Cordwainers names Footwear Student of the Year

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers has named Helen Kirkum of the University of Northampton

as the winner of the inaugural Cordwainers' Footwear Student of the Year Award.

Presented at an awards dinner in London last week by shoe designer Jimmy Choo, Kirkum was named the winner after impressing a judging panel chaired by Katie Greenyer, creative director at Pentland plc with her shoe design. Kirkum was awarded 5,000 pounds in prize money.

In second place was Bethany Conway of De Montfort University, followed by Florence Turner of the London College of Fashion.

The new award marks the first time the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, one of London's livery companies with roots in shoemaking and fine leather work, has spearheaded a national award. The accolade called on footwear students from De Montfort University, University of Northampton, and University of the Arts to design a pair of shoes.