George and Maisie scoop thousands to develop their footwear collections

Two students from the University of Northampton have received thousands of pounds in scholarship money to spend on their final year fashion collections.

Footwear & Accessories final year students, George Paul and Maisie Thompson, have been awarded £2,500 and £1,000, respectively, by the Worshipful Company of Curriers.

The Curriers Scholarship is a dedicated award to support third year Fashion, Textiles, Footwear & Accessories students who propose to specialise in the use of leather as a raw material for their final major project.

George’s winning project comprised his concepts around skateboarding culture, while Maisie’s concepts mix high-end styling with everyday streetwear.

George Paul.

Maisie Thompson.

Worshipful Company of Curriers Master, Mary McNeil, said: “The panel members from the Curriers were very impressed with the high standard of the candidates and their enthusiasm for the leather industry. We are very pleased to be able to assist two students on their chosen career paths.”

Caroline Southernwood, Senior Lecturer in Footwear, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to The Worshipful Company of Curriers, this generous scholarship gives our winning students the opportunity to use leather as a raw material in their final major project, a resource which may not be affordable on a student budget.

“Many congratulations to George and Maisie, we are all looking forward to seeing the final outcomes.”

George and Maisie were joined in the competition by Fashion undergraduates Sadiya Shan, Elizabeth Duyilemi and Simon Hazel, plus Textiles for Fashion student, Rebekah Theobald and Footwear & Accessories student, Phoebe Rowe.

All photos were taken before the lockdown.