Project makes reality of genius

Many designs, helped along by determination, brilliance and finance, survive the conceptual stage. It's the nurturing, development and manufacturing of great fashion ideas that "What's More Alive Than You" (WMATY), a project by the aptly named Italian fashion design house, does.

This company has come up with an innovative way to encourage new fashion ideas by holding competitions for shoe, bag and accessory designs.

The competitions invite young design students from around the world to compete. If selected, their designs are manufactured and marketed internationally.

The first collection from last year's competition is now available online. A second call for submissions has recently closed. Fifteen people were selected from the first creative call last year. Here are two of the selected designers and their works:

• Liza Fredrica Aslund, 30, from Sweden designed the recycled shoes. A simple project, but complex construction, it required expert hands to build the shoe and in particular, the heel. The heel is made of wooden parts that are cut and mounted by hand on an iron pin, painted, dyed and fastened to the heel of the shoe. The height of the shoe is 120mm, made with an ergonomic shape and patented by WMATY that provides comfort, thanks to a careful weight distribution.
• Tomas Trenchard, 31, from Ireland, designed the pebble bag, which takes inspiration from natural textures and makes use of three colours: warm grey, burgundy and cobalt blue.

The clutch bag consists of two shells made of paper and sand pulp. Its frame is made of solid and charred wood covered with water varnish.

For more information visit www.wmaty.com