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The design college at the forefront of the UK’s footwear industry is marking its 125th anniversary. Out On A Limb editor Nicola Hyde takes a look through the photo archives and asks – what has made Cordwainers such a success?
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Industry’s finest trained at college CORDWAINERS was founded in Bethnal Green in 1887 as a joint venture between the Worshipful Companies of Cordwainers and Leathersellers. It merged with London College of Fashion in 2000, and the combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovation coupled with a focus on design is what has kept Cordwainers at London College of Fashion at the forefront of the footwear and accessories industry for 125 years. The alumni roll call of Cordwainers at London College of Fashion reads like the Who’s Who of the footwear and accessories industry, from design heavyweights like Jimmy Choo and Beatrix Ong contributing to the UK’s £6billlion footwear industry.
An accessories graduate in one of the College’s workshops. Courtesy of London College of Fashion.
Paul McNicoll, Dean of the School of Design and Technology, said: “One of the main reasons why Cordwainers at London College of Fashion is so respected is that it has trained some of the industry’s most successful footwear and accessories designers including Jimmy Choo, Emma Hope, Patrick Cox, Nicholas Kirkwood, Camilla Skovgaard, Beatrix Ong and Kat Maconie (to name but a few).
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“Many more are already coming up through the ranks to make their mark on the fashion world. It is also greatly respected due to its rich in heritage; many of the staff and technicians have worked in the footwear industry since footwear manufacturing was still at the heart of the East End of London.” Paul says the biggest strength of
Racks of lasts. Courtesy of London College of Fashion.
Cordwainers is that while it is steeped in heritage, it is forward thinking and many students are taught techniques and skills that are likely to come popular in the industry in as far ahead as five years time. Continued opposite
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December/January 2012/13
An archive image of a man at a sewing machine. Courtesy of London College of Fashion.
Student Alexandra Kirk BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear Product Design and Development’s creation. Courtesy of London College of Fashion.