Global Footwear Award-Winner

Shoes Have Names project wins the Global Footwear Award for Social Impact.

Elisabeth Thorsen X Missy Photography Dan Lowe

Global Footwear Awards 2023 
Social Impact special projects Winner! 

Shoes Have Names 
A project collaboration between Jo Cope and the Shelter charity to bring together 10 designers x 10 previously homeless individuals. 

Design Team:
Jackie leggett, Ellen Sampson, Liz Ciokajlo, Tabitha Ringwood, Jana Zornik, Caroline Groves, Kobi Levi, Daniel Charkow, Elisabeth Thorsen, Kris Walsh

About: 
Homeless charity Shelter joined forces with artist Jo Cope for a collaboration inspired by the personal experiences of people facing life on the streets.

Ten shoemakers/designers/artists were each paired with a person that Shelter has helped through its frontline services.

This is a collection of handmade shoe artworks inspired by the personal experiences of real people facing homelessness. 
These shoes have become a touring exhibition which will next be on show at YKK London Showroom during Fashion Week in February 2024   

Each shoe represents the individuals name and their positive steps forwards. 

Thank you to @globalfootwearawards judges for recognising the project. 

Photography Nigel Essex 
Special thanks to my Shelter team collaborators Richard Hudson and Hattie Lamb and to Polly Neate CEO for support of the project.