Fashion student China steps into the spotlight with prestigious award win

Final year Footwear & Accessories undergraduate, China Blackstock-Brown has been awarded first place for the Sneaker/Athleisure Prize at the Cordwainer Footwear Awards 2025 held last Thursday (13 June) in London.

Now in its 11th year, the awards were established by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers to celebrate the very best upcoming shoe designers in the UK.

China’s winning footwear collection – titled ‘Dystopian Dreams’ – explores the complex relationship between dreams and nightmares.

She interpreted her own unsettling visions, translating them into a visual narrative that reflects both fear and artistry.

Each shoe in China’s final-year collection serves as a profound expression of her journey, merging technology with emotion and leaving a lasting impact.

On the judging panel for this year’s awards was Sophia Webster, Founder and Creative Director of her own internationally renowned shoe design company. She said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of the judging panel. Getting a first look at the next generation of designers and their creative visions was genuinely inspiring. I also really enjoyed the discussions with fellow judges – talking through the submissions sparked some brilliant conversations and new perspectives. It was both insightful and energising.”

Senior Lecturer in Footwear and Accessories, Jane Schaffer said: “The whole team are absolutely thrilled for China following her award win.

“This award is the pinnacle of China’s achievement – she set out from day one to win this award, so to take home the prize is testament to her determination, creativity and sheer hard work. Working with industry professionals to realise part of her collection has been an invaluable experience. We look forward to following China on her career path as it evolves.”

On Thursday (19 June), the University of Northampton’s Learning Hub will be transformed into a purpose-built catwalk to allow graduating students of the Fashion, Textiles and Footwear course – including China – to present their collections in front of family, friends, staff, students, members of the public and industry representatives.

China’s work will be featured along with other students from a variety of courses from the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology at this year’s Degree Show. This will be running from Thursday 19 to Tuesday 24 June at the University’s Waterside Campus.

The catwalk shows will take place at 1pm and 6.45pm on Thursday 19 June – open to the public and no tickets required.

Find out more about studying Fashion, Textiles and Footwear at the University of Northampton.