Shoemaking contest is one segment in 2021 China Trunk Show and it is for fun much more than business consideration. Trunk Show is very much a trade show that brands present they products and customers or maybe potential business partners come to see and talk. And shoemaking contest adds more excitement and savoir into this event.
Talking about the judges, the process is quite exhausting.
Due to pandemic, I thought judges from other countries may not be a solution, so I contacted many veterans or mentors domestically. However, no one accepted my invitation, some said they are not capable of this role, some said this job could offend some contesters, and some even humiliated me for organizing this event. I was desperate and sought help from the most prestigious bespoke shoemakers in the world, told them what I wanted to do, they all agreed to be the judge!
Here I can introduce the committee to who are interested in this event.
Masaru Okuyama
In 2022, Mr. Okuyama moved to London, previously he practiced bespoke shoemaking in Hongkong. His almond last may be the best one in the market.
Jesper Ingevaldsson
The writer behind blog Shoegazing, host of Super Trunk Show and shoemaking championship (I copy his concept). Jesper is very interested in China shoemaking industry and has extensive experience of commissioning Japanese bespoke shoes.
Daniel Wegan
Winner of 2019 Shoemaking Championship, worked for 10 years in bespoke department in Gaziano & Girling. Daniel left and established his own bespoke brand Catella Shoemaker.
Roberto Ugolini
Many Italian shoemakers have international reputation, such as Stefano Bemer and Riccardo Bestetti, however Roberto Ugolini is the most famous one. He certainly makes wonderful shoes, and his students make him more respectable.
Roberto also crafted last F and U for Vass, which helped Vass received globally quickly.
2021 he moved to a new location in Florence.
The committee would score each shoe from craftsmanship and aesthetics and comment.
I hope this contest could make Chinese bespoke shoemakers push the boundary and impress the world.