Leading fashion trade event, MODA, is delighted to announce its collaboration with De Montfort University Footwear Design BA (Hons) course and launched the inaugural History in the Making Footwear Design Competition. This exciting initiative showcases incredible young talent and the future of footwear design and the winner, Dimitri Gabellier, was announced at MODA.
The History in the Making brief asked entrants to design and develop a range of footwear that interprets the broad spectrum of ‘heritage’ incorporating fashion influences, materials and colour trends for the Autumn/Winter 19/20 season. Six shortlisted designs were displayed in the heart of the prestigious Footwear section of MODA.
Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director at ITE Group said at the ceremony: “The creative output was staggering and the process of selecting the final six shortlisted designs was painstaking, to say the least. Congratulations to Dimitri, Sum Kim, Hyejin, Charity, Tasha and Elizabeth for making the MODA shortlist. We are delighted to announce the winner is Dimitri Gabellier.”
Discussing the inspiration behind his winning design Dimitri said: “My project takes inspiration from the Japanese martial art, the Hojojutsu. It was used by policemen during the Edo era (1603-1868) and is the art of using a rope to capture, restrain, transport and display suspects and criminals. The sole is made from bamboo, which was the main material (with rope) that police used as a pole to restrain people.”
Across the rest of MODA, a host of womenswear brands and a vibrant presentation of footwear delighted visitors. The newly launched ‘This is Me’ theme celebrated real fashion for real people and during the regular daily catwalks presented fashionable, wearable clothes styled on models of all ages and cultures.
Julie says: “I absolutely loved watching the catwalk shows and seeing the collections brought to life on our beautifully natural and diverse models. The MODA community has served the fashion industry for generations, we bring together the most incredible brands and welcome passionate visitors from all over the UK and Ireland, keen to buy new collections for their diverse and wonderful customers. Our This is Me manifesto celebrates those people, their stories and their lifestyles and our long-term aim is to support and champion the local high streets and independent businesses.”
MODA Directions catwalk show offered an independently curated selection of contemporary womenswear and footwear from across the show, separated into seven key trends for AW19/20:
Grey Matter: A sophisticated mix of soft grey tones, natural textures and materials including wool, leather, and silk featured with knits, pleats and layers adding fluidity and movement on this all grey look.
Balmoral: A modern take on the countryside tweed look featured a mis-match of prints with stripes and florals updating this perfect for the weekend trend.
Matisse’s Cut Out: A kaleidoscope of colour-blocking, stripes, and fluoro highlights offered an abstract look on tailoring and trouser suits for a fun take on workwear.
Animal Magnet: Animal prints continue to dominate the fashionista’s wardrobe, with a mix of prints styled together and with softer tones of camel and brown.
Serenity: Slow down the pace of life with soft pastels, gentle full-length pleating, luxurious silks and calming and flowing neutrals and natural textures.
Botanical Garden: An edgy take on florals for AW19/20 sees botanical prints combined with checks and tartans, clashing floral prints and head to toe looks in the same floral.
The After Party: Designed for impact and the wow-factor, the closing scene was a sea of sequins, metallics and elegant draped fabrics.
