Galaxy shows its true form

Galaxy chocolate has continued its support of young British design talent through awarding a bursary for shoe designers at the Royal College of Art. Working with first and second year footwear students at the RCA, Galaxy provided an open brief for them to design some shoes inspired by Galaxy chocolate. They could be influenced by the colour, the texture, the look or even the smell. World famous shoe designer, Emma Hope, visited the RCA to meet the students and discuss their creations while also selecting the recipient of the £2,000 prize fund. After much deliberation, Emma chose two second year students, Catharine Vernon-Smith who was awarded £1,500 for her elegant ladies' shoe featuring a chocolate ripple effect and Annejkh Carson who received £500 for her beautifully made, gentleman's boot. Galaxy made its first foray into the world of fashion last year when, during London Fashion Week, it sponsored the first shoe and accessories trade show, Eye2Eye, and helped five of Britain's hottest young shoe and accessory designers, Olivia Morris, Lara Bohinc, Tracey Nuels of TN29, Georgina Goodman and House of Jazz, to exhibit their creations for the new season. Why Galaxy and shoes? Research into the chocolate eating habits of women revealed that anticipation plays a huge part in the enjoyment. When asked to liken these emotions to those felt during any other popular female activity, the feelings experienced when shopping for new shoes came closest. Emma Hope said: 'I am really impressed with the dedication of the RCA students which comes from their desire to make the designing and making of shoes their ultimate career choice. The Galaxy bursary brought about some really commercial as well as beautifully made shoes. It is incredibly important to support young British designers when shoe design has such an important role to play in the fashion industry.' The RCA is the only wholly postgraduate university of art and design in the world. The Footwear MA course is part of the fashion school which has many illustrious alumni, such as Philip Treacy, Ossie Clark, Julien McDonald and Zandra Rhodes. The eight RCA students who took part are: Jari Aki Choklat; Michelle Houghton; Rui Leonardes; Annejke Carson; James Nisbet; Barbara Paleka; Zoe Lee and Catharine Vernon-Smith.