SUBMISSIONS CLOSED! JURY VOTING TO COMMENCE SOON.

Ann Williams

Schwilliamz Creative Consultants / Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director

Ann’s lifelong passion for product design and creative problem-solving fuels a career spanning over 3 decades, defined by extensive expertise and experience in footwear design and shoemaking across all categories, price points, markets, and genders.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design with Honors from De Montfort University in Leicester, England, Ann joined Clark’s UK as a designer in their world-renowned children’s footwear division. Ann next designed for Reebok, by whom she was recruited to work in the USA, before joining Stride Rite where she became Director of Product and Design, overseeing a team of designers through the entire footwear design and development process, from initial strategy and concepts to final product delivery. Ann received the Stride Rite Best Award for “outstanding dedication, exceeding day-to-day expectations while respecting and valuing others.”

Ann is currently Design Director at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants, a leading footwear design, product, and business strategy consultancy with clients ranging from start-ups to major, multinational brands. As a footwear subject matter expert, Ann also advises companies in the sustainability space transition into the footwear industry and serves as an expert witness in footwear patent litigation. 
LinkedIn | Website

Current Jury

Havva Mustafa HAVVA Founder & Designer, Footwear Design Lecturer United Kingdom

Luis Valenzuela MIAMI Shoe Museum Founder/Director/Chief Curator United States

Felipe Fiallo Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S Founder & Creative Director Italy

Caroline de Baere Laforma Footwear Industry Expert, Adjunct Professor and Educator United States

Robbie Fuller Anta group Creative Director China

Sissi Johnson Berlin fashion Film Festival President United States

GFA Jury Member Sean Williams Reflects on His Remarkable Journey

Sean Williams OSD, SOLEcial Studies Co-Founder United States

Jazerai Allen-Lord True to Size Founder United States

Ann Williams Schwilliamz Creative Consultants Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director United States

Mary Norton Savannah College of Art Luxury Accessories Design Director/Specialist United States

Oronzo De Matteis OROORO BRAND LUXURY CEO Founder & Creative Director Italy

Chen Wang RedBoots Award Director China

Monica Mei Vera Wang Footwear Designer - Product Manager Italy

Marta Andreassi Freelance / ex Dolce and Gabbana Footwear Designer Italy

Mathew Kurien MIT Institute of Design Head of Department India

Arshiya Kapoor MIT Institute of Design Head Of Department India

Eelko Moorer London College of Fashion / Eelko Moorer Design Studio Course Leader MA Footwear UK

Matteo Fermani Hugo Boss Product Development Coordinator Italy

Sara Paiva The Shoe Museum Director Portugal

Fionn Corcoran-Tadd adidas Innovation Designer United States

Yael Joyce Vantu Balena CPO and head of design Italy

Robert Quach Nike Expert Designer Jordan SP United States

Julia Lebosse Sneakers by Women Founder UK

Timon Kuhlenkamp On Running Performance Footwear Designer Germany

Past Jury

Richard Kuchinsky The Directive Collective

James Lee Thompson On Running

Flora McLean Royal College of Art

Anna Maria Giano Vogue Italia

Nick Daiber Adidas

Brock Cardiner GOAT / ex Highsnobiety

Mar and Elizabeth Shoe Girls Studio

Max Gruettner adidas

Andrew Yip PANGAIA

Thomas Le Puma

Zak Maoui British GQ

Trevett McCandliss Earnshaw's, Footwear Plus and MR magazines.

Nick DePaula ESPN