Aina Llonch, a student of the Advanced Footwear Design Specialization Diploma and a fashion degree student at ESDi, has earned recognition at the Global Footwear Awards by taking first place in the “Artistic Footwear” category with her innovative project, KYO. This design, which combines technology, craftsmanship, and a powerful social message, invites reflection on authenticity and personal acceptance.
KYO is not just a shoe, but an artistic statement that challenges traditional beauty standards. This high-heeled boot sophisticatedly represents common foot deformities, celebrating uniqueness and fostering an emotional connection with our differences.
For its creation, Aina employed advanced techniques such as 3D scanning and printing, as well as manual finishing, successfully merging technology and craftsmanship. Furthermore, her commitment to sustainability is reflected in her unique packaging: she reused defective samples to create exclusive handbags, demonstrating that the circular economy can also be innovative and elegant.
Recognizing Design with Impact
The Global Footwear Awards celebrate the best of the footwear industry, highlighting projects that combine creativity, innovation, sustainability, and social impact. This award positions KYO as an inspiring example in a sector increasingly focused on responsibility and authenticity.
For Aina, this accolade reflects her passion and the creative freedom she found during her training:
“The Specialization Diploma in Advanced Footwear Design offered me valuable tools and an inspiring environment. Thanks to it, I was able to explore my ideas and develop a meaningful design. It was an exciting challenge that I will always remember.”
With this win, Aina shows us that design can go beyond aesthetics, becoming a tool to transform our way of thinking and connect with what makes us unique.
