As part of this collaboration, a masterclass on Portuguese footwear for Masters’ students took place last week, led by Portuguese industry expert and award-winning designer Bianca Saunders. The British designer has previously collaborated with the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Manufacturers' Association (APICCAPS) and Valuni for the SS25 collection in 2024.

The first edition of the Portuguese Footwear Award is now underway, with the aim of introducing future designers to the possibilities of production in the country. The finalists will have the opportunity to develop their own collections in Portugal and the winner will show their collection at London Fashion Week in September 2025. “This is a great opportunity for our students”, said Lindsey Riley from LCF’s School of Design Technology. “We’re excited about the prospects and the drive this initiative will bring not only the students involved but to the footwear industry as a whole”.

In a statement, APICCAPS and the London College of Fashion acknowledge that “the footwear and fashion sectors face a number of environmental and ethical challenges”. That’s why APICCAPS wants to showcase “the skills and reach of conscious production in Portugal”, while for LCF, as an organisation, “it’s important to have a direct impact on the future of the industry by working with the young designers who are committed to a better tomorrow, creating a greener and fairer future”.

By challenging the concept of footwear design and breaking away from conventional notions associated with the field, LCF’s Masters of Footwear Design is one of the most prestigious in the United Kingdom. “This collaboration allows us to provide our students with a better knowledge of the industry, enabling them to do practical research thanks to a direct vision of how the industry works”. In addition, the award “represents a career-changing opportunity for one of them, who will have the chance to present their vision and creative identity to an audience of industry leaders at London Fashion Week”.

“We are deeply committed to investing in young talent at an international level”, stressed Paulo Gonçalves. “If Portugal has the know-how, the production capacity, the technological infrastructure and is making a significant investment in sustainable innovation, LCF has a lot of talent with a fresh vision of the market”. “We are very committed to this partnership as we seek to consolidate the Portuguese footwear industry as a global benchmark”, concluded the Association’s Communications Director.

The finalists, who will be announced in March and June 2025, will be selected by a panel of experts, including renowned fashion designer Bianca Saunders. “Having the opportunity to invest in the next generation of design talent is rewarding”, said Saunders. “Not only does it give me hope that the industry will be in good hands in the future, but it also gives us the opportunity to educate and guide students on where change and innovation are most needed”.

“Through this kind of collaboration, we can align strategy and innovate, which is one of our main focuses when working with industry partners”, said LCF’s Mikha Mekler. “We look forward to working with the leaders of the Portuguese footwear industry to create new knowledge that will benefit our students”, she concluded.