Our TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers have always been known for their versatility, strength, and ability to blend with a wide range of textile fibers, making them the perfect choice for every part of a shoe. The TENCEL™ brand takes pride in producing such high quality eco-fibers, to make environmentally responsible shoe solutions possible. By sponsoring the TENCEL™ Art of Shoes Design Competition, hosted by the Singapore’s Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (TaF.tc), the TENCEL™ brand helps shine an important spotlight on sustainable textiles while supporting the footwear industry in its quest to discover new talent.

TaF.tc is the first continuing education and training centre for the textile and fashion industry in Singapore. Together with the TENCEL™ brand, the centre has been hosting this competition since 2013 to uncover creative talent and help them break into the footwear industry. This year, contestants were tasked with creating their very own mini sneaker collection using TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers based on the theme: Modern Artistry. While this year’s competition was moved to a virtual platform due to COVID-19, it still attracted over 160 participants, ranging from 16 to 59 years of age, who put forward their creative designs for review. Their designs were assessed by an illustrious panel of judges and Birgit Schnetzlinger, Lenzing’s Head of Global Business Development Functional Wear, was one of the key individuals part of the deliberation process.

This year’s final was held online on January 28, 2021. Eleven talented individuals made it through to the end, with all creations using at least 60% of TENCEL™ branded fibers. Nonetheless, winners on the day showed themselves to be true rising stars of the footwear industry, and the TENCEL™ brand was incredibly inspired by their creations. Here’s a glimpse of the winning designs:

Overall winner, Dayyan Leng Leris, designed “The Archi-Luxe Capsule” which was inspired by the Art-Science Museum with its panels and sweeping structural curves. The interlacing detail at the side of the shoe mimics the “lotus” design of the museum. Judge Thomas Tan, Deputy Director (Curriculum and Academic Matters) at TaF.tc complimented the inspiring and commercial design, saying: “The interlacing detail on the side of the shoe is a smart take on the inspiration, and the design is uncomplicated to produce should it be manufactured”.

Winner Dayyan’s design

Mahesi Pelawatte was named People’s Artist by public vote with her “Bombora Waves” creation. Mahesi’s design was created using pastel colored TENCEL™️ swatches to embody the colors and waves of the sea and sand. Thomas, commented, “The pastels on white in the design added a hint of newness and femininity to the otherwise often masculine designs”.

People’s artist Mahesi’s design (Photo credits: TAF.to)

We are proud to have supported these emerging talents as they embark on their journey in the footwear industry, and some of the finalists’ designs are now listed for sale online. We look forward to seeing more innovative designs from our winners in the future!

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Footwear fabrics supported by LingGan