Footwear Production Seminar, London, UK

Course review:

This unique seminar is tailored-made for those planning to start a shoe business whether in retail, design or production. It is also benefit those already working in industries who require a thorough understanding of the production cycle.

The seminar should help with issues concerning, for example, communicating effectively between the technical and or buying teams, liaising with the manufacturer or marketing a range. This class has been developed to offer a rounded appreciation of the ongoing steps towards establishing a viable production base.

The seminar is presented by Aki Choklat, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London who has been running his own men's and ladies footwear label for several years. He is able to offer an invaluable insight to the seasonal operation from initial design concept and working with a factory through to sampling and taking the product to market.

Additional support is given by Souraya Karami, founder and design director of the footwear brand ESSKA, which distributes around the world and has built a strong reputation for blending comfort with beautiful, stylish footwear. Souraya was recently shortlisted as Drapers magazine UK ‘designer of the year’.

Complementary advice is given by Melissa Needham, the Principal of Prescott & Mackay and owner/buyer of shoe and accessory retail brand Black Truffle. Melissa offers the perspective of a target customer whose job involves sourcing interesting and commercially enterprising labels for her stores.