Creativity, Curiosity, and the Corpse Flower
/
Whether I’m designing a shoe, advising on strategy, or building a process that works better for a creative team, observation and curiosity are where it all starts.
Read More
Small Design Firms Are Vital: A Lesson from the UK Creative Industries Sector Plan
/
Microbusinesses and independent studios are the creative force quietly shaping the future of design. That’s not just our opinion at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants, it’s the basis for a comprehensive policy plan in the UK.
Read MoreNavigating Turbulence, What Q2 2025 Footwear Industry Sentiment Means
/
The FDRA’s Q2 2025 Shoe Executive Outlook Survey is in, and it’s clear: the footwear industry is entering a reset moment.
With 94% of execs expecting cost hikes and 88% seeing weaker shoppers, footwear design and development teams are under pressure to adapt.
In this post, we break down what it all means for footwear brands, and how smart design thinking is vital not just to survive, but to lead.
Read MoreLuxury Is Being Redefined: What It Means for the Future of Footwear Design
/
Luxury is shifting from hype to depth.
In this post, we break down what Highsnobiety & Boston Consulting Group’s Luxury Redefined 2025 means for the future of footwear design.
Read MoreIfen Carlson of Luvons Explains China Footwear Tariffs’ Impact on Small Businesses
/
We were ready to pen our own deep‑dive on footwear tariffs, but our client Ifen’s video lays out the dramatic impact of increased shoe import costs from China on small businesses more clearly than we ever could. ▶️ Watch Ifen’s video now to learn about the real-world shifts the China footwear tariffs are causing for the footwear industry—and contact us to explore solutions tailored to your business.
*and be sure to check out Ifen’s line of Luvons luxury slippers!
Read MoreCartier Has Legal Protection for LOVE
/
Even widely used words can be legally protected when they’re deeply tied to a brand’s identity. And while this ruling centers on jewelry, it raises key considerations for the footwear industry as footwear brands often incorporate familiar words and motifs into their designs.
Read More126 Years of Innovation: The Footwear Utility Patent Milestone
/
Footwear IP has come a long way since the first utility patent was granted in 1899. While a lot has changed in 126 years, the critical importance of Intellectual Property protection in the footwear industry has remained constant.
Read MoreBirkenstock’s Copyright Case and Footwear Intellectual Property
/
The recent Birkenstock copyright ruling raises key questions about footwear intellectual property. Learn what it means for trade dress, patents, and IP protection.
Read MoreTariffs & Footwear: Why Design Matters More Than Ever
/
U.S. tariffs on imported footwear add significant costs to an industry where 99% of shoes sold in the U.S. are made overseas.… For many footwear companies, the instinctive response is to cut costs wherever possible—and unfortunately, design and development are often among the first areas to suffer. But in a competitive market where fresh styles and innovation drive sales, cutting back on design is the wrong move. Respond strategically rather than reactively.
Read MoreProtecting Your Designs: Key Points on Footwear Intellectual Property
/
Protecting your footwear designs is crucial in today’s competitive market. This post explores key strategies, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, to safeguard your unique shoe creations. Learn the importance of NDAs, IP registration, and why working with experienced footwear designers and IP attorneys is essential to securing and enforcing your rights.
Read MoreWhy Hiring a Footwear Design and Development Consultant Is Your Best Bet
/
In today's dynamic footwear industry, many companies find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to seeking external expertise. The decision between hiring a footwear design consultant or a freelancer can be a pivotal one, with implications for your projects’ success and your bottom line.
Here's why we believe opting for a consultant is the strategic move you need to take.
Read MoreA Pretty Drawing Isn’t Enough: Why Technical Expertise Is Vital to Exceptional Footwear Design
/