LCF x APICAPPS: Spotlighting the Portuguese footwear industry with Cordwainers students

APICCAPS, Portuguese Association of Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Substitutes, is a national business based in Porto that represents activity within the footwear and leather goods industry. In a recent collaboration with London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL’s BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear course, APICCPAS showcased the manufacturing capabilities of Portugal to the next generation of fashion talent.

As part of the project, students attended an exclusive workshop that provided first-hand insight into working with Portuguese manufacturers. The session featured APICCAPS partner and designer Bianca Saunders, who shared her journey of growing a small design brand.

Building on this foundation, the collaboration continued with 'The Portuguese Footwear Award’, a competition for final year BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear students. Centered on showcasing the capabilities and scope of conscious production, the award aimed to recognise 2 selected students whose footwear designs exemplified sustainability, inventive thinking, visual impact, and real-world relevance.

Kristy Roche-Winson and Meriem El Ouarrad were selected, being awarded £1000 each. Reflecting on the experience, Kristy shared:

"As a student, I’m passionate about merging traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and Portuguese Footwear Award represents a unique place where that synergy is thriving. The award felt like the perfect platform to challenge myself creatively while connecting with a global footwear community."

Kristy also reflected on her time at LCF and praised the transformative nature of their studies as part of the Cordwainers course:

"My journey at LCF Cordwainers has been truly transformative. I came in with a passion for footwear and have developed strong technical skills along with a deeper understanding of both designing and making shoes."

Meriem noted APICCAP’s influence throughout the project:

"The workshop experience was wonderful; it was incredibly enriching to hear from a range of voices within the Portuguese footwear industry. I particularly enjoyed APICCAPS’ perspective on sustainability and the importance of preserving a craft that is so deeply rooted in Portugal's cultural and industrial heritage."

In addition to organising the workshop and awards, APICCAPS have spent the past 8 months collaborating with LCF BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear graduate Annie Purdy to develop a collection, which will be unveiled during London Fashion Week on Thursday 18 September.

This partnership between APICCAPS and LCF not only highlights Portugal’s dedication to sustainable innovation but also empowers a new generation of designers to carry forward the legacy of thoughtful, craft-driven footwear.