “behind” creating what the market wants.
I did enjoy shaping my vision without business need or design request from the market.. not now.
Are you currently working on something new that you can tell us about?
I’m working on developing this concept for a capsule collection that can be spread across different heel heights and products.
Would be nice to find a way to showcase it later to the right stores.
Right now this slide has a strong approach to colors and volume. The target I’m referring to is quite aware of trend and not afraid to approach colors.
Surely I would like to play in a more soft way with colors in the collection development.
I’ve been travelling for a month across Papua and Bali right after the Award and I do feel the pure energy I want to work on it now.
How do you want people to feel when wearing your designs?
Ecstatic, Eclectic. Aware of art, aware of fashion but not a trend addicted through social media.
I would like AYUMA to be that woman that has been and loves traveling, she loves to be barefoot and comfy but she’re ready to pop a strong product with that personality when she wants.
Why is sustainable design so important to you personally?
Sustainability in my opinion in recent years became a word that many people in the fashion industry approach with and only Marketing focus.
I’m quite disappointed about it. Surely I would like to be as sustainable as possible but I want to do it consistently. I want to build designs that take into consideration all the supply chain.
What role do you think culture sustainability plays in the modern footwear industry?
The latest Mantra in Fashion is “make less, make better, give a longer life to products” . I would like to take these words seriously and make it happen taking in mind that some products are still quite seasonal but they must have a Story, that passion behind that makes them feel in some ways Unique.
Ayuma’s Motto is “Unique as YOU are” right because I hardly believe in it. I like those small impressions that skilled hands make.
The main concept in Ayuma is referring to CULTURE SUSTAINABILITY which means take that beauty of hand making. I want to give effort to my Italian background, the Country where I belong to and work with those ideas that can only be amazing if realized with maniacal patience, passion and care. On the big vision there is the idea to explore the same beauty across the word.
I’ve been travelling a lot in my life and I would love to build and explore that beauty across the word and the history of artisans.
How do you see your work evolving in the future, and what new sources of inspiration do you hope to explore?
Traveling is my main inspiration. I’m a travel addict, those people need to move, do things, go far and come back. I would call myself Dynamic and I would like to see my project like that too.
I love talking and getting personally woven with different cultures across the word. That was the base concept of my Art project where I do handwoven by hand.
So I do dream to make this traveling become part of it, find the economic support of someone who believes in evolution… cause I would like Ayuma to be in that way: I do change, the brand is doing it with me.
What advice would you offer to aspiring designers who dream of creating meaningful designs such as yours?
Somehow I believe that in the last years 3d art gave a great opportunity to all creative people like me. I would suggest not to stop in front of a screen but get hands on taking the advantage needed from these programs but learning how to actually do this amazing job of showing creativity.
Zurich, Switzerland – The Three C Group (3C Group) has recently joined the World Design Organization (WDO)®, becoming a member of the globally recognized non-governmental organization that aims to promote and advance the discipline of industrial design and its power to enhance economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life.
Founded in 1957, WDO services over 185 member organizations around the world, engaging thousands of individual designers through our innovative programming and initiatives that champion ‘design for a better world’.
The 3C Awards represent today’s diversity and innovation in lighting design, furniture design, sports design, interior design, and architecture. Each brand is a symbol of design excellence around the world, showcasing the work of professional and emerging designers to more than 100 expert jury members.
The company has three programs dedicated to industrial design:
LIT Design Awards created in 2017, recognize the efforts of talented international lighting product designers and lighting implementers. The program was envisioned to celebrate creativity and innovation in the fields of lighting products and applications.
SIT Furniture Design Award celebrates and shares the remarkable work of furniture designers and those who use furniture in their projects. Creativity, innovative vision, and accessibility in the furniture design community deserve to be applauded and shared widely, across the world.
FIT Sport Design Awards recognize the industry’s most innovative sports equipment and apparel from around the world. We are looking for groundbreaking sports innovations, sustainable products, performance-enhancing solutions that provide comfort for athletes or everyday players, and practices that have a positive environmental impact.
GFA Global Footwear Awards acknowledges the best in the industry, addressing creativity, innovation, sustainability and social impact. The GFA’s ambition is to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers on all levels, from emerging designers to businesses and corporations. The award offers global visibility to designers, providing greater opportunities in the footwear business and beyond.
“The 3C Group programs aims to celebrate Innovative Design, People, and their passion for the industry, through our rigorous judging process, we recognize those that have gone above and beyond.” Said Astrid Hébert, co-founder of the Three C Group GmbH, “becoming a member of the World Design Organization (WDO) is corroborating our company vision and mission to promote the appreciation of design excellence through education, outreach, and grants.”
3C Awards will be a leading organization curating, recognizing and supporting talented designers through awards, press, media exposure, events, and exhibitions organization.
The company’s key mission is to promote design through awarding great designs, exhibiting, developing designers and artist communities, providing networking opportunities, and advancing the appreciation of excellence in design through education, outreach, and grants.
Developed by Hossein Farmani and Astrid Hébert, 3C Awards is part of a larger organization Three C Group GmbH based in Switzerland and specialized in Awards, Marketing, Media, and Events. 3C Awards represent today’s diversity and innovation in Lighting Design, Furniture Design, Interior Design, and Architecture. Each brand is a symbol of design excellence around the world, showcasing Professional and Emerging designers’ work to over 100 expert jury members. 3C awards is part of Three C Group GmbH, a Swiss-registered company based in Grabenstrasse 15a, 6340 Baar, Switzerland. More information is available on: www.3Cawards.com
Under the company Three C Group GmbH, 3C Awards will play a key role to develop our footprint in Europe and support the growth of our programs:
LIT Lighting Design Awards (LIT)
SIT Furniture Design Award (SIT)
LIV Hospitality Design Awards (LIV)
BLT Built Design Awards (BLT)
FIT Sport Design Awards (FIT)
Global Footwear Awards (GFA)
Three C Group GmbH is a sister company to Farmani Group, founded by Hossein Farmani. Farmani Group is a leading organization curating and promoting photography, design, and architecture across the globe since 1985.
The Farmani Group is responsible for many successful awards around the globe. Farmani Group organizes the International Design Awards (IDA), Architecture Masterprize, DNA, Paris Design Awards, London International Creative Awards, Prix de la Photographie in Paris, and the Annual Lucie Awards for Photography, which has emerged as one of the world’s most prestigious awards.
If you would like more information in regards to the program and our company, please contact: astrid.hebert@threec.group
These are the young designers who won the Global Footwear Awards competition
Graduates of the Department of Jewelery and Fashion in Bezalel continue to occupy peaks. Just two weeks ago we told.on the unique order she received Department to present at the prestigious jewelery week in Minchthere. And now 2 young designers are graduates of the department winning awards at the Global Footwear Awards International Competition. These are their 2 winning alumni and winning models.
Credit Photo: Nadia Shakirat
In the Artistic Footwear category, Hassan Kurd won the shoe design project ‘Reborn’.
Kurd designed a leather shoe made of plant processing (Vegetable tanned leather). The shoe was created with a unique technique called Wet-molding and a precise wet-stretch-drying-counterfeiting procedure. Thus the shoe was handmade, accumulating layers of skin on each other as a means of describing the process of formation, growth, variability.
“ Shoe design seeks to perpetuate ‘ Time-sounds ’ and parallels the plant backpack with human life and the effects of time on its life cycle, from a small, variable seed, in its way from the past to the future, from time to time.” A statement was made to the press, and indeed the meaning is present in the unique work. The landing work, Eliora to Mr. Ginsburg, is a senior lecturer in the Department of Jewelery and Fashion in Bezalel
In the sports category – performance – independent sports, Maya Kaplan won the project ‘Bound to Move.
The works of Kaplan we have covered in the past And they draw inspiration from the world of performance and acrobatics. Also included are the shoes in the design are an innovative accessory for acrobatic performance. The design process combined digital technologies with traditional manual techniques. The design dealt with questions about liberty and human identity.
“ Distortion of body edges and restriction for surrender and devotion to the restricted and prohibited led to the search for freedom of movement and new self-determination. Using anatomical casting and 3D scanning, the accessory is perfectly matched to the user’s foot and consists of two layers: Hard outer layer made of durable and strong 3D printing material and inner layer of leather that protects the foot from abrasion and damage.” Delivered in a press statement. The landing job, Shelley Seth-Kombur, the department head For jewelery and fashion in Bezalel.
“ Student and Graduate Department each year wins this prestigious award. This is a great pride that this year too Graduates of the Department of Jewelery and Fashion in Bezalel Winners of first place in the various categories.” My message is that Kombur is the head of the department of jewelery and fashion in Bezalel. “ The department is proud to be at the forefront of shoe design in the country and in the world ”. It is gratifying to see Israeli designers occupying more peaks and representing the innovation of the local industry every time.
GLOBAL FOOTWEAR AWARDS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THIRD EDITION
The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) has announced the winners of its 3rd edition, showcasing a variety of exceptional creative potential across 20+ categories in all levels: Brands, Independents, and Students. The GFA recognizes visionary design talent from around the world with an ambition to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers in all categories including sustainability and social impact.
The submissions closed at the end of January 2023, leaving the jury panel composed of 33 experienced designers, academics, retailers, and media representatives in the Footwear Design industry to select the winners in each category. The programme received a record number of submissions from talented footwear designers, fashion enthusiasts and students from 35 countries, making the competition tougher than ever before.
The Global Footwear Design Awards 2023 winners are:
Brand of the Year: SPLIT designed by Marjolijn Van Agt, Netherland – Vanagtshoes
Independent Designer of the Year: AYUMA. designed by Catia Di Carlo, Italy
Emerging Designer of the Year: VOLT designed by Dempsey Pauwels, UK – Academy Of Fine Arts Sint-niklaas (sask)
Other winners receiving the “The Best Overall Design” included Timberland Timberloop™ Trekker by Chris Mcgrath, Global VP of Footwear at Timberland, AWAKENING by Ying Ou, a student of the University Of The Arts London, NIKE ISPA KIDS CONCEPT designed by Jianwei Sun, a student of the Artcenter College Of Design, BBLU – Printing The Future by Andrew Artajaya, a student of The Köln International School Of Design and many more.
Organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the judges for their dedication and hard work in selecting the winners. They have been inspired by the level of innovation and design vision showcased by many young professionals and established brands:
As noted by Timon Kuhlenkamp, On Running Footwear Designer, “the Global Footwear Awards is a great competition for both young and aspiring designers to showcase their concepts and also for established brands to let their work compete against each other.”
“Apart from enjoying the variety in creativity, I was most happy to see that more and more designers start to think of footwear as an area to tackle socio-political issues and so plays a part in taking the discipline beyond only reproducing styles of fashion, and playing with technology, and engaging with real-life issues,” stated Eelko Moorer, LCF MA footwear course leader.
Congratulations to all the winners and their respective teams for their remarkable contributions to the design industry. The Global Footwear Design Awards will continue to provide a platform igniting creativity and showcasing the work of aspiring designers, professionals, and brands pushing the boundaries of Footwear design.
SPLIT
Company: Vanagtshoes
Lead designer: Marjolijn Van Agt
The SPLIT collection represents both sides within myself. Femininity combined with a dark edge. This is best seen in the heel which contains both hard edges and soft round curves. The epoxy heel is entirely made by hand from sanded plaster before poured into a mold. The upper materials are a mixture between soft tule, leather, pearls and beads.
Independent Designer of the Year
AYUMA.
Lead Designer: Catia Di Carlo
The upper is created as a pixel effect achieved via a totally handmade technique and art of weaving of leather. Working with left-over leather, left over Eva rubber pieces coming from soles and wood. Every pair can be slightly different as well easy to manage in production.
Emerging Designer of the Year
VOLT
Lead Designer: Dempsey Pauwels
University: Academy Of Fine Arts Sint-niklaas
The VOLT collection is inspired by cable management. Pauwels always chooses as a source of inspiration a method that ensures efficiency and order. They give him peace of mind and originate in his basic law studies.
About Global Footwear Awards
The Global Footwear Awards honours the best in the industry, addressing creativity, innovation, sustainability and social impact. GFA provides the highest recognition to footwear designers on all levels, from emerging designers to businesses and corporations. The award offers global visibility to designers, providing greater opportunities in the footwear business and beyond. GFA also provides an international platform, generating a network of leading professionals in the support of moving the industry forward. Furthermore, The Global Footwear Awards honours strategic thinking and innovative solutions to sustainability and social impact, from design to manufacturing and beyond. More information on: www.globalfootwearawards.com
About 3C Awards
3C Awards is a leading organization curating and promoting design across the globe. The company represents today’s diversity and innovation in Design, each program is a symbol of design excellence around the world, showcasing Professional and Emerging designers’ work to over 100 expert jury members. The 3C awards is part of Three C Group GmbH, a Swiss-registered company based in Grabenstrasse 15a, 6340 Baar, Switzerland.
More information is available on: www.3Cawards.com
Global Footwear Awards (GFA) Category winner Dempsey Pauwels discusses his Vision for the VOLT Collection.
Dempsey Pauwels is a multi-talented professional with a passion for both design and Law & Economics. Born in 1998 in Ghent, Pauwels began his journey by studying Business Management. In the meantime, during his final year, he decided to pursue his passion for shoes and enrolled in a four-year course at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium for footwear design.
Pauwels excelled in their studies and graduated as a skilled shoe designer. In parallel, he continued his education by pursuing a master’s degree in Law. The two fields complemented each other, with Pauwels specializing in Fashion Law to further their expertise in the fashion industry.
In their penultimate year of Law school, Pauwels successfully completed his shoe design degree. He went on to further refine their techniques and deepen their knowledge of shoe design by studying for an additional two specialization years at the academy. During this time, he also decided to start his own footwear brand for men, together with Marlou and Evelien, called L’EDGE.
After completing his Law degree, Pauwels fully committed himself to his shoe design brand and took on the role of both designer and managing partner. The combination of his skills in design and law made him an asset to the brand, as he is able to navigate the legal and economical complexities of the fashion industry while creating unique and high-quality shoe designs.
Dempsey Pauwels is an accomplished shoe designer and legal expert. The brand L’EDGE has gained a reputation for its innovative and stylish designs, and Pauwels has become a well-respected figure in the fashion industry. This is thanks to the credibility built up by winning design competitions and famous people wearing the shoes. With his combined knowledge of design and law, he continues to make significant contributions to the world of fashion and beyond.
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How did you come up with the vision for the VOLT Collection? How did cable management and nightclub interiors come together as sources of inspiration?
As a defence against covid isolation, I chose nightclub interiors as my colour inspiration. Neon lights and vibrant colours take centre stage. This in combination with cable management which represent the order source of inspiration
Is there a philosophy, a vision, or a special process that influences how you approach design? Would you say that you apply it to your life as well?
I always choose as a source of inspiration a method that ensures efficiency and order. They give me peace of mind and originate in my basic law studies.
What kind of feedback have you received and how do you deal with it?
The feedback was constructive and forward-looking. I will continue to follow my own path and take the feedback with me.
What did you find most challenging while working on the collection and what did you enjoy the most?
The hardest part of the collection was measuring the lines in the correct way, drawing them out and translating them from 2d to 3d and then assembling the shoe so that all the lines came out perfectly. The most fun part of making the collection is playing with colour and seeing all the colours come together into a whole.
Which designers do you admire the most? Do you take inspiration from their work when diving into a new project?
I admire safa sahin as a designer, what he is doing with balmain’s sneakers and his designs are really in the future.
What does winning the GFA Award mean to you in terms of validation and recognition of your work in the footwear design industry?
It indicates that we are walking the right path and will continue to work hard in this way.
Are you currently working on something new that you can tell us about?
All my designs currently go directly to my men’s shoe brand L’EDGE. I am currently building this brand further.
How do you want people to feel when wearing your designs?
I want to convey the feeling of exclusivity and statement. There is still so much possible in the niche of men’s shoes. I want to make them feel like they are wearing something that has not yet been seen.
Do you find sustainable design important when developing your pieces?
I try to take it into account as much as possible.
How do you see your work evolving in the future, and what new sources of inspiration do you hope to explore?
I hope that my work evokes through the shoe brand L’EDGE. that we can scale this brand and make it better known to the public in order to send more designs into the market. New sources of inspiration will always link with subjects that I find aesthetically pleasing and provide peace of mind and efficiency.
What advice would you offer to aspiring designers who dream of creating meaningful designs such as yours?
Be guided by your vision and not by what is going on at the moment. work towards where you want to get to and include everyone in your thoughts. sail the ship yourself.
Global Footwear Awards 2022 Category winner Marjolijn Van Agt discusses her vision for the SPLIT Collection.
Marjolijn completed her studies in Industrial Footwear Design at d’Academie Beeld Sint-Niklaas (formerly SASK/Academy of Fine Arts Sint-Niklaas). In 2021, she founded Vanagtshoes, a handmade shoemaking business where she designs and creates shoes for a diverse range of customers.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey? How did the design come to have such an important role in your life?
Ever since I was little, I liked making things ‘pretty’. First I studied visual merchandise but missed the aspect of craftsmanship, especially working with my hands and creating things out of nothing. I’ve always loved shoes and I would go out and buy shoes that didn’t even fit just so I could display them in my home as artwork. So after I graduated from both industrial footwear design and the shoe design program at the Academy of Fine Arts Sint-Niklaas I started my own business in shoemaking.
Is there a philosophy, a vision, or a special process that influences how you approach design? Would you say that you apply it to your life as well?
Whilst designing, I like to go with the flow because only then do new ideas come to me. It’s a good idea to have a design set on paper to start with, but I love that during the process of making, the materials get a life of their own, creating new shapes and styles. I try to apply this in my life as well, but unfortunately, ‘going with the flow’ isn’t always possible with a newborn baby.
How did you come up with the vision for the SPLIT Collection? Have you always wanted to incorporate the duality of femininity and edginess in your designs?
Absolutely! I’ve always been attracted to things that are edgy and unique. Dark but feminine. The SPLIT collection was designed with my personal style in mind. In school, I learned that whenever you design your ‘final design’, you can always take it one step further! That’s how I came up with the heel shape. You would think this is the easiest collection to design because it’s everything I love, but it’s not easy to stick to just one of the many creative ideas, create a coherent collection, and not deviate from this track of mind.
What kind of feedback have you received and how do you deal with it?
The people around me and my loved ones are always very supportive. Obviously, not everyone likes everything as much as I do, and sometimes people don’t understand, but that’s ok. Life would get very boring if we all liked the same stuff!
What did you find most challenging while working on the collection and what did you enjoy the most?
I’m impatient, so moulding and sanding five pairs of heels wasn’t the most fun. I had no idea how to make them since I had never done such complicated heels before, and they all needed to look the same. I’ve learned so many new tricks for making these heels. The moment they were sanded, coloured, and covered in glitter, I was very proud of myself.
Which designers do you admire the most? Do you take inspiration from their work when diving into a new project?
There are so many great (shoe) designers, it’s hard to choose. Personally, I love the designs of Carolin Hulzhuber. Her shoes are equally beautiful and eccentric. Wearable pieces of art!
What does winning the GFA Awards mean to you in terms of validation and recognition of your work in the footwear design industry?
I’m very honoured that the GFA jury chose my brand as Brand of the Year. It is wonderful to see that even though my brand is still small, I get validation for the work I put into it so far.
Are you currently working on something new that you can tell us about?
Currently, I’m working on three pairs of shoes I drew when I was around 16 years old. I’ve always held onto the drawings but never had the time to bring them to life.
How do you want people to feel when wearing your designs?
Empowered, sexy, edgy. The right pair of shoes can make you feel confident and strong, even if you’re in your PJ’s. I encourage people to be exactly who they are and express themselves.
Do you find sustainable design important when developing your pieces?
It’s always important to have the future in mind when creating anything, but it is not something I’m actively working on when making shoes from scratch. On the other hand, my business is about creating timeless pieces, repurposing materials, and repairing goods, so I guess that’s the sustainable part!
What led you to start your own handmade shoe-making business?
I like the way I can express myself creatively through my work. It calms my mind to work with my hands and create something out of nothing. It’s what I like doing most. Nowadays, most fashion is fast fashion, it’s cheap and accessible. With my business, I would like to encourage people to create a timeless piece themselves or bring in their old (leather) goods and bring them back to life instead of buying new items.
How do you see your work evolving in the future, and what new sources of inspiration do you hope to explore?
I am nowhere near where I would like to be. I’m not a robot, I have flaws I need to work on, like knowing when to start over instead of trying to fix something that I messed up. I try to get better with every pair of shoes I make. In the future, I would like to evolve in my craftsmanship and expand my atelier. Hopefully, I’ll explore new materials and different ways to create my work.
What advice would you offer to aspiring designers who dream of creating meaningful designs such as yours?
Whenever you get stuck on your designs, you need to unwind for a bit. Go outside to get some fresh air or dance to your favourite music. Whatever helps you get your mind away from your work. When you get back you write down the first 10 things you can think of and merge those things into your designs. There are no wrong ideas! You’ll be surprised by the fresh designs you’ll get.
The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) is announcing winners for its 3rd edition, showcasing a variety of exceptional creative potential across 20+ categories in all levels: Brands, Independents, and Students. The GFA recognizes visionary design talent from around the world with an ambition to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers in all categories including sustainability and social impact.
The submissions closed at the end of January 2023, leaving the jury panel composed of 33 experienced designers, academics, retailers, and media representatives in the Footwear Design industry to select the winners in each category. The program received a record number of submissions from talented footwear designers, fashion enthusiasts and students from 35 countries, making the competition tougher than ever before.
The Global Footwear Design Awards 2023 winners are:
Brand of the Year: SPLIT designed by Marjolijn Van Agt, Netherland – Vanagtshoes
Independent Designer of the Year: AYUMA. designed by Catia Di Carlo, Italy
Emerging Designer of the Year: VOLT designed by Dempsey Pauwels, UK – Academy Of Fine Arts Sint-niklaas (sask)
Other winners receiving the “The Best Overall Design” included Timberland Timberloop™ Trekker by Chris Mcgrath, Global VP of Footwear at Timberland, AWAKENING by Ying Ou, a student of the University Of The Arts London, NIKE ISPA KIDS CONCEPT designed by Jianwei Sun, a student of the Artcenter College Of Design, BBLU – Printing The Future by Andrew Artajaya, a student of The Köln International School Of Design and many more.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the judges for their dedication and hard work in selecting the winners. They have been inspired by the level of innovation and design vision showcased by many young professionals and established brands:
“The Global Footwear Awards is a great competition for both young and aspiring designers to showcase their concepts and also for established brands to let their work compete against each other.” Timon Kuhlenkamp, On Running Footwear Designer.
“Apart from enjoying the variety in creativity, I was most happy to see that more and more designers start to think of footwear as an area to tackle socio-political issues and so plays a part in taking the discipline beyond only reproducing styles of fashion, and playing with technology, and engaging with real-life issues.” Eelko Moorer, LCF MA footwear course leader.
Congratulations to all the winners and their respective teams for their remarkable contributions to the design industry. The Global Footwear Design Awards will continue to provide a platform igniting creativity and showcasing the work of aspiring designers, professionals, and brands pushing the boundaries of Footwear design.
Congratulations to all winners on their outstanding work!
“It’s been such an exciting journey seeing all the work this year. The level of creativity conjointly with innovation and sustainability made us realise why we do what we do. I hope that our platform encourages many more aspiring designers, professionals, and brands to continue pushing boundaries of design as we provide space and exposure for their creative visions to ignite.” Jennifer Cullera, GFA Managing Director.
To learn more about GFA’s award structure and winner benefits, and more, click here. For any press inquiries, email.info@globalfootwearawards.
Design a glove that meets the individual needs of the different Players consider – that is the goal of Emma Ehrenberg, Industrial Design student at Pforzheim University. For her shoe concept „ håb “ she now won the Global Footwear Award in the category „ Indoor-Sport “.
Emma Ehrenberg receives Global Footwear Award Photo: Pforzheim University
Handball is an intense sport that requires a lot of strength and speed and takes different demands on the shoe and foot in the outer, back and circle positions. Emma Ehrenberg knows these difficulties and focuses on modularity in her concept.
„ As a long-time handball player, I know from my own experience that today’s models just don’t respond to the needs of the different field positions.”
Emma Ehrenberg, industrial design student at Pforzheim University
Your shoe „ håb “ – the Danish short form for handball, the Danes are world-class players – consists of three components: Sole, outer shoe and inner shoe. The design of these components differs for the different playing positions and thus adapts to the different tasks. Small details, such as the triangular shaped outer edge, are also intended to reduce the risk of injury be minimized. In order to be able to design the fit ideally, the sole is composed of different layers and also deals with the athlete’s individual foot anatomy.
The student attaches particular importance to the sustainability and durability of her products. The materials used are largely circular, so they can be used again and again. Unlike common models, the components are also not glued tightly, but sewn. This gives „ håb “ the option of exchanging parts independently of one another in order to avoid material waste.
Adaptable to all field positions: Emma Ehrenberg’s shoe concept. Rendering: Emma Ehrenberg
The design student also presented her idea to professionals. The handball player Ioannis Fraggis praises the concept: „ It takes up all the important points for us, prevention, compression and stability. “ The jury too The Global Footwear Award was convinced of the idea and honored Emma Ehrenberg in the category „ Indoor-Sport “.
Benny Goldberg is redefining “peak” performance.
Goldberg (B.F.A., industrial design) has won the Global Footwear Award 2022 in Sports Performance, student division. His winning design, The Street Hiker, featuring colorways inspired by U.S. National Parks, is “designed to be worn by fashion and streetwear enthusiasts as they explore the urban world.”
“I set my alarm and woke up in the middle of the night to check the announcement,” Benny says, with a mixture of pride and disbelief. “To win is so sick.”
The highest global recognition for ground-breaking footwear designs, the Global Footwear Awards acknowledge both professional and emerging designers. Goldberg’s design was selected by an impressive panel of judges, including shoe designers, product managers, and style editors from powerhouses like Puma, Adidas, Hugo Boss, and British GQ.
Benny began designing his boot in The Development of Product Form (IDUS 250) with Professor Rafael Corazza in Spring 2021. As Benny recalls: “The project prompt was a mood board with luxury hiking gear. Some [of my classmates] designed flashlights, water bottles, and backpacks. I focused on footwear because that’s my passion.”
Benny sketched a boot with a rocky midsole, extending his concept to a plastic heel cup “like a mountain on the back.” He transferred early iPad sketches into Rhino and kept working.
“I saw Balenciaga and other companies making hiking-type boots, but people don’t really wear them to go hiking,” Benny says. “My idea was to bring the mountain to the street, so you’re literally walking on a mountain range as you walk down the street.”
Benny rendered the Street Hiker in Keyshot, selecting colorways eye-dropped from photographs of Glacier National, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. He refined his design and its presentation in Fall 2021, in Portfolio and Resumé Development (IDUS 316) with Professor Paul McGroary.
“From the beginning of portfolio class, Benny had a strong vision of what he wanted to achieve, and he worked tirelessly to make that happen,” McGroary says. “He took chances, made wonderful mistakes, and developed. The result is an edgy set of deliverables that ooze design poise and professionalism.”
“Designing a shoe is really fun because it’s problem solving,” Benny says. “You know what you want it to look like, you’ve done the sketches, but getting the shapes to work, getting the lofts and lines to come together, that’s the challenge.”
Were Benny solely focused on academic projects, his Global Footwear win would be impressive. Yet this artist-athlete is also the starting goaltender for the SCAD men’s lacrosse team, whose season is now in full swing.
Growing up playing lacrosse and ice hockey in and around Birmingham, Michigan, Benny says he always felt like something of an outsider—until his parents sent him to Savannah for SCAD Summer Seminars, the pre-college program for high school students.
“My Summer Seminar experience changed me,” Benny says. “From that moment I owned the fact that I wanted to do art. SCAD has always felt like home to me.”
