After 3.5 years of attending classes and several internships, we, the first class of the Dutch Shoe Academy in Utrecht, have begun to design our final collections. When I’m day-dreaming about the moment that I’m presenting this final school assignment, i hope the collection will make a clear statement and ik hope that my personal style will come across.
For years and years I’ve been following Jan Jansen, the crazy shoemaker from Holland as the Italian shoe industry likes to address him, in awe of his authentic style. His shop in Amsterdam has the most colourful shoe collections i have ever seen. And every time I pass by I’m impressed, again and again. You can imagine my reaction when I heard that I got to design my final collection using this legendary shoe designer as a source of inspiration, thanks to the people at Hooijer Footwear Group, who own the brand Jan Jansen.
When I was a freshman at the Academy I spent days taking apart shoes, layer by layer. Knowing Jan Jansen started his career by doing the same, feels good. His level of craftsmanship, expertise and experience in the shoe industry today are things to strive for.
At this very moment I am intrigued by the shapes, colours and playfulness of the shoes Jan designed. What is it exactly that makes every shoe so appealing? This research helps me to design my own collection of six shoes. When I’m done I will introduce them to Jan and my professor. Together we’ll decide which three I will take into production. How I’d love to peek in the future from time to time! Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy every second of this ride. I’ll keep you posted!
