Making a shoe for ECCO
In this blogpost I will take you guys through the world of footwear design. We are doing a collaboration with ECCO, and are being taught by Dwayne Edwars, from Pensole footwear academy.
The course is intense and really great. We are working in teams of either 2 or 3 and will have to make shoes and accessories for ECCO. In our group we are focusing on giving ECCO a touch of fashion which we think is an opportunity to increase sales in Denmark.
Two weeks into the program and we have basically been sketching a whole lot. We began the project by visiting ECCO in Tønder and Bredebro. Here we learned a lot about the process of making a shoe and the way the company works. I was so impressed by the place and think it looks like a great environment to be a designer.
Afterwards we were sent to sketching camp, or well, after the introduction and making a design brief, had several deadlines delivering shoe after shoe. I believe I made around 250 sketches last weekend. But the final idea came to show and know it's about time to figure out the prototype.
My shoe will be about running - but while looking great. I know many will stress that fashionable sports shoes are out there, but don't worry I will show a new angle on the matter. The idea is to use compression while running, which is already being used in apparel. Why not make a running boot?! at least I'm giving it a try and therefore now trying my best to make the greatest prototype possible.
This week we are working on lasts and mock ups for the final prototype. Since we only just began I can't show it yet, but trust me this will also be intense, fun and great.
So what do I think? I LOVE this course. It has really opened my eyes and I could definitely see myself as a footwear designer. There are so many things to take into consideration and also be innovative at the same time. We are getting a lot of lectures and feed back, and it's refreshing to try another way to work. Also Dwayne is treating us like they would out in the industry, which is hard but I love it. For me it get's closer to reality and really motivates me to be time managing and get things done quickly to meet the deadlines. After all it's not just a deadline to myself but for the whole team.
I can only dream that my future can be as a footwear designer but you know what? Hard work sometimes also get you a lot of the way, so I believe I'm working my ass off. Maybe someday one of you guys are wearing a shoe I put a pencil stroke on, you never know. Raise the bar, reach for the stars - you might get there.