Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a career in footwear design — and how creative ideas move from concept to finished product?

FMR invites you to an exclusive evening with Axel Arigato, designed to give emerging talent rare insight into the skills, pathways and realities of working within the footwear design industry.

This event brings together senior creatives from across design, development and production to unpack how footwear is imagined, developed and brought to market, and how you can begin to carve your own route into the industry.

What is the Format?

Through an in-depth panel conversation followed by hands-on breakout sessions, attendees will gain practical insight into career journeys and entry points into footwear design, the realities of working across creative, design and production functions, how ideas translate into materials, prototypes and finished footwear, and what brands look for in emerging designers and creatives.

The evening will begin with a panel discussion moderated by Daniel Peters, Founder of Fashion
Minority Report, featuring Jens Werner, Creative Director at Axel Arigato, Jess Dalton, Footwear
Design Lead, and Salwa Bakos, Head of Development & Production.

Following the panel, attendees will rotate through three breakout zones led by each panelist, using real products, samples, prototypes, sketches and swatches to illustrate their roles and offer tangible insight
into how footwear comes to life.

• 7-7:30pm Guest arrival and welcome drink
• 7:30pm Panel Begins
• 8:15pm Panel Ends
• 8.15-9:00pm Breakout Session
• 9:00-9:30pm Networking

Who are our Guests?

Jens Werner – Creative Director

Jens Werner is the Creative Director of Swedish footwear and fashion brand Axel Arigato, overseeing all footwear, ready-to-wear and creative output.

Previously Head of Ready-to-Wear at the brand, he worked closely with co-founder Max Svärdh during a period of significant growth. A self-taught designer, Werner’s background in skate culture and minimal design shapes his approach.

His career includes roles at Adidas on the Y-3 line with Yohji Yamamoto, Design Director at Tory Sport in NYC, and Creative Director at J.Lindeberg.

He defines his vision as “reduced, but still with personality and expression.”

Salwa Bakos — Head of Development & Production

With over 15 years in footwear across brands including Hunter, Sophia Webster and Lacoste, Salwa brings deep technical expertise in sourcing, development and production.

At Axel Arigato, she leads the end-to-end creation of footwear, transforming ideas into commercially viable products through strategic planning, problem-solving and strong cross-team collaboration.

Known for her precision and holistic approach — from mould and outsole engineering to global sourcing — Salwa ensures every product meets the highest standards from concept to delivery.

Jess Dalton — Footwear Design Lead

Jess Dalton is a conceptual footwear designer shaping the future of contemporary style at Axel Arigato. Previously working on iconic silhouettes at Dr. Martens and collaborations with Palace Skateboards, Jess blends cultural insight with innovation to create designs that resonate beyond trend cycles.

Her work sits at the intersection of heritage craftsmanship, digital thinking and youth culture, resulting in footwear that is both forward-looking and enduring

How to Secure your place

As with all FMR events, this session is aimed at a diverse pool of talent, particularly those from
underrepresented communities. This includes, but is not limited to individuals who:

• Identify as being from a lower socio-economic background, or
• Have received free school meals, or
• Identify as being from a marginalised community (e.g. ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, living with a disability, etc.)

Spaces are limited, and registration is required.

If you are based outside of London, we are able to offer up to 5 people a travel bursary of £50 to cover the expense of your rail or coach fare.

Once you have booked your ticket, please contact us at info@fashionminorityreport.com and we’ll send you further details about how to apply for a travel bursary.

Things to know

• This event is intended for attendees aged 18+ (proof of age may be requested on arrival)
• The venue is not owned or managed by Minority Report Ltd
• If you have any accessibility needs or special requirements, please contact us at info@fashionminorityreport.com, and we’ll be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments 
• Complimentary refreshments will be provided

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of insight, inspiration and honest conversation about breaking into the business of footwear design.