The Cordwainers Footwear Awards 2024 marked its tenth anniversary, celebrating emerging talents in the footwear sector.
- Sixteen students from prestigious schools competed for top honours at the event held on 13 June.
- George Nikiforakis claimed the first prize, with Ethan Robinson as the runner-up, both from London College of Fashion.
- Sophia Webster received the Sue Saunders Award for Excellence, acknowledging her significant contributions to the field.
- The awards included categories such as Sustainable Development and Sneaker/Athleisure.
The Cordwainers Footwear Awards 2024 was held at Saddlers’ Hall, London, marking a decade of recognising burgeoning talent in the footwear industry. This year’s competition saw sixteen finalists from renowned institutions, including the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and De Montfort University. The event is a prestigious platform that celebrates innovation and creativity in footwear design.
George Nikiforakis, representing the London College of Fashion, was awarded the coveted first prize. His achievement underscores the high level of skill and originality required to excel in this competitive field. Fellow student Ethan Robinson also impressed the judges, securing the runner-up position.
The judging panel featured esteemed figures such as Katie Greenyer from Pentland Brands and Joachim Sedelmeier of Paul Smith, ensuring a rigorous evaluation process. Their collective expertise provided valuable insights into the current trends and future directions of the footwear industry.
Sophia Webster, an international footwear designer, was honoured with the Sue Saunders Award for Excellence. This accolade is reserved for those making outstanding contributions to the trade, highlighting Webster’s impact and influence within the sector.
In addition to the top prizes, the awards recognised achievements in specific categories, including Sustainable Development, won by Lu Zhou from London College of Fashion, and the Sneaker/Athleisure Award, awarded to Joe Muir of De Montfort University. These categories reflect the evolving priorities within the industry, such as sustainability and the growing popularity of athleisure.
The Cordwainers Footwear Awards continue to spotlight emerging designers, reflecting the industry’s dynamic and innovative nature.
