FOOTWEAR DESIGN
dmu.ac.uk/footwear
FOOT WEAR dmu.ac.uk/footwear
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FOOT WEAR
Welcome to De Montfort University Footwear Design De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) 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 shoemakers and designers 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 to the course through their generous monetary funding, enabling us to recognise and honour student achievements within their studies 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. Our students create sketch and CAD 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 excellent industry links and a credible reputation, 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 Ted Baker, New Balance, Vibram, Hi-Tec, Freed of London and Joseph Cheaney & Sons 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, New Balance, Lacoste, adidas, Puma, Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith, Sophia Webster, Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Givenchy. With our support, students are able to realise their full potential. We’re proud of our niche approach which we believe prepares our students for careers in the industry. We encourage students to push boundaries and exceed expectations for the demands of the footwear industry. On behalf of our graduating students from Footwear Design BA (Hons), I am delighted to showcase the variety of work they have produced, which demonstrates their skills, creativity and innovation. We wish them all the very best for the future.
Nanette Westberg-Brown Course Leader, Footwear Design BA (Hons)
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NEWS JIHEE AHN GRACE ANDERTON MAARTJE DEN BOER SASHA DESMOND FFION EDGELEY MABEL GOCHER SAFFRON GORDON CALLUM HOUSTON JIN JEUN KIM HYE LIN YINGZHE SOPHINA MASIH
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NKOSANA MHLANGA KRISH MITRA JIHYUN PARK LUCY ROBERTS RYAN RODDY MOESHA FRANCIS JEAEUN YOU CHLOE STEARNS LIVE PROJECTS FOOTWEAR FACILITIES
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F O O T W E A R
D E S I G N
N E W S
Ellie Gray who graduated from the footwear design BA in 2020 was awarded 2nd place in last years Cordwainers Livery Company 'National Footwear Student of the Year'. Ellie is now designing footwear at Givenchy in Paris.
A selection of students attended a summer school with Instituto Modartech University based in Pontedera near Florence. For a few years, our students have had the benefit of attending the summer school in Tuscany but this year it was online. The students learned footwear pattern cutting techniques and digital design skills.
Ellie Gray
Ryan Roddy Modartech summer school
Brandon Haley was another 2020 Graduate and the winner of the prestigious 2020 Drapers Magazine 'Student Footwear Designer of the Year' award. He is now working as a Footwear Designer for Northstar Sourcing Group..
Ryan Roddy, graduating this year from Footwear Design was the winner of the worldwide 'Prospect 100' competition. The footwear design competition was judged by Steven Smith (Yeezy), Jeff Staple (Staple Design) & Sean Wotherspoon (Round Two). Ryan won mentoring from Jeff Staple as part of his prize.
Brandon Haley
Hyungee Park graduated in 2020 and was the winner of the Size? 'Graduate Fashion Week Footwear Award 2020'. 4
Hyungee Park
Moesha Francis placed 2nd in the Clints 'Inspire Change Initiative' competition. This competition seeks to increase the representation of ethnic minority designers in footwear. Moesha had the opportunity to work with Junior Clint and Virgil Abloh on footwear designs for Off-White and Louis Vuitton.
Moesha Francis
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Inspiration:
JIHEE AHN
WAKEBOARD/ MILITARY/ MORPHING The upper design focuses on water (wave), which is common to ‘Wakeboarding’ and ‘Military’, while the Sole-unit was especially inspired by naval ships in the military. Designed using new technology ‘Morphing’ ACHIEVEMENTS: - WINNER of ‘National Footwear Student of the Year’ competition (by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Livery) - Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy CONTACT: E: tp8013@gmail.com I: @jihee_footwear_design
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“Sustainable Architecture” was the source of inspiration. Merging the contrast between harsh infrastructure and the unbridled greenery. Designs created for commuting between work and home and are constructed using durable materials to withstand frequent wear ACHIEVEMENTS: Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy WORK EXPERIENCE: Next PLC - Leicester, UK CONTACT: I: @graceanderton.footwear E: grace.anderton@outlook.com
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MODA shoe
GRACE ANDERTON
Inspiration:
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MAARTJE DEN BOER 10
Inspiration: Inspiration taken from techniques in art and fashion covering the female body and translated onto footwear, in particular draping techniques. The combination of leather and sheer voile was used to highlight and manipulate the silhouette of ordinary footwear. The heels are inspired by the Greek sculptural art and have a marble look finish. ACHIEVEMENTS: - Finalist in ‘National Footwear Student of the Year’ competition (by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Livery) CONTACT: T: maartje.den@outlook.com I: mden.design
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Unisex collection inspired by Formula-E Motorsport and the growing involvement of women in Formula-1 racing. Taking inspiration from the net carbon zero status of the sport, I intended to create a sustainably sourced and manufactured collection of trainers. CONTACT: I: @sasha.footwear E: sashadesmond27@gmail.com
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SASHA DESMOND
Inspiration:
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FFION EDGELEY 14
Inspiration: Based off the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ campaign. These shoes were designed to be used for activities in and around the water and would help aid in floatation & survival should the wearer find themselves in a situation requiring it. ACHIEVEMENTS: - 3rd Place Freed of London ’90 for 90’ - Biomechanics Award winner CONTACT: E: edgeleydesign@hotmail.com I: @edgeleydesign
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Conflicting ideas of motorcycles and sustainability. The project aimed to capture the innovative elements of the upcoming ‘eco-friendly’ motorcycle industry, whilst celebrating the heritage of powerful, classic bikes. Competitions: - Finalist in ‘National Footwear Student of the Year’ competition (ran by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers London Livery Company). - Awarded 1st Place in The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers (Livery Company) Bespoke Orthopaedic Award 2020 ACHIEVEMENTS: - Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy CONTACT: E: mabel@gocher.art I : @footwearbymabel
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MABEL GOCHER
Inspiration:
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SAFFRON GORDON
Inspiration: Women’s collection inspired by Roller skating and 70s retro creating a modernised, multifunctional shoe with retractable wheels providing an optional alternative mean of transportation. Combining the old 70s style and material concepts with new technology for the roller skate construction. ACHEIVEMENTS - Finalist in ‘National Footwear Student of the Year’ competition (ran by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers London Livery Company) - Freed of London ’90 for 90’ Design competition - 2nd Place - Ted Baker Live project - 2nd place - The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers Livery company - Bespoke Orthopaedic Competition - 3rd Place - Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy CONTACT: E: saffrongordon99@gmail.com I: @footwearbysaffron
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Robust trail mule inspired by the octopus and Iditarod trail racing. Featuring a quick release detachable sling back for securing waterproof overshoes and cleats making the shoe adaptable to the environment you are in, just like the octopus. ACHIEVEMENTS: - Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy - Selected to Present work to Vibram at Lineapelle, Italy CONTACT: E: callumhouston404@hotmail.com I: @ callum.design
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CALLUM HOUSTON
Inspiration:
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Inspiration:
JEUN JIN
The inspiration of this ‘love life project’ was from the bible, and among many books in the bible, the song of songs has captured my heart. The song of songs is a dialogue between the bridegroom, Jesus Christ and his bride, church. From the concealed fountain of love in the secret garden. CONTACT: E: jjh85@daum.net
“We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.” Song of Songs 1:11
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INSPIRATION: This project is inspired by traditional Korean clothing, architecture and accessories. CONTACT: E: jennykim16017@gmail.com
KIM HYE
I: @jennykimart
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YINGZHE LIN
Inspiration:
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Inspiration comes from skin conditions. including Vitiligo, Acne and Dryness. . CONTACT: E: yingzhelin211@gmail.com I : @footwear_lin
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A women’s collection inspired by the rodeo, designed for the runway. An American sport created from the idea of herding cattle in Spain and Mexico. In addition, the collection symbolizes features found within equestrian style such as fringing and stitching. CONTACT: E: smasih2@hotmail.com
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SOPHINA MASIH
Inspiration:
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NKOSANA MHLANGA 30
Inspiration: Making a £15 shoe look like a £100 shoe. The collection showcases affordable footwear that does not compromise in design or performance. Aimed to be sold within UK supermarkets means the shoes are readily available and accessible for all. ACHIEVEMENTS: - 3rd Place in Biomechanics Award - Runner up 'Inspire change initiative' by Clints footwear WORK EXPERIENCE: Assisted Junior Clint and Virgil Abloh designing products for Off White and Louis Vuitton. CONTACT: I: @nkosanagram E: nkosanawork@gmail.com
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The Mod-Runner is a concept featuring a modular sole unit with interlocking outsoles with magnetic closure. The upper features a BOA lacing unit and moulded TPU heel counter ACHIEVEMENTS: - Most Improved Student of the Year - Presented work to Vibram/HiTec at Linea Pelle in Milan - Footwear course - InstitutoModartech, Italy CONTACT: E: mitrakrishanu12@gmail.com I: @krishanumitraa
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KRISH MITRA
Inspiration:
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Inspiration:
JIHYUN PARK
The project was inspired by the unique structure and round shape of citrus fruits.
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A modular shoe which is designed to be made without glue and sewing, so it is easy to recycle. CONTACT: I: pjhpih98@gmail.com E: @jihyun_footwear
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Inspiration was taken from Janet Echelman's hanging sculptures. Her pieces are dynamic and full of life. I wanted to recreate the movement these sculptures make when they are blowing in the wind. This design is sleek and stylised, the uniquely designed sole unit provides a statement focus for the shoe. ACHIEVEMENTS: - Nominee for Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the year. - Finalist in Prospect 100 design competition. - 2nd Place in the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers Bespoke Orthopaedic award and featured in their weekly newsletter. - Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy CONTACT:
LUCY ROBERTS
INSPIRATION:
I: lhs10robel@gmail.com E: @lucyyart
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RYAN RODDY
Inspiration: Inspired by football boot technology and movement lines within mocap analysis. A focus on harnessing these technolgies with performance, lifestyle and formal footwear to provide a seamless diffusion between functional and unique designs. COMPETITIONS: - WINNER- Prospect 100 Global Footwear Design Competition - The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Livery company Second Year Student of the year - 1st place - The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Livery company Bespoke award. - Winner of the Pattenmakers Scarr-Hall Memorial Award - Finalist in ‘National Footwear Student of the Year’ competition (by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers - London Livery Company) ACHIEVEMENTS: - Footwear course at Modartech Italy - Designs featured in Vogue, Highsnobiety and WWD EXPERIENCE: - 6 month mentorship with Jeff Staple CONTACT: E: ryanroddy7@hotmail.co.uk I: r.roddydesign MODA shoe
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This project is a high end womenswear project inspired by 1940's Jamaican fashion with floral prints and retro silouettes. They combine floral prints of the time and the art of flower pressing to give a three dimensional element and a uniqueness to each style. ACHIEVEMENTS: - 1st Place in Ted Baker live project winning a work placement - 2nd Place 'Inspire change initiative' by Clints footwear - Nominee for Drapers 'Student of the year' competition. Work EXPERIENCE: - Clints/Louis Vuitton - worked with Junior Clint and Virgil Abloh on footwear Projects for Off-White and Louis Vuitton. CONTACT: I: Moesha1998@hotmail.co.uk E: Moesha.design
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moesha francis
INSPIRATION:
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jeaeun you
Inspiration:
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Women's collection inspired by movement art and Heather Hansen's performative art. Black and white is used to express dynamic movements and the simplest and most perfect colour that's contrasting and easy to see. CONTACT: E: jeaeunyou@gmail.com I : @jeaeun_footwear
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INSPIRATION: A womenswear collection inspired by Barbara Hepworth's organic sculptures. Leather uppers with copper patina pieces recreate her natural material choices and structural forms. - Winner of the Pattenmakers Scarr-Hall Memorial Award - Footwear course - Instituto Modartech, Italy - Selected to Present work to Vibram at Lineapelle, Italy CONTACT: I: @chloe_footwear E: chloe@stozweb.com
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chloe stearns
ACHIEVEMENTS:
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Chloe Stearns
Ryan Roddy
Saffron Gordon
Ted Baker live project
LIVE PROJECTS
Students had the chance to work with the Ted Baker design team to design and make their own creations for women's footwear. Designing products that align with the brand and appeal to its core customer.
HiTec x Vibram live project Outdoor brands HiTec and Vibram challenged our students to design innovative and new solutions to their design problems. The students presented their work to the brands at the Linea Pelle show in Milan. Callum Houston (upper) Jihee Ahn (midsole)
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Moesha Francis
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NEW BALANCE
New Balance live project New Balance Design team worked with our students and set them the brief of designing a shoe to celebrate the anniversary of New Balance being made in the UK. The students had a chance to make their own prototype shoe design.
Krish Mitra
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Ryan Roddy
Callum Houston Callum Houston
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VIJAY PATEL BUILDING Our Footwear Design BA (Hons) students are based in the Vijay Patel Building. This award-winning building brings all of our art and design courses together into a stunning architectural space that's been designed to provide inspiring, flexible spaces, studios and extensive facilities which invite creativity and innovation. The footwear design department has the capability to create any type of footwear from scratch with open plan design studio and workshops with pattern cutting, closing and lasting facilities. Sitting at the heart of our recently transformed campus, this landmark building defines us as a 21st century university. It shows how serious we are about giving our students the very best experience possible and embodies our ambition to provide them with all of the tools they need to achieve their aspirations. To take a closer look at our facilities visit dmu.ac.uk/aad
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With Thanks to TUTORS
TECHNICIANS
Nanette Westberg-Brown Steve Weston Jonathan Morss Philip Stewart Elizabeth Lambourn
Christine Davis Michaela Wilson-George ADH Technical Support Staff
VISITING TUTORS Tony Slinger Tim King Matthew Willis Steph Sweetmore
Many thanks for the invaluable financial support
INDUSTRY VIBRAM spA Hi-Tec sports New Balance Athletics Inc. (UK) Pentland Group Lacoste Ted Baker Kate Spade & Company Joseph Cheaney & Sons Angell Patterns Ltd Annette Cove Liz Beeby
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers
The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers
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FIND US Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities De Montfort University The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH UK T: +44 (0)116 255 1551 E: enquiry@dmu.ac.uk W. dmu.ac.uk/footwear
GET IN TOUCH... Nanette Westberg-Brown Course Leader Footwear Design BA (Hons) E: nanette.westberg-brown@dmu.ac.uk W: dmu.ac.uk/footwear I: @footweardesigndmu
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