Innovation, artistry, and sustainability are stepping up in style as the Portuguese Footwear Association (APICCAPS) announces the inaugural Portuguese Footwear Award in collaboration with the London College of Fashion (LCF). Designed to inspire a greener future for footwear design, this initiative champions aspiring talent while spotlighting Portugal’s ethical manufacturing capabilities.
Launching in January 2025, this groundbreaking award offers students a hands-on opportunity to merge creativity with sustainability.
Footwear Innovation Meets Sustainability at LCF
The Portuguese Footwear Award isn’t your average student competition. It begins with an immersive workshop at LCF, led by Portuguese industry experts and trailblazing designer Bianca Saunders. Students from LCF’s BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and MA Footwear programmes will learn directly from the best, exploring how Portugal’s factories are redefining footwear production with a greener approach.
After soaking in this expertise, students will have a chance to transform these lessons into tangible designs. And we’re not just talking classroom theory.
Winning Designs to Walk the Runway
The stakes couldn’t be higher—or more exciting. Two BA Footwear students will each snag a £1,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, one lucky MA Footwear student will win the opportunity to develop their collection with Portugal’s top suppliers.
The best part? These collections will debut during London Fashion Week 2025, giving the winners a career-defining moment under the spotlight of fashion’s elite. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for our footwear students,” says Lindsey Riley, Associate Dean of LCF’s School of Design Technology.
The Portuguese Footwear Industry’s Bold Vision
Portugal isn’t just known for its wine and pastéis de nata. Its footwear industry is stepping up as a global leader in sustainable innovation, blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. APICCAPS Communications Director Paulo Gonçalves explains, “We’re deeply committed to investing in young creatives. Portugal’s expertise, combined with LCF’s talent, can truly redefine the market.”
With its largest investment to date in a project of this kind, Portugal is positioning itself as a global footwear hub that values both environmental responsibility and innovative design.
Bianca Saunders: A Visionary Force
Bianca Saunders, celebrated for her boundary-pushing designs, adds her expertise to the project. From leading the workshop to serving on the award’s panel, Saunders ensures students receive real-world insights. “Through collaboration, we can align and innovate in the same direction,” Saunders notes.
Her involvement reinforces the program’s goal of equipping students to challenge industry norms and embrace ethical practices.
A Sustainable Future for Footwear
The Portuguese Footwear Award is more than a competition—it’s a movement. By empowering young designers to prioritize sustainability, this collaboration creates a ripple effect for the global industry.
As Mikha Mekler, Knowledge Exchange Lead at LCF, puts it: “Working with the Portuguese footwear industry allows our students to gain unique knowledge that will shape the future.”
Mark Your Calendar
Winners of the Portuguese Footwear Award will be announced in March and June 2025. Get ready to see the next wave of game-changing designs at London Fashion Week 2025.
This initiative is a perfect fit for the Shoreditch crowd, where innovation, artistry, and a touch of rebellion are always in style.
