Fashion Fringe


	FASHION FRINGE STEPS INTO SHOES Fashion Fringe has now been going for 5 years and every year we aim to increase and further our support to the young designers who are part of the platform. In order to expand on this, in 2008 we are starting new initiative – Fashion Fringe Shoes. Fashion Fringe knows that shoes are still the hottest accessory and for that reason we are delighted to announce an exciting new development in conjunction with Rupert Sanderson, one of London’s brightest young design stars. The competition to find a new young shoe designer will launch towards the end of April with a closing date of 13th June. Judging will take place on 23rd June, chaired by Manolo Blahnik. The prize winner will begin a 6 (plus possible extension of a further 4) month, paid, apprenticeship with Rupert Sanderson, working in their factory in Italy (all expenses covered) and the office and showroom in London. It is the aim of Fashion Fringe Shoes that at the end of the apprenticeship the winner will be further advantaged to set up an independent business using the knowledge gained through exposure to an Italian factory and the London business. Fashion Fringe is extremely pleased to be able to be instrumental in this spear-heading initiative which we hope to augment by encouraging young talents in various other areas of fashion, in addition to our commitment to runway fashion designers. Colin McDowell Creative Director RUPERT SANDERSON It is a personal belief that the biggest barrier for an aspiring luxury shoe designer to start up in business is an understanding of the Italian factory system. I was extremely fortunate to work with both Sergio Rossi and Bruno Magli in Italy and the experience contributed significantly to my setting up in business. My wish to share and pass on this experience to aspiring independent minded shoe designers proves a very good fits with the aims and ambitions of Fashion Fringe to help further the ambitions of young fashion design talent in this country. Rupert Sanderson's biography www.rupertsanderson.co.uk APPLY – 2008 application now closed What we are looking for and why it’s necessary? The likely successful candidate will be an exceptional shoe/accessory design talent who is about to set up in business. What sort of person you should be? Self motivated and confident designer who has seriously thought through the pros and cons of wanting to be an independent luxury shoe designer. What knowledge & experience should you have? Ideally you should be a graduate from a shoe design and making course who has worked in industry for a number of seasons and who can demonstrate their design work has been used commercially. But outstanding talent is the qualification we are looking for. You must adhere to all the terms and conditions stated on the application form in order to be eligible for entry. Download Application Form Download Equal Opportunities Form 2008 FINALISTS On Monday 16th June 2008 we chose our first ever Fashion Fringe Shoes finalists!! Fashion Fringe’s creative director Colin McDowell noted: “We didn’t know what to expect today, but the standard was remarkably high and the quality so close that we felt in fairness we had to chose 6 finalists rather than 5 as planned, which tells its own tale.” The winner, who will be chosen following another one of our gruelling interview days next week, will work alongside hot Brit shoe designer Rupert Sanderson (see www.rupertsanderson.co.uk) for a 6-10 month salaried working apprenticeship within his company which will include a month living in Italy and working at his factory. The programme has been designed to provide the winner with intensive exposure to all aspects of the luxury shoe business from design and development, to dealing with the press and wholesale account management. Commenting from Covent Garden on the high level of talent within the selection, Rupert Sanderson said: “I am thrilled at the general standard and we’ve seen some genuinely good ideas and gifted designers – Invigorating stuff, like coming across inspiring architecture. I’m chuffed!” Although the UK is an international focal point for young shoe designers, most of them go on to work for other designers as their commercial aspirations often fail due to a lack of understanding of the processes of developing, delivering and creating profit from a collection. Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden and Rupert Sanderson hope that by setting up this initiative, aspiring talent will be better placed to start a flourishing, successful and sustainable business. Click here to see sketches of the finalists Charkviani Ellie Mole Frances McDonald Heather Blake Liam Fahy Sophie Gittins 2008 WINNER We are thrilled to announce that Liam Fahy was today announced as our first Fashion Fringe Shoes winner! Liam, a graduate from De Montfort University has already won the Lineapelle Design Award and the Drapers Footwear Designer of the Year Award “This is such an incredible opportunity for any young shoe designer, and it has only just sunk in that I have won. It was also a rather mind-blowing experience to be in the presence of the panel, and I am really looking forward to starting my apprenticeship”. Following an interview with the panel of judges which consisted of Paula Reed Style Director of Grazia, Sebastian Manes Director of Accessories at Selfridges, shoe designer Rupert Sanderson and was chaired by Manolo Blahnik, Liam was picked from the six finalists. Commenting from Covent Garden following the announcement of the winner Rupert Sanderson said: “I am thrilled that the best candidate won and thanks to the Fashion Fringe process I believe we have unearthed a real gem. Had the initiative not been in place, this designer would not be getting such an opportunity so early-on in his career.” Sebastian Manes, Director of Accessories at Selfridges was amazed at the level “I was truly impressed by the design and presentation of 6 very talented people. Their designs as well as their approach were very fresh and I certainly feel positive about this new generation of shoe designers. Liam is a truly outstanding designer full of fresh ideas, and I very much like his approach and his vision about contemporary shoes which is modern with a twist of utilitarian heritage. I'm looking forward to seeing his first collaboration with Rupert Sanderson in Selfridges.” Click here to see images NEWS Coming Soon.