Students put to the test by luxury footwear company

Date 12.06.2018

Students studying Footwear & Accessories at the University of Northampton have had a taste of working for a high-end shoe firm.

First years on the course were tasked with designing a capsule collection of eight footwear styles for Cheaney Shoes, the heritage footwear company, based in Desborough, Northamptonshire.

The entries were judged by Cheaney’s managing director, Jonathan Church. He picked Akshaya Gunasekaran as the winner, because her work and presentation demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the brand ethos and excellent leather research. Akshaya received £750 in prize money.

Runners-up prizes of £250 went to Charlie Irwin, Anna Melegh, Ynes Patat and Maisie Thompson.

Senior Lecturer, Caroline Southernwood, said: “This was a great experience for the students, who were able to receive invaluable feedback on their work from an industry client.

“We’d like to thank Jonathan and Cheaney for their continued generous support.”

Meanwhile, three students from the Footwear and Accessories course attended two glittering gala evenings recently, after being shortlisted for two prestigious awards. Hallie Lonsdale, Nicholas Fowler-Ekar and Melissa Francis were shortlisted for the Drapers Student Footwear Award’s held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Second and third year Footwear students also took part in this year’s Cordwainers Footwear Student of the Year Awards held at the Clothworkers’ Hall. The students were, Melissa Francis, Hallie Lonsdale, Jo Allen, Monica Bateman, Nicholas Fowler-Ekar

Monica was also a runner-up in another awards contest – The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London Glove Design Competition.

Caroline added: “While they didn’t win, to be shortlisted was an impressive achievement and both awards ceremonies offered them a fantastic opportunity of networking with key industry contacts.”

View the gallery from the Cordwainers Awards, below.