Ana Paula Figueroa’s Eco-Friendly Footwear Dress Triumphs at Greenwalk Awards

## Overview of the Greenwalk Awards

The fourth installment of the Greenwalk Awards was held on September 25 at the Sant Boi and Xperience Sant Boi shopping centers in Barcelona. Hosted by Paloma Lago and patronized by Alejandro Gómez Palomo, this event showcased the creativity of eleven students from eight different educational institutions throughout Spain. The spotlight was on 21-year-old Ana Paula Figueroa, a Peruvian designer currently residing in Madrid, who emerged as the winner.

## Figueroa’s Winning Design

Ana’s innovative design featured a dress crafted from leather derived from second-hand shoes. This concept highlights how footwear carries both physical and cultural significance. The imprints left by wearers can act as a material archive, demonstrating new ways to repurpose existing items.

## Sustainability as a Core Value

The jury unanimously recognized the importance of this vision. Alejandro Palomo emphasized that “sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity,” stressing the importance of fostering this mindset in new designers from the outset.

## The Art of Design and Memory

Gabriel Nogueiras also spoke of the conceptual significance of Figueroa’s work. He noted, “It does not just reuse materials; it presents a coherent narrative about the lifespan of objects and what happens when we stop seeing them as waste.” Artist Eduardo Jairycovich added to this by highlighting its aesthetic qualities, stating, “The wear and tear becomes texture, a language that connects with the user’s memory and experience.”

## Future Opportunities

As a result of winning this prestigious award, Figueroa will have the opportunity to enroll in a course at Central Saint Martins, widely recognized for nurturing the careers of many successful international designers.

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