Pensole has launched a hands-on, four-week, intensive design immersion program focused on material design principles. The PENSOLE|MLab master class will take place from February 20 to March 17, 2017, at PENSOLE in Portland, after a global search for the best 20 aspiring designers - comprising 12 in footwear, five in color and materials, and three in brand design - is completed.
The students will compete to design an athleisure shoe using materials from PENSOLE|MLab's key vendors, with a Vibram outsole developed specifically for this course. The winning designers will receive compensation from Vibram for the design, which will be sold globally.
"We have always believed in the importance of having color and materials as part of the PENSOLE curriculum," founder of MLab and PENSOLE material director Suzette Henry commented. "And as industries shift how they manufacture, the need for specialized color and materials skills grows."
Vibram will provide scholarships for the hand-selected aspiring designers to experience PENSOLE's rigorous "learn by doing" curriculum, wherein students are introduced to what it's like to work as a professional footwear designer.
The PENSOLE|MLab master class will feature industry professionals ranging design directors, designers, design recruiters, technicians and developers, all there to share knowledge to inspire, guide and challenge young designers to reach their creative potential.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Registration begins today. The deadline for registration is January 15, 2017.