The Global Footwear Awards collaborate with Spanish footwear incubator INDIPROC to promote talent in footwear design

A quick visit to the Global Footwear Awards website offers a glimpse into the future of footwear, a reality already being shaped by industry entrepreneurs who are unleashing their most futuristic ideas, propelling the industry to new heights.

However, these visionaries often face a lack of resources to bring their ideas to life. That is why the Global Footwear Awards have partnered with Spanish footwear incubator INDIPROC.

As its founder, María del Carmen Maestre, explained in a conversation with FashionUnited, the company “was born from the need to create a commercial ecosystem adapted to support and accompany emerging brands that are starting out in the market.”

This collaboration aims to empower and support independent designers and students by providing them with essential resources and opportunities to advance their careers.

INDIPROC has a multidisciplinary team equipped to meet diverse needs, ranging from specialized training programs to market integration through partnerships in 3D design, marketing, financing and footwear production.

Once the incubated brands launch their projects, INDIPROC provides them with ongoing support, including representation on B2B and B2C sales platforms.

As part of this alliance, the winner of the Global Footwear Awards in the independent designer category will receive a comprehensive mentoring program worth 1,495 euros.

The program will include personalized coaching and comprehensive support to help the designer develop their career. Finalists and the student category winner will also benefit from consulting sessions with the INDIPROC team, designed to guide them through the next critical steps in the footwear industry.

From Spanish artisan tradition to global expansion under the Coach-Tapestry umbrella

A third-generation Spanish shoemaker, Mari Carmen Maestre founded the INDIPROC shoe incubator in 2021 with the aim of revitalising a family tradition dating back to 1934, when her grandparents introduced the innovative vulcanised product “Petre” and established a sales network throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

Since then, the company has undergone several phases of international expansion, including its presence in key markets such as the United States and Canada after being acquired by Caressa and then by a Chinese company.

Building on a heritage steeped in craftsmanship and quality, the second generation continued to manufacture for prestigious brands such as Spiegel and Russell & Bromley, and in 1995 founded Laurel Shoes exclusively for designer Stuart Weitzman.

In 2003, the third generation joined the company, continuing to work for the brand and integrating new brands following the acquisition of SW by COACH-Tapestry.

How has INDIPROC’s work evolved since its creation?

We started our business by supporting new brands that needed technical support for the development of their collections.

After meeting more designers and seeing the need that exists in the sector, we have developed a series of training courses, both online and in person, so that creatives and/or entrepreneurs can start their journey with the knowledge necessary to communicate with the teams involved in production.

In addition, we have expanded our network of collaborators so that these new brands have their own teams of technicians, marketing, finance, etc.

How many shoe designers and companies have participated in INDIPROC programs since its founding?

Since the beginning of our journey in 2021, we have worked with around 80 designers whom we have advised and advised according to the needs of their projects.

In the past year alone, we have worked with approximately 12 companies on mentoring and industry integration, sample development and collection production.

In addition, as a “host entrepreneur” of the Erasmus exchange program for young entrepreneurs and employees of various schools, we offered training in footwear to future entrepreneurs in the sector.

What types of investments or funding does INDIPROC receive to carry out its initiatives?

To date, INDIPROC’s financing as a company comes from its own resources or private funding. In the case of brands, those that have a differentiating product in terms of R&D, sustainability, etc. are offered the opportunity to manage public or private funding from INDIPROC.

To participate in the Global Footwear Awards 2024, the deadline for applications is October 6, 2024, with late fees applicable after this date. Designers must submit an innovative and complete shoe design from the last five years with a short description, up to 10 images… and that’s it. Applicants can find all the details on the official Global Footwear Awards website.

This article was originally published on FashionUnited.ES and was subsequently translated using an AI tool and edited by Veerle Versteeg.