Cordwainers award-winners announced
De Montfort University student Jihwi Ahn has been named winner of this year’s Cordwainers Footwear Awards, chosen from among 15 finalists by a judging panel assembled by The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers.
Ms Ahn took home a cash prize of £3,000, the equivalent of just under $3,800, for her high-heeled women’s shoe design, which she called ‘The Unrepeatables’. She will also receive industry mentorship.
“It’s a privilege to experience this event and be a winner,” the young designer shared. “It really means a lot to me; I think it will really encourage me to push forward and work in this industry.”
Second prize went to London College of Fashion talent Daniel Charkow, who won £2,000 ($2,500) in prize money.
Another student from De Montfort, Bobby Nangla, received one of the competition’s newest awards, established to recognise innovative work in the sneaker/athleisure design category.
London College of Fashion student Annie Purdy, meanwhile, won the Sustainable Development Award, whereas the inaugural Sue Saunders Award for Excellence was given to Ms Saunders herself, a former professor at the school, posthumously.
This year’s judges included footwear design director at Nike’s London studio, Joanne Jørgensen; shoe designer and luxury brand founder Charlotte Olympia Dellal; footwear design lead at Paul Smith, Joachim Sedelmeier; and Pentland Brands creative director, Katie Greenyer.
Image courtesy.
