Fashion student wins prestigious footwear award

A university student's footwear collection has been awarded a prestigious industry prize.

China Blackstock-Brown, a footwear and accessories undergraduate at the University of Northampton, won first place in the sneaker/athleisure category at the Cordwainers Footwear Awards.

Ms Blackstock-Brown's winning collection, titled Dystopian Dreams, was said to have explored the "complex relationship" between dreams and nightmares.

Jane Schaffer, a senior lecturer at the university, said "the whole team are absolutely thrilled for China following her award win".

She said: "This award is the pinnacle of China's achievement – she set out from day one to win this award, so to take home the prize is testament to her determination, creativity and sheer hard work.

"Working with industry professionals to realise part of her collection has been an invaluable experience.

"We look forward to following China on her career path as it evolves."

Ms Blackstock-Brown said she was "very surprised" to win the award and added that there were "a lot of talented" student entries.

The final year student said: "My concept was based around nightmares.

"As a child I used to have really bad nightmares, so I thought it would be really cool to look at what happens and why we have them.

"The result was four pairs of shoes... all a bit bonkers".

The designs were on display at a fashion show put on at the university which allowed graduating students of the fashion, textiles and footwear course – including China – to present their collections in front of family, friends, staff, students, the public and industry representatives.

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