Congratulations to the Drapers Awards Winners

The FIT board of trustees were out in force at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, to celebrate the Annual Drapers Footwear Awards on Thursday evening, with awards ranging from Student Footwear Designer of the Year to Store Staff Member of the Year.


Lucy, in her role as CEO of the British Footwear Association, was on stage to present the Award for Best Footwear Marketing Campaign. David, our chairman, took to the stage to say a little about what we do and introduced the raffle, which, thanks to the generosity of the audience, raised over £2000 for the charity. And Souraya Gyves, wife of our very own Dan Gyves, was on stage to collect the award for Best Designer!


The evening kicked off with a drinks reception, where everybody caught up with old acquaintances, before heading to the tables for a sumptuous meal of roast peacock with all the trimmings.
Then came the main event, the awards.


After all the prizes were given out, the ceremony gave way to the DJ, and everybody took to the dance floor for a well earned celebration.


Huge congratulations to the winners, thanks to Drapers for hosting another fantastic event, and special thanks to everybody who bought raffle tickets and donated to our wonderful cause.

You can see a list of all the winners here.

Drapers Footwear Awards 2023

Celebrating the footwear industry

The footwear industry is renowned for its resilience, creativity and innovation. 

From suppliers and manufacturers to brands and retailers, and the individuals who design shoes and serve customers, the sector has met the challenges of the evolving market and changing consumer habits, the Covid-19.

Drapers is proud to celebrate the people, businesses, products and strategies that make up this incredible sector.

Leicester Race Day

Following the success of previous Footwear Friends race day fundraising events in 2016, 2018 and 2020, we are delighted to offer limited places to our first afternoon of racing at Leicester race course as the Footwear Industry Trust. A great occasion to socialise, whilst enjoying the thrill of racing.  An opportunity to network with other individuals from the industry whilst raising funds for the charity. In brief the event includes:

  • Race badge for entry
  • Hospitality with 2 course buffet lunch served in 1 of 2 private boxes booked by Footwear Friends  – in total around 40 people
  • Complimentary race card
  • Account bar facilities for purchasing drinks
  • TV’s showing the racing, and balcony overlooking the finish line
  • VIP parking
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Footwear Friends raffle with generous prizes

Full details to follow.

To find out more about Leicester Racecourse, click the link below.