London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL, celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship of its Cordwainers students at the annual Livery Awards evening on 18 June. Supported by our longstanding Livery Company partners, the event recognised outstanding student achievements and highlighted the vital role these partnerships play in enriching the student experience, from masterclasses and industry visits to bursaries and specialist workshops.
The annual Livery Awards evening took place at LCF’s East Bank campus. The event marked a special occasion to celebrate the achievements of our talented students studying on the School of Design and Technology’s Cordwainers courses, while also recognising the invaluable support of our Livery Company partners.
Livery Masters presented prizes and certificates to students from BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear, BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories, MA Fashion Artefact, and MA Footwear.
The evening was a powerful reminder that without the continued support of the Leather Liveries, many of the unique opportunities and experiences available to our students would not be possible. From leather craft masterclasses and educational trips to specialist lectures, bursaries, awards and hardship funding, their generosity enhances our curriculum and strengthens our student community.
The Leathersellers’ Company funds a series of specialist masterclasses that enrich our curriculum with traditional and contemporary leathercraft techniques. These include leather marquetry and English saddle stitching, skills that help students elevate their design practice through hands-on learning.
The Worshipful Company of Glovers supports a series of intensive 2-day glove-making workshops, open to students across the school. Led by glove-making expert Riina Oun, the sessions equip students with foundational techniques, such as pattern cutting and hand-stitching, using professional-grade gloving leather and tools. These workshops empower students to apply their creativity to future projects with newfound confidence and skill.
Each year, the Leathersellers also fund an educational trip designed to expose students to the realities of craftsmanship and innovation within the leather industry. In March, students visited Northamptonshire, renowned for its leatherworking heritage.
Students on the BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories course toured Tusting, a heritage brand dating back to the 1870s. Observing the meticulous process behind Tusting’s handcrafted bags gave students a firsthand appreciation for British manufacturing and artisanal skill.
BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear students visited Joseph Cheaney & Sons, a prestigious shoemaker also tracing its roots to the late 19th century. Owned by Jonathan and William Church, the company’s production tour provided a detailed view of the shoemaking process, from design through to packaging, highlighting the craftsmanship and care that define premium footwear. Students were especially struck by the passion and pride expressed by every team member involved in the making of Cheaney shoes.
The day concluded with a visit to SATRA, the global research and testing organisation. Students explored testing labs where footwear and accessories are assessed for safety, performance and durability. From robotic feet testing walking endurance to extreme climate chambers and dramatic drop-tests, the experience offered a dynamic insight into the science behind quality assurance an exciting and slightly explosive end to a day of discovery.
We are grateful to our Livery partners for their continued support, which plays a vital role in enriching the student experience at LCF. Their contributions ensure that the next generation of designers and makers graduate with not only technical skill and creative confidence but also an understanding of the heritage and innovation shaping today’s fashion and accessory industries.
Final-year BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories student Natasha Montesinos has been awarded the Jimmy Choo Data Cordwainers scholarship — a £1,000 prize supporting students as they bring their final collections to life.
Second-year BA (Hons) Cordwainers: Footwear and BA (Hons) Cordwainers: Bags & Accessories students get insight into the industry by creating innovative products for the urban environment.