GFA 2026 SUBMISSION OPEN
Winner 2022 / Special Awards / GFA x SHOE GIRLS UP-AND-COMING FEMALE FOOTWEAR DESIGNER (NON-SNEAKER)

Kai

Photo Credit: Hedy Kohv

 

 

  • University
    Estonian Academy Of Arts
  • Lead Designer
    Hedy Kohv
  • Design Team
    Hedy Kohv, Tutors: Annamari Vänskä (aalto University), Sten Ojavee
  • Prize
    Winner in GFA x SHOE GIRLS UP-AND-COMING FEMALE FOOTWEAR DESIGNER (NON-SNEAKER)
  • Expertise
    Student

Inspired by weaved birch bags in the area of Estonia and combining them with the leftovers of marine saving equipment - used straps. Even after hard use this material still has good quality as strong one, dries fast, is mainly bendable and eye-catching character. Braided footwear from thin straps is already seen and common, I was testing the technique out with a more demanding size - wide straps. I believe there is a possibility to give another life to the used straps for more years after they have done their job at the sea.

Bio
What if
tomorrow we had to create
everything
out of nothing?

Are we already
there,
or is there still
some time?

How long can one
build up
from what has already been
used up?

Is the beauty in the
eyes of the
observer
and functionality in the
muscle memory of the
user?

In the race of despair
towards eternal youth
will mankind be ever ready
to value and truly savour
aging,
imperfection,
and
change?

Other prizes
GFA Category Winner 2022 Debut as a student designer on Tallinn Fashion week 2023


Global Footwear Design Award 2026
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.