Inside Footwear Summer School

At the London College of Fashion (LCF) East Bank campus, our four‑week Footwear Summer School comes to life once a year, bringing together students from across the world to discover just how intricate and rewarding shoemaking can be.

“You learn a great amount of information over a really short amount of time every day,” says Stefano, who arrived with a background in fashion design. But as he quickly discovered, shoemaking isn’t just another branch of fashion. “This feels more like carpentry than actual garment making… it’s a lot of fun.”

For Nilanjan, another Footwear Summer School student, each day on the course brings fresh anticipation, “Every day I’m just wondering what’s coming next… and I’m loving the journey so far.”

From pattern cutting to completed shoes

The course begins with the fundamentals: foot anatomy, last measurements, and leather selection and cutting. Students start by creating a classic court shoe, learning the essentials of pattern cutting, stitching, closing, lasting, and finishing.

As Sophie explains, “We’re doing a loafer next and then a sandal, and now we’re doing high heels.” This structure gives students the chance to explore a wide range of styles, from Mary Janes and T‑bars to flat sandals and structured loafers.

For many, the depth of the craft becomes a highlight.

“It’s a pretty long process,” Nilanjan says, “but everything we’ve learned is falling into place. I’m getting a better understanding of what exactly comes into making shoes.”

A workshop full of possibilities

One of the most exciting aspects of the course is access to industry‑level equipment, from skiving machines to specialist leather‑stitching machines. For Sophie, who works in theatre prop‑making, the hands‑on set‑up is a major advantage.

“There are lots of different machines, and because this is a summer course, we have access to almost everything,” she says. “I’m hoping to take these pattern making and shoe making techniques and use them for stage.”

Guided by a master craftsman

At the centre of the course is tutor Nafi Mustafa, whose career spans decades of craft, design, and international industry experience.

Students feel the impact of his teaching immediately. 
“He’s giving us that understanding of what the shoe is like and what goes into it,” says Nilanjan. “And the passion you have to make it. It’s unreal.”

Stefano adds, “He always has a word of advice, even for something more artistic. And he has a lot of technical knowledge. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Building a community

Beyond the tools and techniques, students often speak about the supportive atmosphere in the studio.

“It’s a very good environment, very positive,” Nilanjan says. “Everybody’s super supportive… connecting, making new friends.”

This sense of community fuels the creativity and confidence students take with them after the course. Whether it’s Stefano looking to support small brands through creative consulting, Sophie applying her new skills in theatre, or Nilanjan preparing to contribute to his family’s shoemaking business, each student leaves with a clear next step.

“My family business is about shoe making,” Nilanjan explains. “I just hope to understand everything, build on it, and make it grow.”

By the end of the course, students complete three pairs of shoes, supported by comprehensive notes, patterns, and a digital badge and certificate - a tangible record of a summer spent learning a craft that blends tradition, design, and precision.