KUCHING: The Sarawak Shoe Artisan Exhibition at The Spring Shopping Mall here is unveiling a new wave of homegrown shoemakers whose craftsmanship reflects a creative industry rapidly gaining momentum in the state.
The exhibition places the spotlight on the growing pool of young artisans trained under the Certificate in Shoe Making Artisanry programme at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS).
The programme, certified by City & Guilds, has carved out a new pathway for Sarawakians to enter the world of artisanal shoemaking.
Conceptualised by course director, Dodi Mohammad, and reviewed personally by renowned designer, Prof. Datuk Dr Jimmy Choo OBE, in his individual capacity, the nine-month course combines technical instruction with an industry internship.
Students learn contemporary European techniques and complete fully handcrafted pairs of footwear as part of their final assessment.
The launching of the exhibition on Saturday, which was officiated by Sarawak National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) Women Bureau adviser, Datuk Angelina Celestine Ujang, also featured the SABERKAS & Artisan Catwalk Runway Show, where third-batch artisans presented their work.
The event concluded with musical performances by Dodi, adding an artistic flourish to the afternoon.
For the record, the exhibition runs from December 5 to 7 and offers visitors an opportunity to view the handcrafted pieces up close, meet the artisans behind them and gain insight into the small but steadily growing footwear industry taking root in Sarawak.
A Fashion Talk scheduled for December 7 will further explore the career and design philosophy of Choo.
