With its unusual shape the style winning the HDS Junior Award in 2012 is one that catches everyone’s eye. The consciously bulging form initially confuses the beholder but then arouses their instant curiosity and a desire to experience the shoe style with all their senses. Like a corset the boot – created with human proportions in mind – moulds itself around the foot and calf. The wave-like, bulging finish acts like a protective shield, enveloping the foot and heel like a strong carapace.

Inspirations from skiing are clearly discernible in the design of the extremely stable body of the boot. The boot’s leg is made of high-quality leather. Likewise, the solid heel is also covered in leather. Overall, the boot looks as if it were made in one piece. Two individually adjustable strap fasteners in high-tech materials create an exciting contrast with the natural leather leg. The fully adjustable straps with striking plastic fasteners can be height and width adjusted. They follow human proportions to perfection, making these boots really unique for every wearer.

Protection and design successfully team up here – of this the expert jury is certain. The futuristic shape, the anatomic silhouette and the outstanding material mix make these boots timeless design objects that will resist all fashion trends while setting their very own standards in terms of form and function. “Life is like a ski slope,” says jury member Prof. Bernd Kracke from the Offenbach design academy Hochschule für Gestaltung alluding to the excellent protective function of the winning style sure to easily deal with whatever steep slope or major challenge that lies ahead.

The expert jury has made up its mind: the winner of the 2012 HDS Junior Award is Czech designer Lenka Marková from the Institute of Art and Design at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen.

GDS, Düsseldorf
(16/3/2012)