USA : FN & Nine West join forces with FIT in talent search

Who will be America’s next great shoe designer? Footwear News and Nine West have joined forces with the Fashion Institute of Technology to launch the first ever “Shoe Star” contest whereby students will compete in a series of challenges that will culminate in the naming of the next rising star in shoe design.
“Shoe Star was created to showcase new talent,” says Footwear Group’s Editorial Director Michael Atmore. “The shoe industry is in critical need of innovative, young designers who want to build a meaningful career.
Shoe Star will offer one lucky designer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make their mark.” To determine the seven contestants who will compete in the contest, FIT’s seniors in the accessories program will submit a shoe produced in sample form, as well as sketches, and a 150 word essay explaining why he/she should be a contestant.
Applications will be judged by the Footwear News editorial team based on their creativity and ability to show their level of professionalism.
On January 28th, 2008, FN will announce the seven “Shoe Star” contestants and a series of six exciting challenges designed to help determine who will win the ultimate Grand Prize. Among the challenges will be a “Red Carpet Challenge” where each contestant will design a red carpet shoe for a pre-determined celebrity.
As part of the challenge, the contestants will have to incorporate Swarovski crystals into the design, as well as consider the celebrity’s personal style. Swarovski is a participating sponsor.