Cordwainers Graduates put their best foot forward

Burlington Arcade played host this week to flamboyant footwear icons Joseph Azagury, Georgina Goodman, Emma Hope and Beatrix Ong in celebrating the Arcade’s beautiful jewellery, creative talent of London College of Fashion’s Cordwainers and beginning of the first ever Coutts London Jewellery Week. Models were dressed in cashmere and dazzling jewellery from Burlington Arcade, while showcasing work from the Cordwainers Graduates of 2008.

Highlights include a beautiful shoe by Tengiz Chketiani featuring a real stuffed dove, and a collection of stunning colonial style bags by Ursula Inglis-Jones, who has already won the ASOS limited edition prize for accessories. Mari Larsson, the latest winner of Student Accessories Designer of the Year award also showcased an impressive collection.

Guests enjoyed golden pyramids of Laduree macaroons, while viewing an exhibition of work by top students from Cordwainers at London College of Fashion will remain at number 66 in the Burlington Arcade until the end of June 2008. The work on display in London’s most prestigious shopping arcade demonstrates the huge breadth of talent that is cultivated at London College of Fashion, whose alumni include Professor Jimmy Choo, Patrick Cox and Linda (LK Bennett).

Beatrix Ong, recognised as one of the world’s top 10 shoe designers and a Cordwainers graduate (2000), commented “It’s fantastic to see the new generation of footwear and accessories designers emerge with such individuality, creativity and flair. The Burlington Arcade is a beautiful and ideal venue for Cordwainers at London College of Fashion’s first showcase outside of the college. Seeing the work in such an established retail environment truly brings the student’s work to life.”

Burlington Arcade, one of London’s best loved shopping arcades, has just completed a multi-million pound renovation by new owners, evolving to become home to a unique collection of luxury accessories and one of the world’s most inspirational shopping destinations. It was the world’s first shopping arcade when it opened in 1819 and is now recognised as a historic architectural masterpiece.

The exhibition will be on display in the arcade until 30th June 2008.