Helen Kirkum Palimpsest V2 Sneakers

British footwear designer Helen Kirkum returned to London Fashion Week, following a successful Spring/Summer 2023 season, to showcase her latest creation, the "Palimpsest" ready-to-wear sneaker. This season, she received support from the British Fashion Council as a NEWGEN recipient.

Known for her sustainably reconstructed sneakers, Kirkum takes destroyed kicks and transforms them into unique creations. The designer created a home-like environment inside The Old Selfridges Hotel, where she showcased her new footwear and accessories while highlighting local creatives.

Her Palimpsest V2 sneaker is made from distressed leather and suede, showcasing exposed seams that highlight their handmade construction. Frayed edges add character to the yellow and orange pairs, while others feature a range of blues and greys. In addition to footwear, Kirkum introduced her first accessories line, including tote and tool bag designs made from "Sneaker Collaged Leather." Miniature versions of the bags featured knotted shoelace bodies, while crossbody bags incorporated rescued shoe tongue lining as both interior and exterior materials.