Ann has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Women in World Trade New England (WWTNE), reflecting her extensive global background in footwear design, development, manufacturing, licensing, retail strategy, and intellectual property (IP). Ann’s expertise strengthens WWTNE's mission to inform, connect, and support professional women across New England who are engaged in international trade, investment, and global business.

What does the EU’s Waste Framework Directive mean for footwear brands?
We break down the key implications and how you can turn compliance into a competitive edge.

Don't just weather the storm. Navigate it. Chaos can be a powerful fuel for the imagination, but without process and experience, any brilliance is lost.

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.

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.

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.

In footwear design, it’s imperative not to let the allure of a striking Photoshop rendering overshadow the complex process and technical expertise that truly define outstanding shoe design. In other words, successful footwear design goes far beyond drawing shoes. It encompasses a blend of creativity, experience, communication, a deep understanding of consumer needs and wants, and technical expertise.

In this post, we explore why technical expertise is crucial when designing and developing top-notch footwear.