The latest edition of fashion trade event MODA saw the launch of its inaugural History in the Making Footwear Design Competition in collaboration with De Montfort University Footwear Design BA (Hons) programme. Showcasing young talent and the future of footwear design, Dimitri Gabellier was announced as this season’s winner during a ceremony held during the trade show.
The competition brief asked entrants to design and develop a range of footwear that interprets the broad spectrum of ‘heritage’ incorporating fashion influences, materials and colour trends for AW19/20 season. Six shortlisted designs were displayed in the show’s Footwear section.
Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director at ITE Group, said at the ceremony: “The creative output was staggering and the process of selecting the final six shortlisted designs was painstaking, to say the least. Congratulations to Dimitri, Sum Kim, Hyejin, Charity, Tasha and Elizabeth for making the shortlist. We are delighted to announce the winner is Dimitri Gabellier.”
Discussing the inspiration behind his winning design, Gabellier said: “My project takes inspiration from the Japanese martial art, the Hojojutsu. It was used by policemen during the Edo era (1603-1868) and is the art of using a rope to capture, restrain, transport and display suspects and criminals. The sole is made from bamboo, which was the main material (with rope) that police used as a pole to restrain people.”