Footwear design takes a step up in the UK with the launch of the Manolo Blahnik Scholarship at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London (UAL).
Reuters
Described as a “transformative award supporting emerging talent in design and craftsmanship”, the scholarship has been established through a “significant multi-year commitment” from the Manolo Blahnik Foundation.
Designed to support students studying at LCF’s School of Design and Technology, it will “ensure financial barriers do not stand in the way of creative excellence”.
With its inaugural recipient awarded on 11 March to a current first-year student on the BA undergraduate (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear course, “the scholarship embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that defines both the Cordwainers legacy and Manolo Blahnik’s renowned approach to design”.
Going forward, the scholarship will be available to applicants prior to accepting their place to study at LCF. With plans to expand the scholarship across other courses within LCF’s School of Design and Technology, “this initiative serves as a benchmark for future partnerships that aim to support and elevate emerging creative talent”.
The scholarship is open to students based in the UK and also from international backgrounds. They will receive full tuition support along with an annual contribution towards living expenses and course costs for the duration of their three years of study, “enabling them to fully immerse themselves in their creative education”.
Claudine Rousseau, dean of the School of Design and Technology at London College of Fashion, UAL, said: “This scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for talented students who may otherwise face financial barriers in pursuing their creative ambitions. It is also a significant step towards widening participation and ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives continue to shape the future of heritage crafts.”
Designer Manolo Blahnik, founder and trustee of the foundation, added: “The reason I wanted to start [the Foundation] is to help people…The UAL scholarship focuses on supporting talented creatives to ensure the future of innovative, high-quality craftsmanship and to ensure it remains at the heart of the fashion industry.”
