Keds partners with Parsons School of Design in new fashion program – Footwear News

Keds and New York’s Parsons School of Design partner to launch the first-ever Keds Scholarship Fund and multi-pronged fashion program.

On Wednesday, Keds announced that the Spring 23 program will focus on circularity, sustainability and innovation. In the three courses available to fashion students on the Bachelor of Fine Arts Product Pathway, students learn how Keds footwear is designed and produced. Students will also work to develop innovative fashion product design strategies and methodologies to invent new, socially responsible and sustainable possibilities while using recycled Keds materials to create new products with a focus on circular fashion systems.

“We are excited about our partnership with Parsons School of Design and the prospect of inspiring the next generation of fashion designers with repurposed materials from our product creation and development processes,” said Jen Lynch, VP and GM of Keds, in a statement. “Not only does this allow for the reuse of our used materials in imaginative and fashionable styles, but it also enables ideas for a more sustainable future.”

Courses in the Fashion Product Pathway include Creative Technical Studio 2, Design Studio 2, and Visual Communication 2.

In addition to the academic partnership, the Keds Scholarship Fund supports undergraduate fashion students beginning their junior year and studying to pursue a degree in fashion design. Beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year, Keds will provide up to $25,000 to select scholars who will be recognized as “Keds Scholars” and selected by the Office of Student Financial Services.

“Our partnership with Keds offers fashion students the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of designing new products and artifacts from loved and returned Keds shoes,” said Ben Barry, dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons. “A Parsons apprenticeship is based on the belief that fashion design can make a positive difference in the world, and we are proud to partner with Keds to promote circular systems and respect the environment.”