I've just graduated from the Bartlett in London with a degree in architecture but i want to change career path and become a shoe designer. Does any body have any advice on how I can go about getting work experience, or recommend any courses that I could do here in London. I have looked at the London College of Fashion's short and summer courses, are these respected? I am currently looking for work in retail architecture while I find out how to get my foot in the door with regards shoe design industry. Any information would be gratefully received!!
Architect Wanting To Be Shoe Designer
- Thread starter kinugasa
- Start date
Hello and Welcome! Another potential shoe designer...I love it!
I would say London College of Fashion is a great option if you want to study in London. I will be attending their course next year for footwear and was thinking about taking the summer course. I've been reassured by someone who took the short courses that its an excellent school and you actually do come away with knowing how to design, pattern, and assemble a shoe. Your background in architecture will help you so much. So from my opinion, yeah go for it! The people at the school were extremely helpful to me and I'm in NYC. I'm excited for you, because I can't wait to get there.
There are also great schools in Italy and Spain, let me know if you're interested, just PM me.
Thankyou Oria for your reply, which footware course are you doing next year? The short courses sound good, it's reasuring to knows others have done it and recommend it!! Have you done any work experience within a shoe company? sorry to bombard you with questions....
You're very welcome, and I was just thinking of doing the summer shoe-making course it's 6 weeks and they will have info up about it around April of next year. Then the 1 year course directly at the college either way both are excellent and since I have skills already in the field I may not even go for the 1 year course, but who knows. Beautiful thing is they require no money from me until I start classes on the 1 year course, the summer course may be all you need.
Yes I've worked/interned for a few shoe companies XOXO, Kenneth Cole, and Coach nothing to brag about but the experience is priceless. Most of these companies rarely want you to be anything more than quality control, or working directly in the factory etc, hence my reasons for wanting to be in Milan. I want real apprenticeship (no disrespect to the companies I've worked for and or interned) but I prefer aristans more than anything, and making shoes and designing them is an art. I'd like to bring my skills back to NY and Brasil. You can always PM if you need more info and I'd be happy to help any way I can. I don't think in terms of not giving info because of possible competition. Its always healthy to share in my opinion, sadly most people in this business don't like to, hence another reason for Milan
contessacolette
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So many shoe designers here! 
