The newest name in fashion footwear

A panel including Frisoni, Vivier General Manager Sabine Brunner, writer Colin McDowell and Selfridges Buying Director Sebastian Manes chose Luft for her innovative use of technology and modern vision.

Luft, 27, uses 3D printing technology to engineer her shoes’ flower-stalk titanium heels.

‘Kerrie stood out because she has the beautiful dream that fashion needs today, and she has the way to interpret it for today’s woman,’ Frisoni told us moments after the announcement. ‘Even if it’s still a dream, she has something to say, and we believe that she could be a very strong new name in fashion footwear.’

The Cordwainers-trained designer will move to Paris to take up a six-month apprenticeship with Roger Vivier’s head office. She will learn the process of creating a collection ‘from A to Z,’ Frisoni said, through stints with the label’s different divisions.

‘I really didn’t think I had a chance,’ Luft said. She hopes to one day have her own shoe label, but for now she’s thrilled to learn her way around Roger Vivier under Frisoni’s wing. ‘I’m so surprised and excited to be going to Paris. It’s an amazing opportunity to get insight into an actual luxury business, with a fashion brand that has so much history behind it.’

The Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden initiative has a strong track record of identifying hot London design talent. Erdem, Basso & Brooke and William Tempest have all reached the final for the competition’s womenswear category. Past winners of the accessory prize have gone on to launch their own labels and design for Burberry.

‘Fashion Fringe is so important because it opens doors to young designers that can be very difficult to open,’ Frisoni said. ‘You give th