LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2008)—The WSA Show not only offers a platform for current footwear designers and buyers to meet, it also assists the industry's future players. Each year, students enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising's Footwear Design Program are encouraged to participate in the WSA Footwear Scholarship Program. During their class today, WSA COO Diane Stone presented the two winners with their respective scholarship checks.

Winner Hanna Jean Koski's three designs

“You’ve chosen to enter a field which attracts most spectacular design talent,” Stone told the students before announcing the winners. “It’s young people like you who are coming up with a different philosophical departure that can make a difference.”

Koski with The WSA Show COO Diane Stone

All six of the women enrolled in the program submitted shoe design sketches in three categories: fantasy/evening, weekend and contemporary. Winner Hanna Jean Koski had a distinct inspiration for each category. She named her contemporary shoe Modern Armor, a gladiator boot inspired by Russell Crowe in the 2001 Academy Award winning “Gladiator.” An Oscar de la Renta gown worn by Jessica Biel on the red carpet served as Koski’s muse for the evening shoe. “Hot pink and black are a stunning combination,” she says. “I called it Pink Lady.” Finally, the aptly named Hula took a nod from Hawaiian culture and hula dancers. “I was thinking weekend and luau: a vacation for your feet. They can take you to a faraway place,” she says.

Winner Clare Nichole Beilke's three designs

The second winner, Clare Nichole Beilke, also found three separate forms of inspiration. Her contemporary shoe married a traditional oxford with edge. “I wanted to give it a twist with hardware,” she says. “I wanted to make it sophisticated and fun.” She chose to challenge herself with the weekend shoe by designing a sneaker. “I never do sneakers,” she says. “I wanted to do one that didn’t fully close—a summer casual sneaker.” Her evening shoe, which she admits is her favorite of the three, is intended for a night on the town. “When you’re dressing up to go out, you can dress your feet up too.”

Beilke with Stone

In addition to the scholarship, both Koski and Beilke will attend The WSA Show July 28–30, and their designs will be displayed on the show floor. Koski is currently completing an internship with Culver City, Calif.-based Charles David and says that, though she’s optimistic it will turn into a full-time position after she graduates on June 11, she’s keeping her options open. Beilke says she’d like to work for El Segundo, Calif.-based Seychelles, or a vegan shoe company.

“You’re all marvelously talented,” Stone concluded. “Wishing young people great luck as they go into the world is a great pleasure.”

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