Published on February 1, 2011
Footwear has evolved from a mere necessity and comfort to a chic style statement in today's ultra fashion-conscious world. Everything from flats, sandals and stilettos to boots and sportswear rule the roost.
In fact, what we wear on our feet matters as much as the clothes we adorn!
With the burgeoning demand for fresh designs and interesting concepts, the time is ripe to put one's best ‘foot' forward and make forays into the field of footwear design. Another attractive factor is that India is emerging as the leading footwear destination of the world with numerous global footwear brands clamouring to enter the market. In fact, India is the second leading country (after China) in footwear production in the world.
Nature of work
Footwear designing begins with a plan to sketch patterns and designs in scale drawings (either paper sketches by hand or on computer-aided software or a mix of both).
Then it moves to creating sample prototypes and refining the same for both functionality and aesthetics. It can be in leather, canvas, wood, plastic or jute with embroidery, beads, metals or what have you.
Once approved, the real work starts – converting the conceptualised design into actual footwear for wearing while assuring that they are both easy to wear and do not harm the feet. Designers are usually involved in this production stage at some level or the other. It may even involve working hands-on with complex machinery as well as solvents, glues and dyes.
Footwear designing has been rated as the most technical of all design careers.
Precision is the key – the piece should fit well as there is no scope for alterations. Safety, comfort and quality standards are equally vital. As Sabbah Sharma, footwear designer with her own flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai highlights, “Designing footwear is not merely about aesthetics - one cannot concentrate only on colour and design of footwear, its fit, size, comfort and functionality is most important.”
Therefore, the creations should be attractive, comfortable and durable all at once!
Getting there
Leading vocational institutes across the country offer various undergraduate, post-graduate, diploma and certificate courses in Footwear Design, Management and Technology.
Any 10+2 or graduate qualification will do for most courses. But B.Tech/M.Tech courses mandate science/engineering backgrounds. These footwear technology courses are also regarded as the most progressive of fashion-related courses in India.
Students gain extensive knowledge of materials, patterns, design concepts, design software as well as industry and fashion trends. They also include fine art, anatomy, kinesiology engineering and marketing aspects. Apart from these specialised courses, a broad course in fashion design can also suffice.
Personal prerequisites
Footwear designing is an immensely creative field and demands ingenuity and desire to experiment and also a practical bent. An aesthetic flair and eye for detail goes without saying considering the obligatory colour, balance, line and other design principles. Good drawing skills are also essential. Aspirants should also possess the foresight to both envisage and adapt to upcoming industry trends.
Practice is always essential to develop and hone your craft. As Goa-based self taught designer, Edwin Pinto of ‘Janota' brand fame states, “If one is willing to work hard, has an insatiable desire to experiment, and is particular about finishing and quality of each pair then shoe designing is an interesting career option.” Innovation is his forte as he designed footwear even using coconut and banana fibre!
Work scenarios
Being a vast industry, footwear design offers a wide range of bright employment opportunities in technical, designing and management areas. Different job titles include Footwear Designer, Product Developer, Product Development Manager, Quality Controller, Footwear Technologist, Merchandiser, Marketing Executive, Planning Executive and also Trend Analyst.
Most shoe designers prefer to work for mass merchandising footwear manufacturing companies, sportswear companies (Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc.) or even designer houses.
Graduates from top institutes are quickly lapped up by international players and global brand houses. Some choose to go the independent route and set up their own design studio crafting exclusive pieces for boutiques, fashion shows or even personalised to individual clients.
Footwear design is both a satisfying and lucrative career option. Though the remuneration varies tremendously due to the diverse job prospects, well-trained designers can easily expect to start off with an annual package of Rs. 1 lakh and above.
With the growing demand for choice footwear what is stopping you from designing smart and trendy pieces that everybody will want to wear.
Payal Chanania
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