Footwear Design

An introduction and survey of the manufacturing processes for footwear. The course includes identification of footwear construction, components, and shoe sizing. Students analyze leathers, textiles, and materials used to create footwear designs.

An examination of marketing strategies for footwear involves the four parts of the marketing mix: product, prices, promotion, and distribution. Students learn how environment, lifestyles, and buying behavior influence the marketing and merchandising of footwear.

This course surveys historical footwear and costume and their influence on today’s fashion and trends. Students examine and analyze past, current, and predicted trends to create new footwear designs for today’s market.

Students learn to effectively sketch for footwear design by illustrating texture of textiles and leathers, placing the foot in various positions, and developing effective visual presentations. Students develop a collection for an existing footwear brand, drawing inspiration from apparel, footwear, and lifestyle trends, and incorporating specific leathers, trims, and details.

This course is a continuation of the study of shoe design as it applies to manufacturing and merchandising. Students learn the process of line building for a targeted customer and research and analyze the necessary components to create a successful line. Students continue to refine their portfolio presentation.

Students examine, analyze, and create a footwear collection for an existing brand. Detailed sketches of materials, components, and shoe construction are created and presented to industry professionals.

Students are introduced to the basic footwear industry requirements and procedures for pattern drafting. They learn to draft directly on a last, the pattern used to create the basic pump, derby, oxford, and moccasin, as well as to cut patterns for innersoles and soles.

Students learn how to develop creative design ideas for footwear, using the computer as a tool. They prepare color stories as well as leather and fabric concepts for a footwear collection. This course includes scanning, manipulation of patterns and colors, and drawing of technical sketches.

Students experience a full immersion in the Italian footwear industry and focus on working with leading designers, technicians and suppliers, and sourcing at an international leather show. Course involves the making of a prototype and the development of a portfolio.