Now in its second year, the Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation Award continues to inspire design leadership via a one-year design fellowship replete with a $50,000 stipend.

This year’s winner of the award is Erika Tompkins, a recent graduate of San Francisco’s Academy of Art University.

“We are proud to partner with the CFDA as we embark on the second year of the Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation Award,” said Kenneth Cole. “Through her portfolio submission, Erika Tompkins displayed true understanding of the importance of marrying business and social engagement and we are excited to welcome her to the Kenneth Cole family.  Our hope is that she will gain hands-on experience at a brand that values not just want you stand in, but what you stand for.”

Through the yearlong Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation fellowship, Tompkins will be given the opportunity to build both conceptual and practical skills while promoting creative consciousness and collaboration. She will work rotationally with multiple departments in order to have an understanding of the entire life cycle of a product.

“Erika’s colorful textiles and winning creative socially conscious design narrative- provide a strong calling card for her fellowship,” said Sara Kozlowski, CFDA’s Director of Education and Professional Development. “The opportunity Kenneth Cole provides through this Award to gain specialized experience within footwear design working alongside his team is truly once in a lifetime. Thank you, Kenneth Cole, for supporting Erika’s post-graduate professional journey!”