The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers has revealed the winners of the prestigious 2024 Footwear Awards, celebrating exceptional talent in the footwear industry.
- This year’s event took place at Saddlers’ Hall, London, marking the tenth anniversary of the awards.
- The competition saw 16 student finalists from esteemed institutions such as the London College of Fashion and De Montfort University.
- The judging panel featured notable industry figures, including creative directors and international designers.
- George Nikiforakis claimed the first prize, highlighting the high calibre of talent presented at the event.
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers announced the winners of the 2024 Footwear Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in the footwear sector. The awards aim to celebrate emerging talent and have become a significant event in the industry over the past decade. This year’s ceremony, marking the tenth anniversary, was held at Saddlers’ Hall in London on 13 June.
The competition featured 16 student finalists from renowned educational institutions, including the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and De Montfort University. These talented individuals vied for the highly coveted Cordwainers Footwear Award Trophy, showcasing their innovative designs and skills.
The judging panel for 2024 included respected figures such as Katie Greenyer from Pentland Brands, former Nike design director Joanne Jørgensen, Joachim Sedelmeier of Paul Smith, and international designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal. These experts evaluated the submissions, ensuring the selection of truly exceptional winners.
George Nikiforakis, a student from the London College of Fashion, emerged as the first prize winner, demonstrating remarkable design prowess. Second place was awarded to Ethan Robinson, also from the London College of Fashion, underlining the institution’s contribution to developing future industry leaders.
Additionally, several special awards were presented. The Sue Saunders Award for Excellence was given to Sophia Webster, recognising her significant contributions to the footwear trade. Lu Zhou received the Sustainable Development Award, while Joe Muir was honoured with the Sneaker/Athleisure Award. Commendations were awarded to Sophie Perrett and Therese Frank for their outstanding work.
The Cordwainers Footwear Awards continue to highlight the importance of innovation and skill within the footwear industry, providing a platform for new talents to be recognised and celebrated.
The 2024 Cordwainers Footwear Awards successfully celebrated emerging talent, fostering innovation within the industry.