MilliOnAir Magazine July/August | Page 127

Emily collecting her award

One of Emily’s designs

The 15 nominated students come from the three universities that specialize in footwear design, De Montfort University, University of Northampton and London College of Fashion. They submitted portfolios of their designs for a pair of shoes to the judging panel of Atalanta Weller, Joachim Sedelmeier (Head of Design, Shoes, at Paul Smith), along with guest judge and previous winner Helen Kirkum and chaired by Katie Greenyer, Creative Director, Pentland Brands. Liveryman Katie Greenyer (Chair of the Judging Panel) commented: "I can really say this has been the highest of standards and the toughest year to judge by far, taking us an additional two hours to debate the work, challenge each other, and to delve deep into the students' rationales to justify our decision".

The 2019 winner of the award was Meta Cunder from London College of Fashion who was ecstatic about her win: “It feels incredible to win this award!” she said. “It means the absolute world to me, as it will allow me to kick start my career and help me set up my own brand.” Meta’s designs were inspired by the unusual and alternative, such as dark animalistic behaviour and mythological creatures; as she is passionate about creating “footwear for people of another world”

In second and third place the winners were also incredibly talented. Dimitri Gabellier from De Montfort University whose designs were inspired by 80’s computer graphic construction; and Emily Hill from London College of Fashion, whose ornate heels were designed to showcase the strength and femininity of Britain and the romanticism of the English Baroque movement.

Master of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, Jonathan Hooper expressed his thanks to everyone who supported the awards: “The Cordwainers National Footwear Student of the Year Awards is a prestigious event, and we are grateful to the support from the footwear industry and the universities that make these awards possible. The Cordwainers have been nurturing and encouraging emerging talent in the footwear trade for nearly 750 years. Our position as the largest private provider of scholarships and bursaries in footwear education is part of our ongoing commitment to raise the profile of the footwear industry in the UK. This evening is hugely important, as it provides the students with the opportunity to network with the most influential people from across the sector and, in turn, enables industry professionals to meet the footwear stars of the future.”

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