My goal is to create a very meaningful product that won’t destroy our planet
Guglielmo Gorno
Tradition and ambition come together in Smit & Zoon's Design Challenge
200 years of experience... 5 talented designers...
1 timeless shoe collection
With 200 years and seven generations of experience, we are proud of Smit & Zoon’s history. We also know that tradition is without value if not connected with ambition. That’s why we like to show our respect for the past by a clear path to an appealing and sustainable future.
Smit & Zoon’s Design Challenge is exactly on that path; supported by the expertise of the Arsutoria Design School.
Five designers were selected and started in October 2020 with their assignment: to create shoes for the high-end of the fashion industry, with an emphasis on the sustainability of their products. The grand finale took place in May 2021, at the 200th anniversary of Smit & Zoon. Hommy Diaz from the USA was announced as the winner by the jury.
A tradition meets an ambition. A shoe shows a talent. A drop makes a difference.
Hommy Diaz wins the Design Challenge!
The versatility and quality of all the designs was high and made it difficult to decide a winner. With his functional and fashionable slip on sneakers it was Hommy Diaz from Los Angeles who got awarded the first place and the opportunity to showcase his ‘Home Base’ concept at WHITE Milano, during the Milan Fashion Week in September 2021.
The design on the runway!
The shoes of our 5 designers were shown on the runway of Arsutoria's Fashion Show. A proud moment to see the footwear designs come to life.
About the designers
Meet Alexandros, Hommy, Javier, Guglielmo and Laure!
The contributions of these five talents has given the challenge a wide variety of approaches and creativity. Their five countries of origin, the five distinct design backgrounds, and their specific sensitivities have enriched the results of the contest and boosted new perspectives and further developments of their ideas.
Alexandros Vasdekis
Greece
Guglielmo Gorno
Italy
This contest combines my two greatest passions: biology and sustainability with footwear designing.
Alexandros Vasdekis
Discover news
The Design Challenge makes it to the fashion runway
The shoes of our 5 designers were shown on the runway of Arsutoria's Fashion Show.
Hommy Diaz wins Smit & Zoon’s Design Challenge
Five talented designers from five different countries started their journey on the Design Challenge in October 2020. The...
It is time to... VOTE!
The Design Challenge has reached the final stage. The designers have finished their journey, from sketch to final protot...
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