We have put our best foot forward in an exclusive collaboration with luxury Chinese footwear brand Sheme.  Creative designs by three RSN Degree Students were selected by Sheme to be made into shoes, and are now on sale as part of their Autumn/Winter 2021 Collection.

RSN Degree Students Millie Whitehead,  Erin Ledsom and Sabina Lima  submitted their designs last year, inspired by imagery of beautiful scenes from the classic ‘Book of Poetry’, which has been popular in China for over 2000 years. The spectacular lines of colour and abstract images, combined with rich and passionate shades of red, provided the perfect footprint!

Angie Wyman, Degree Course Leader at the Royal School of Needlework said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work exclusively with such a prestigious shoe brand as Sheme. Our Degree Students were able to apply their design and hand embroidery skills to create bespoke designs, which align perfectly with Sheme’s design brief.”

Millie Whitehead, RSN Degree Student said: “Taking part in this project was such an honour.  Sheme gave us inspirational imagery with such strong texture and pattern, that it provided a brilliant starting point.  I spent many hours sketching and creating a sophisticated design that would be flattering on any foot, yet at the same time comfortable and wearable.  I couldn’t be more pleased with the final result; it is exactly what I envisioned when I sent my designs.  I would like to thank Sheme for the fantastic opportunity.”

Erin Ledsom, RSN Degree Student said: “When I found out my design had been selected, I couldn’t believe it! I absolutely LOVE my shoes and taking part in the Sheme project has been such an amazing opportunity.  I really enjoyed designing them, especially drawing the lines and shapes as I’m a big lover of pattern. To be able to walk around in shoes that I have designed, is a dream come true!

Linda Liu, Founder of Sheme said: “We are very grateful to the Degree Students of the Royal School of Needlework for their design work, inspirational ideas and exquisite work.  Their combination of quality with in-depth research on the Sheme brand, really moved us. We look forward to working together on future projects.”

Sheme is a luxury footwear brand, using handmade and original design.  Established in 2008, after ten years of extensive research, the brand combines the best materials with traditional artisans and master shoemakers from around the world.  Sheme is the first Chinese luxury shoe brand with a presence in the London, Paris and New York Fashion Week.

RSN Degree Students have the opportunity to engage with live projects throughout their course, such as the Sheme collaboration.

For more information about our Degree Course in Hand Embroidery, visit our website and attend one of our Virtual Degree Open Days.

Images: RSN Degree Student Millie Whitehead with her Sheme shoes and original designs in the background; The three Sheme shoes designed by RSN Degree Students; RSN Degree Student Erin Ledsom with her Sheme shoes