Expectations were high when 60 upcoming designers filled ECCO’s Headquarters in Bredebro, Denmark, to meet their mentors. Last week, they attended an intro day for the ECCO Masterclass offered by Design School Kolding; the result of an innovative joint venture to develop a new generation of shoe designers in an international ambience. Under the theme ‘Stages of Rebellion,’ the students are challenged to put together a shoe or a bag collection inspired by rebellions or a rebellious mindset. The concepts must take ECCO’s brand and design parameters into account, combining the ECCO universe with the ‘Stages of Rebellion’ theme.
From day one, the students are introduced to the complex process of putting together the perfect shoe. “I never realised how many aspects there are to shoe production. From design, over 3D printing, to making a last that fits, and testing the producibility of a shoe. It is very rewarding to experience the real life feeling of a shoe manufacturer,” explains Lloyd Philip Revald, a third year Industrial Design major.
ECCO shoes are part of the curriculum
The class, which is part of the students’ curriculum, enables the students to work very closely together with ECCO’s design and production experts. Once they have put together the concept for their new shoe, they get to spend a day in ECCO’s pilot production area to turn their ideas into an actual shoe. The shoe and the concept will be presented at an event at ECCO’s Design Centre for final evaluation in October. “It is very exciting for us to see how the industry works in real life. We learn a lot from working with a company which is really in control of its value chain,” adds Christine Beate Kjos-Hansen Husøy, a third year Textile major.
Collaboration is a perfect strategic match
An immense number of elements go into the process of designing a shoe that meets ECCO’s requirements to comfort, functionality and aesthetics. From drawing the first sketches to presenting finished shoes in ECCO stores around the world, colleagues in every part of ECCO’s value chain apply the utmost attention to detail and quality. Since the search for new ideas never pauses, the partnership between ECCO and Design School Kolding is a perfect strategic match for both. ”We are happy to be able to support the education of upcoming designers, and we enjoy the collaboration with the students. We learn as much from them as they do from us, and we truly appreciate their fresh ideas, great energy, and how they challenge us," explains Tina Seirup, Chief of Staff at ECCO Design Studio.
About ECCO
ECCO is one of the world’s leading shoe brands, combining style and comfort. ECCO’s success is built on products with a great fit and top-quality leathers. ECCO is a highly responsible company that owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from leather and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities. ECCO’s products are sold in 99 countries from over 2,250 ECCO shops and more than 14,000 sales points. ECCO is family-owned, founded in Denmark in 1963, and employs 21,300 people worldwide.