When the Godfather talks, sneaker students listen.
This fall, Steven Smith, known as the “Godfather of Modern Sneaker Design,” came to Savannah, Georgia as marquee guest at the second annual SCAD SNKR Culture Week. Smith connected with SCAD sneaker design students through master’s workshops, class visits and a full-capacity “In Conversation with Steven Smith” live event hosted by design mentor Jessica Del Genio and SCAD sneaker design professor Mike Mack.
“Sneaker culture has always revolved around the people who shape it, and very few embody this like Steven Smith,” said Mack. “Steven is a truly versatile and industry-defining sneaker design icon, and we were thrilled to have him here at SCAD, sharing his expertise, dropping sneaker science, and mentoring our students throughout the week.”
Smith’s revolutionary work makes him a pivotal figure in sneaker design over the past three decades. As the creative mind behind iconic models for New Balance, Reebok and Yeezy, Smith — the new head of creative innovation at Crocs — is known for changing the boundaries of form, function, and fashion.
Photo: Courtesy of SCAD
During his week-long visit to SCAD, Smith engaged with students to explore the art, innovation and sneaker culture. Students from sneaker design and accessory design had the opportunity to present to Smith reinterpretations of some of his most iconic footwear designs.
“Working with Steven during his visit to SCAD was eye-opening, and his expertise and creativity are extraordinarily inspiring,” said student Valentina Garcia. “As I pursue my master’s degree in sneaker design, Steven’s mentorship will deeply influence my future.”
Photo: Courtesy of SCAD
SCAD SNKR Culture was exclusively curated for SCAD students, exemplifying the unparalleled access the university provides for students to learn from groundbreaking design leaders. As Mike Mack said: “Steven coming to SNKR Culture confirms we’re building something special at SCAD.”
Source: Fashionista.com
