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Global Footwear Awards Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Enhanced Offerings and Special Contest

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 […]

Global Footwear Awards Partner with INDIPROC to Empower Emerging Designers

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 […]

Global Footwear Awards Masterclass: How Sneakers Redefined Luxury and Status

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 […]

Top Footwear Design Schools for Sustainable Innovation

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 […]

Masterclass by Sean Williams for the “Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year” 2024.

We’re thrilled to announce an enhanced offering for emerging winners in this year’s edition of the Global Footwear Awards. Renowned sneaker industry figure Sean Williams, boasting over 37 years of experience, and also a respected jury member of the Global Footwear Awards, will provide an exclusive masterclass to the “Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year”. […]

GFA Jury Member Sean Williams Reflects on His Remarkable Journey

GFA Jury Member Sean Williams Reflects on His Journey

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, […]

The Global Footwear Awards Crowns 4th Edition Winners with Emphasis on Technology and Sustainability.

Join us in celebrating the future of footwear! Explore the groundbreaking designs that clinched victory in the 4th edition of the Global Footwear Awards. Witness how technology and sustainability are reshaping the industry. The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) is excited to reveal the distinguished winners of its fourth edition, having received an impressive array of […]

From top left: Felipe Fiallo, Sissi Johnson, Robbie Fuller, Richard Kuchinsky, Chen Wang, Ann Williams, Sean Williams, Robert Quach, Yael Joyce Vantu, Oronzo De Matteis.

Global Footwear Awards Unveils Visionary Jury for Fourth Edition

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, […]

Meeting with Constantinos Panayiotou, the 2023 Independent Designer of the Year.

PET LIGER Founder and Visionary Artist, Constantinos Panayiotou reveals the story of the VERTEX LOVE Project. Global Footwear Awards 2023 Design of the Year. Pushing the boundaries of single silhouettes. The first Heels series featuring the heart motif gained virality on Social Media with over 120K likes. Could you share your concept behind the design […]

Meet Stephan Henrich, the designer behind the Cryptide One, Winner of the 2023 Footwear Brand of the Year.

Footwear Designer Stephan Henrich Reveals the Story of the CRYPTIDE – ONE – Project. Global Footwear Awards 2023, Footwear Brand of the Year. Winning project: The CRYPTIDE ONE is a luxury lifestyle shoe that is completely 3D printed from one flexible material. The upper shoe, designed as a sock that is perforated for optimal ventilation, can […]

Exclusive Interview with Sara Valeri: META BEASTS Designer and Overall Winner

Sara Valeri shares the Story of the META BEASTS Project. Global Footwear Awards 2023 Best Overall Winner. Meta Beasts by Sara Valeri are transitional soccer shoes for ages 7-11, offering comfort, performance, and safety, and featuring a unique digital twin in the metaverse for enhanced skills in and out of the field. Could you tell […]

Ofir Kertesz, the 2023 Best Overall Winner, very personal story behind the metamorphosis project.

Footwear Designer Ofir Kertesz Reveals the Story of the metamorphosis Project. Global Footwear Awards 2023, Best Overall Winner in student category. Ofir was born in Txfat in Northern Israel. And moved to Haifa district to this day. Her life revolved around art, as a child she participated in jewelry lessons, ceramics, and drawing and creating costumes […]

One Shoes Fits all designer, a conversation with Wout Speyers.

Footwear Designer Wout Speyers Reveals the Story of the One Shoe (fits all) Project. Global Footwear Awards 2023 Best Overall Winner. One shoe (fits all) by Wout Speyers. Innovative and refreshing. This is a new style of shoe. A shoe for the Oxford style wearer and the man in slippers. Two functions in one design. […]

Footwear Designer Hita Wangse Rudira Reveals the Story behind Anta Terran AWR, winner in 2023 Best Overall category.

Footwear Designer Hita Wangse Rudira Reveals the Story of the ANTA – TERRAN AWR – (ALL WEATHER READY) Project. Global Footwear Awards 2023 Best Overall Winner. Anta held a footwear design competition in 2021 with a theme of the future, focusing on the earth’s ecosystem. Hita Wangse Rudira argues that we must act quickly and consistently […]

Meet Noriyuki Misawa, multi-awarded shoemaker and artist.

Noriyuki Misawa: Create shoes as works of art A pair of good shoes should also be a walkable work of art. How to better integrate technology and art in the process of designing and manufacturing shoes is considered to be a problem that the entire footwear industry has been exploring and thinking about. Recently, Linker […]

A Conversation on the 2022 Emerging Designer of the Year | Dempsey Pauwels

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 […]

A Conversation on the 2022 Independent Designer of the Year | Catia Di Carlo

Global Footwear Awards 2022 Category winner Catia Di Carlo discusses her vision for the AYUMA. Project. 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 […]

A Conversation on the 2022 Brand of the Year | Marjolijn Van Agt

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 […]

3C Awards is joining The World Design Organization (WDO), a worldwide network of over 185 member organizations promoting industrial design.

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 […]

Global Footwear Awards is joining the 3C Awards Group, a Swiss-based organization curating, recognizing and supporting talented designers.

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 […]

The 3rd Annual Global Footwear Awards Winners Announced

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 […]

The Global Footwear Awards 2021 announces Winners for GFA x Shoe Girls

Global Footwear Awards announces Winners for GFA x Shoe Girls Up-and-Coming Female Footwear Designers. The Global Footwear Awards and Shoe Girls Studio just announced the winners of the GFA x Shoe Girls Up-and-Coming-Female Footwear Designers, celebrating the incredible female talents in fashion. With its ongoing mission to uncover visionary design talents, the GFA and Shoe […]

The Global Footwear Awards 2021 announces Winners for GFA x Sneakers By Women

Global Footwear Awards announces Winners for GFA x SBW Up-and-Coming Female Sneaker Designers. The Global Footwear Awards and Sneakers By Women (SBW) just announced the winners of the GFA x SBW Up-and-Coming-Female Sneaker Designers, celebrating the incredible female talents in streetwear and sneaker culture. With this special partnership with Sneakers By Women, we are able […]

Global Footwear Awards 2022 is looking for visionary designers

The Global Footwear Awards is now accepting submissions for its third edition. Footwear designers from across the globe are invited to showcase their latest designs with a mission to showcase established designers and uncover visionary emerging talents. The GFA recognizes visionary out-of-the-box thinkers from around the world with an ambition to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers in all […]

The 2nd Annual Global Footwear Awards Winners Announced

The Global Footwear Awards 2021 Best Overall Winners Announced The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) is announcing winners for its second edition, showcasing a variety of exceptional creative potential across 20+ categories in all levels; Brands, Independent and Students. The GFA recognizes visionary design talent from around the world with an ambition to provide the […]

Global Footwear Awards Best Overall Designs Announced

Global Footwear Awards Best Overall Designs Announced Los Angeles, CA –Farmani Group launched The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) for the first time as a sister awards alongside IDA International Design Award. The GFA recognizes visionary design talent from around the world with an ambition to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers in all […]

Global Footwear Awards announces its first partnership with Sneakers By Women.

Los Angeles, CA – Global Footwear Awards(GFA) is launching a special award for Up and Coming Female Sneaker Designers! The Global Footwear Awards and Sneakers By Women are joining to create an award to celebrate the incredible female talents in streetwear and sneaker culture. With its ongoing mission to uncover visionary design talents, the GFA […]

GFA 2020 Winners Announced

Global Footwear Awards First Annual Winners Announced Los Angeles, CA –Farmani Group is launching The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) for the first time as a sister awards alongside IDA International Design Award. The GFA recognizes visionary design talent fromaround the world with an ambition to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers on all […]

The GFA Trophies

Global Footwear Awards is proud to present beautiful handmade trophies. Standing 20 cm tall, made of black crystal and high-quality glass. These trophies will be awarded to the overall- designs in the following categories: Art Footwear Fashion: Pro Fashion: Non-Pro Sneakers: Pro Sneakers: Non Pro Sustainability: Pro Sustainability: Non-Pro Kids: Pro Kids: Non Pro Medical: […]

Global Footwear Design Awards Jury Announces the First Annual Winners

Global Footwear Design Award Announces Winners in the First Annual Edition The Global Footwear Design Award (GFA) has announced the winners in the inaugural edition of its prestigious awards program. Honoring the most brilliant talents and outstanding global Footwear Designs, it sets the stage for GFA to take its place as a benchmark of design excellence across […]

In Conversation With: Jaden Zhai

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Jaden Zhai Ko discussed Sonic IQ 1.0 , GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Sonic IQ 1.0 was awarded the best in kids category for independent level. […]

In Conversation With: Kira Goodey

Global Footwear Awards winner, Kira Goodey, discussed Genderless Heels , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. Genderless Heels was awarded Best Overall in Unisex Fashion. Genderless Heels IS OUTRAGEOUS SHOES IN INCLUSIVE SIZES. For a decade, Kira Goodey (@kiragoodey) has built an […]

In Conversation With: Sarah Diab

Global Footwear Awards winner, Sarah Diab, discussed The Fibonacci Mule , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. The Fibonacci Mule was awarded the best in Women’s Fashion category for brand level as well as the winner of GFA x Shoe Girls Up […]

In Conversation With: Ruben Asuo

Global Footwear Awards winner, Ruben Asuo discussed Gravel , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. Gravel was awarded the best in Sustainability and Social Impact. Gravel is a football boot, which was designed for the rough conditions of Ghanaian football […]

In Conversation With: Parthasarathee Behura

Global Footwear Awards winner, Parthasarathee Behura, discussed ARCapsule , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. ARCapsule was awarded Best Overall Sports performance. ARCapsule has been reimagined as an update for the current Adidas Adios Pro2 series.It features an adjustable carbon fibre […]

In Conversation With: Abdul Lawal

Global Footwear Awards Emerging Designer of the Year, Abdul Lawal, discussed Pointe.2 , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. Pointe.2 was awarded Best Overall in 3D Print footwear, medical footwear as well as Footwear Innovation. A smart footwear system to help […]

In Conversation With: Haoran Qi

Global Footwear Awards winner, Haoran Qi, discussed Tabi Flow , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. Tabi Flow was awarded GFA x SHOE GIRLS UP-AND-COMING FEMALE FOOTWEAR DESIGNER. Tabi Flow is a combination of tabi traditional shoes and 3d printing […]

In Conversation With: Tori Soudan

Global Footwear Awards winner, Tori Soudan, discussed The Julee Boot , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. The Julee Boot was awarded Independent Designer of the Year as well as category winner in Women’s Fashion and Artistic Footwear. The Julee Boot […]

In Conversation With: Kui Cai

Global Footwear Awards winner, Kui Cai, discussed 3D SPHERE , GFA 2021 Brand of the Year. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. 3D SPHERE was awarded Brand of the Year as well as Winners in Fashion Sneakers, 3D printing and Sustainable manufacturing. “3D SPHERE” […]

In Conversation With: Noriyuki Misawa

Global Footwear Awards winner, Noriyuki Misawa, discussed Foot’s Nest , GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. Foot’s Nest was awarded the best in Artistic footwear. Master custom shoemaker Noriyuki Misawa pursues formative, yet functional artistly. To display the external space of the […]

In Conversation With: Gloria-Rose Mackaya

Global Footwear Awards winner, Gloria-Rose Mackaya, discussed Inspired Change Initiative, GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. Inspired Change Initiative was awarded the winner of GFA x Sneakers By Women Up-and-Coming Female Designer. Inspired Change Initiative was a design competition for young BAME […]

In Conversation With: Brittney Perry

Global Footwear Awards winner, Brittney Perry discussed The Prelude, GFA 2021 winning design. Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify visionary designers in footwear. The Prelude was awarded the winner of GFA x Sneakers By Women Up-and-Coming Female Brand. Lifelong sneakerhead Brittney Perry grew up facing a market saturated by sneakers […]

In Conversation With: Chia Yuan Ko

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Chia Yuan Ko discussed FTW_SYMT , GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. FTW_SYMT was awarded the best in sustainable category for student level. “SYMT” stands for the […]

In Conversation With: Chiyang Duan

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Chiyang Duan discussed mutualism, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. mutualism was awarded the best in special category for pro level. Chiyang’s Background. Fashion /Accessories/jewellery/Architecture Chiyang duan […]

In Conversation With: Zuzana Bahulova

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Zuzana Bahulova discussed Vi-Tech Footwear Skin, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear.Hi-Tech Footwear Skin was awarded the best in medical category for pro level. Hi-Tech Footwear Skin […]

In Conversation With: Frederick Phua

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Frederick Phua discussed City Glider, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. City Glider was awarded the best in performance category for student level. City Glider empowers us to […]

In Conversation With: Hengbo Zhang

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Hengbo Zhang discussed Off-Normal, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Off-Normal was awarded the best in Men’s Dress category for student level. Off-Normal Off-Normal is designed for […]

In Conversation With: Disha Vaid

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Disha Vaid discussed VERTICO 2.O FUTURE FRAGMENT , GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. VERTICO 2.O FUTURE FRAGMENT was awarded the best in specific sports category for […]

In Conversation With: Marija Vlasova

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Marija Vlasova discussed Woolings World, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Woolings World was awarded the best in Men’s Casual category for independent level. Woolings Worldis a […]

In Conversation With: Hrvoje Boljar

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Vrinda Gupta discussed MIRET, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. MIRET was awarded the best in sustainable category for pro level. MIRET combined the strongest natural fibres […]

In Conversation With: Vrinda Gupta

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Vrinda Gupta discussed TEAL Design, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. TEAL Design was awarded the best in ethical footwear category for pro level. TEAL Design are a […]

In Conversation With: Rik Olthuis

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Rik Olthuis discussed Voroni Runners, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Voroni Runners was awarded the best in sustainable category for student level. Voroni Runners are sneakers made […]

In Conversation With: Yehuda Azoulay

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Yehuda Azoulay discussed Link, Flipshoe, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Link, Flipshoe was awarded the best in unisex category for pro level. Link, Flipshoe is innovative […]

In Conversation With: Liz Ciokajlo

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Liz Ciokajlo discussed Natural Selection – The Objectification of Shoe, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Natural Selection – The Objectification of Shoe was awarded the best […]

In Conversation With: Maria Bika

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Maria Bika discussed Walking in Silence, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. Walking in Silence was awarded the best in Medical category for Independent level. GFA […]

In Conversation With: Dina Aller

Global Footwear Awards Category winner Dina Aller discussed WA/Harmony, GFA 2020 winning design. Making its debut on the international design stage, Global Footwear Awards (GFA) has begun its global search to identify the most innovative design in footwear. WA/Harmony was awarded the best in Women’s Casual category for student level. GFA talks with Dina […]

Global Footwear Awards is Calling for International Entries

Global Footwear Awards is now accepting submissions, inviting all footwear designers to enter their outstanding design within the categories of performance, fashion, kids and sustainable footwear. The Global footwear award recognizes the efforts of talented footwear designers around the World and aims to celebrate their exceptional creations at a global scale, while honoring sustainable practices […]

Press Mentions

Word Design Awards (WDO) / Global Footwear Awards announces the 2022 winners

GLOBAL FOOTWEAR AWARDS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THIRD EDITION April 13, 2023 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 young designers who won the Global Footwear Awards competition

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 […]

Global Footwear Award for Pforzheim Industrial Design student

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 […]

Global Footwear Award winner Benny Goldberg

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 […]

Student-designed ‘smart slipper’ awarded Global Footwear Award

Facing a rapidly aging society, two UNNC PDM Year 4 students, Menghao Yuan and Yanzhe Wang, designed “Smart Slippers” which are not only comfortable to wear but also provide a caring and personalised healthcare solution for the elderly. The “Smart Slippers” project was also awarded Global Footwear Awards Overall Winner in Special Awards, Winner in Social […]

Croatia Week article

Croatian eco-sneaker brand Miret wins big at Global Footwear Awards Croatian eco-sneaker brand Miret has beaten prestigious world brands to win three awards at the Global Footwear Awards. Just over six years ago, brothers Domagoj and Hrvoje Boljar, whi are from Duga Resa, a town just outside of Zagreb, launched their Miret sneaker brand which […]

Fox 43 article

Global Footwear Awards proudly announces the First Annual Winners Los Angeles, CA – Farmani Group launched The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) for the first time as a sister awards alongside IDA International Design Award. The GFA recognizes visionary design talent from around the world with an ambition to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers on […]

Designscene Magazine Article

Here Are The First Annual Winners of Global Footwear Awards The GFA honors strategic thinking and innovative solutions to footwear, sustainability and social impact. Recognizing visionary design talents from all around the world, The Global Footwear Design Awards (GFA) has announced the first annual winners. Launched as a sister award alongside International Design Award by Farmani […]