Fashion student in the running to be named Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the Year

One student from the University of Northampton is preparing to step up against stiff competition to be named Drapers’ Student Footwear Designer of the Year.

Ishika Choudhary is in the final year of the Fashion, Textiles and Footwear course and is one of only three UK students who have been shortlisted for this award.

Ishika was required to submit a portfolio of her work showcasing three different footwear designs and will be judged by the likes of Andrew Bromley (CEO of Russell and Bromley), Colin Temple (President of Schuh) and Adam Meek (Chief Product Officer at Dr Martens).

For her footwear designs, Ishika used her designs to explore the “fine line between incredible beauty and destructive madness.”

She said: “I was beyond thrilled to hear that I’ve been shortlisted for the Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the Year 2025 Award. What began as disbelief and a surreal sense of excitement quickly gave way to immense gratitude for all who have been part of this journey with me.

“My submission explores the profound duality of creativity, a multi-faceted field serving in the realms of both artistry and criminality. It was understanding that fine line between incredible beauty and destructive madness.

“From choosing a concept to now final realisation of the portfolio, I had a great time working on the project, it really challenged me to push conventional boundaries and offer understated elegance specialized in women’s footwear.”

Jane Schaffer, Senior Lecturer for Fashion, Footwear and Accessories at the University of Northampton, adds: “Every new generation of footwear designers needs support and encouragement – especially in a tough economic environment that is becoming more and more competitive. Links with industry, internships and ‘live’ project briefs all help to prepare students for the world of work.

“Events such as the Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the Year competition really help raise the professional standard of graduate work. At the University of Northampton, we encourage students to compete at national and international level and are delighted that Ishika has been shortlisted for this prestigious award.”

The Drapers’ Footwear Awards will be held on Thursday 26 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Find out more about studying Fashion, Textiles and Footwear at the University of Northampton.