“We have always believed in the importance of having color and materials as part of the Pensole curriculum”, commented Founder of MLab and Pensole material director Suzette Henry, adding: “And as industries shift how they manufacture, the need for specialized color and materials skills grows.”

Founder D’Wayne Edwards and Suzette Henry felt the timing was right to launch color and material focused courses; as such, both Pensole footwear and material design students will be given insights that will prepare them for these global roles.
The Pensole|MLab master class for 20 aspiring designers will take place in February and March next year at PENSOLE in Portland. The students will compete to design an athleisure shoe using materials from Pensole|MLab’s key vendors, with a Vibram outsole developed specifically for this course. The winning designers will receive compensation from Vibram for the design, which will be sold globally.

Design students wishing to be considered for the class can obtain submission details and apply at Pensole's website before the 15th of January 2017.

Vibram will provide scholarships for the hand-selected aspiring designers to experience PENSOLE’s rigorous “learn by doing” curriculum, wherein students are introduced to what it’s like to work as a professional footwear designer.

The Pensole|MLab master class will feature industry professionals ranging design directors, designers, design recruiters, technicians and developers, all there to share knowledge to inspire, guide and challenge young designers to reach their creative potential.