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FOOTWEAR Design BA(Hons)

FOOTWEAR Design BA(Hons) Welcome

De Montfort University Leicester offers the only single honours Footwear Design degree in the UK – delivering a distinctive blend of taught components to best provide the next generation of footwear designers and shoemakers with the skills they need. The course has impressive industry links and influential relationships within the international fashion sector. The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers both provide vital support and funding to the course, enabling us to recognise and honour student achievements while they study with us.

Our academic and technical teams work hard to provide our students with a rich and rewarding experience. We deliver insight to the traditional craft of shoemaking, combined with the development of 3D design technologies using our state-of-the-art facilities, including immersive VR equipment. Our students create hand-illustrated sketches and digital designs, to sit alongside the technical making skills of their 3D prototypes, producing a diverse range of footwear categories including women’s fashion, performance sports and men’s bespoke orthopaedic shoes. Students are able to work on live projects with global brands, enter prestigious competitions both nationally and internationally, and develop their own unique footwear design handwriting under the expert guidance of our experienced staff.

We have an excellent network of industry contacts, which ensures our students have the best opportunities to work on collaborative industry projects. This provides them with invaluable experiences to gain relevant industry skills and networking opportunities with major international companies. Our students have recently completed live projects with Adidas, Gravity Sketch, New Balance, Jimmy Choo and Dr Martens to name but a few. As a result, many work experience and internship opportunities are often created. We are so proud of our graduates, and many go on to companies such as Nike, Lacoste, Adidas, Puma, Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith, Kurt Geiger, Dr Martens, Sophia Webster, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Givenchy and Hermes.

On behalf of our graduating class of 2026, I am delighted to showcase the variety of work they have produced. We wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing how their careers progress.

Nanette Westberg-Brown Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Footwear Design

Hugo Tibbitts

Andreea Zabulica - page 4-5 - page 6-7 - page 8-9

Cathia Pinto

Achievements:

• Winner: The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers ‘Bespoke’ Footwear Design Award (2025)

• Finalist: Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the Year Award (2026)

• Shortlisted: The Accessories Award, Graduate Fashion Foundation (2026)

OFF GRID reimagines footwear by integrating off‑road performance principles within a contemporary streetwear context. Drawing inspiration from rally racing and rugged terrains, the design emphasises adaptability across both urban and outdoor environments. Through the application of durable materials, reinforced construction, and a bold, function led aesthetic, the concept develops into footwear that embodies movement, resilience, and a spirit of exploration beyond the ordinary.

HUGO TIBBITTS

Achievements:

• Finalist: The Accessories Award, Graduate Fashion Foundation (2026)

• Shortlisted: The Cione Biomechanics Award (2024)

Alchemy draws upon the distinctive visual language of the legendary Brazilian figures Lampião and Maria Bonita. In the 1930s, these iconic outlaws navigated the harsh drylands with not only resilience but a highly individualised aesthetic, characterised by ornate leather armour, star‑adorned hats, metallic embellishments, and handcrafted embroidery as a form of personal expression.

This collection translates their rebellious spirit into a contemporary footwear context, celebrating the rich heritage of leather craftsmanship. By integrating modular design principles and interchangeable accessories, the work reinterprets historical references through innovation, enabling the wearer to actively engage in the transformation of the product. In doing so, the collection positions the user as both wearer and maker, adapting their footwear to suit varied contexts and expressions.

CATHIA PINTO

Achievements:

• Finalist: The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Footwear Awards (2026) andreeazabulica1@gmail.com

Azure is a contemporary fashion and jewellery concept informed by the nostalgic visual language of the Y2K era, combined with the bold and subversive qualities of luxury gothic streetwear. The project explores the intersection of early‑2000s aesthetics and present day design innovation, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. The collection is defined by a monochromatic, chrome‑inspired palette, incorporating statement jewellery, piercings, metallic finishes, and sculptural forms. Through these elements, the work establishes a strong, cohesive visual identity that balances retro influence with contemporary sensibilities. Alongside its aesthetic direction, the project prioritises environmentally responsible production approaches, reflecting a critical engagement with current industry practices.