Taking the Winning Step in Footwear Design

Fashion extends beyond the clothes we wear – it encompasses the entire art of self-expression, including how we accessorize and, just as importantly, what we wear on our feet. Recognising this often-overlooked aspect of fashion, the Malaysia Footwear Design Competition, organised by the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association, shines a spotlight on innovative shoe design.

Courtney Tan Yan Jia, a Year Two student at ESMOD Kuala Lumpur, stepped up to the challenge by putting her best foot forward and winning 1st Prize in the Ladies’ Shoes Category, along with an RM5,000 cash prize. Grateful for the opportunity to showcase her work on such a prestigious platform, the 19-year-old described the win as a major confidence boost.

Her beautifully crafted shoe design, Marella, was inspired by her deep love for the ocean and its ecosystems. The name combines ‘mar’, meaning "sea” in Latin, and ‘bella’, meaning "beautiful" in Italian, reflecting the beauty of the sea she sought to capture. The intricate embroidery and wave patterns on the shoe symbolise the ocean’s complexity and rhythm, blending art with environmental advocacy.

“I chose corals as the main inspiration because of their intricate shapes, vibrant colours, and the critical role they play in marine life. By highlighting coral-inspired textures and patterns, I wanted to emphasize the importance of coral reefs and inspire others to appreciate and protect these fragile underwater ecosystems,” explained Courtney.

She was also honoured with the opportunity to represent Malaysia on the global stage in the 13th International Footwear Design Competition in Guangzhou, China. Competing against top designers from around the world, she ultimately secured the 2nd Runner-Up position.

“Representing Malaysia at the competition was surreal! Competing alongside designers from across the globe was both inspiring and humbling. Winning 2nd Runner-Up was the highlight of my experience – it’s a reminder that our unique perspective as Malaysian designers is valued on the international stage,” she expressed.

She prepared intensively for the competition by researching trends, exploring materials, and sketching endlessly to finalise her concept. According to her, one of the biggest challenges was balancing innovation with wearability, as designing something unique yet functional required careful consideration. Time management was also a challenge, as she had to balance this project with her coursework. In the end, she considers the venture incredibly rewarding.

“My lecturers encouraged me to push my creative boundaries while keeping practical considerations in mind. Their expertise in various design techniques and the constant feedback sessions really helped me refine my concept and execute it with precision,” she shared of her learning experience throughout the project.

“Competitions are excellent for pushing your limits and gaining real-world experience. Whether you win or not, don’t overlook any opportunity – the experience itself is incredibly valuable for both personal and professional growth,” she concluded.