Pensole Footwear Design Academy, founded by D’Wayne Edwards, has announced the launch of Levi’s Footwear SOLLECTION, a four-week intensive footwear design master class created in partnership with Levi’s Footwear.

Registration for the class opened last December, wherein 12 designers will be selected from a global search to create six shoes for Levi’s Footwear in three categories: Boots, Lifestyle, and Sneakers.

“Levi’s is an iconic brand in apparel that I have admired for years”, stated Edwards, adding: “So it’s particularly exciting to partner with a brand of this stature in developing emerging design talent that will in turn create a new design language for Levi’s – in footwear.

The six-shoe Levi’s Footwear SOLLECTION will be sold exclusively at a Levi’s Footwear retail partner nationwide.

"Levi Strauss sold our first pair of boots in 1853 as a dry goods merchant", said Levi's Senior Vice President of Business Development Tom Berry, adding: “With PENSOLE's SOLLECTION class we look forward to mining this rich brand history and working with fresh talent from around the globe to reimagine footwear for one of America's most loved and iconic brands”.

Students who are selected will receive full scholarships, including tuition, airfare and lodging, from Levi’s Footwear. The 12 winning entrants will be announced during the current month, with the Master Class taking place at PENSOLE in Portland from the 8th of February to the 4th of March.