Moda, the fashion trade show taking place in Birmingham as part of the Spring Fair, is gearing up for its upcoming event from 5-8 February with a strong focus on footwear. In collaboration with De Montfort University, Moda has launched a design competition for final year BA (Hons) Footwear Design students. All 16 students who participated in the competition have been invited to showcase their designs at the show.
What sets this competition apart is the unique project brief given to the students. They were challenged to create footwear that evolves through specific conditions, similar to how the Quagga, a horse-zebra hybrid that became extinct in the 1880s, evolved. Interestingly, efforts are currently underway to reverse engineer the genetic makeup of the Quagga and bring the breed back into existence. Known as the “Quagga project,” this initiative aims to reintroduce the breed back into the wild.
The finalists of the competition, including Baldeep Nangla (Bobby), Woosung Kim, Gyoungryoung Kwak (Lynn), Cameron Murdoch, Jong Won Kim, Madison Harwood-Scott, Jemma Swales, Jihwi Ahn, and Alfie Payne, have produced innovative and creative designs that reflect the project brief. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design, with the design receiving the most votes being awarded the Buyer’s Choice Award. The overall winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Sunday 5 February.
Alejandra Campos, Event Director of Moda, expressed her admiration for the high standards and creativity displayed by the students. Moda’s collaboration with De Montfort University not only allows for the students to showcase their designs, but also promotes the exchange of ideas and the nurturing of talent within the footwear industry. It emphasizes the importance of pushing the boundaries of design and innovation in the future of footwear.
With its strong emphasis on footwear, Moda’s upcoming event promises to be a showcase of creativity and ingenuity in the field of footwear design. The partnership between Moda and De Montfort University demonstrates their commitment to providing a platform for the next generation of footwear designers.
Useful links:
– [De Montfort University’s BA (Hons) Footwear Design program](https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/footwear-design-ba-degree/footwear-design-ba-hons-degree.aspx)
– [The Quagga Project](https://www.quaggaproject.org/)
