Mahela Papa

Available to hire

I'm Mahela Papa, a footwear designer with extensive experience spanning Italian and Australian markets.

About

I’m Mahela Papa, a footwear designer with extensive experience spanning Italian and Australian markets. I specialize in end-to-end development, from concept to final samples, collaborating with brands such as Elia Maurizi and Rollie, and leading material selection, last design and outsole innovations. I enjoy crafting mood boards, trend research and translating ideas into artisanal yet scalable constructions.

I thrive in cross-functional teams, coordinating with suppliers, tanneries and production managers to deliver high-quality products on time. Fluent in Italian and English, I bring a creative, organized approach to each project and am passionate about shaping the future of fashion footwear through design-led innovation.

Languages

  • ItalianFluent
  • EnglishAdvanced

Industry experience

  • Manufacturing
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Retail
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Other
  • Consumer Goods

More experts

Projects · 7

Sovelle W26

Leather handbags with distinctive construction and premium italian leather

  • Brand Designer
  • Designer
  • Graphic Designer
Sneakerinas 2026

new generation ballerina and sneakers for an evolution of the new everyday footwear.

  • Designer
  • Developer
sneakers drops!

sneakers for everyday life, cemented or vulcanised, natural materilas or high tech alternative fabric!

  • Designer
  • Developer
Pointed

Successful product designs with sleek toe shape, pointed boots and ankleboots

  • Designer
  • Developer
T-shirt designs

t- shirts and top with summer print and colourways selection for Australian surfing project

  • Designer
  • Graphic Designer

Work experience· 17 roles

Shoe Designer (Freelance Designer & Consultant)Jul 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

Freelance footwear designer and consultant shaping concepts into final samples for women’s and men’s collections. Collaborated with Italian brand Elia Maurizi and Australian Rollie, contributing to sneakers, artisanal construction, and various product categories. Responsible for material and color selection, creation of lasts and new outsole designs, and production-ready tech packs and specifications.

Senior Footwear Designer / Product Developer · Shoe Designer (Freelance Designer & consultant)Jul 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

Design and development of footwear collections from concept to final samples; collaborated with Italian brands Elia Maurizi and Australian brand Rollie; responsible for material selection, lasts, outsole designs, mood boards, color palettes, trend research, design components, and technical specs; managed suppliers and schedules.

Shoe Designer (Freelance Designer & consultant) · Independent / FreelanceJul 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

Senior Footwear Designer/Product Developer responsible for turning initial concepts into final samples for footwear collections. Led design for women's and men's sneakers and artisanal constructions; selected materials, leathers, colors, and accessories; created lasts and new outsole designs. Collaborated with Italian brands Elia Maurizi and Australian brands Rollie and Solsana. Managed mood boards, color palettes, trend research, design components, heels and constructions, and technical specifications. Coordinated with suppliers and factory managers; used AI tools, Photoshop, and InDesign; contributed to Italian-language marketing tasks.

Senior Footwear Designer / Product Developer · Nick Mascitelli Imports Pty LtdAug 2022 – Sep 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos
Senior Footwear designer /Product developer · Nick Mascitelli Imports Pty LtdAug 2022 – Sep 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos
Senior Footwear / Accessories Designer / Product Developer · Studio 114 Pty Ltd.Jun 2022 – Dec 2022 · 7 mos
Senior Footwear Designer / Product Developer · EMU AustraliaFeb 2019 – May 2022 · 3 yrs 4 mos
Shoe Designer (Freelance Designer & Consultant)Jan 2018 – Jul 2019 · 1 yr 7 mos

Education· 16

Interior Design Course · The Interior Design Academy2021 – 2023
Cambridge FCE course (First Certificate in English) · Greenwich College2018
Degree in Fashion Design · Carlo Bo University2003 – 2007
Diploma in Arts (Painting Division) · ISA L. Cantalamessa1998 – 2003

Certifications and awards

IELTS2030 – 2026
Cambridge FCE course2018
Interior Design Course2021 – 2023
Cambridge FCE (First Certificate in English)2018

Testimonials · 5.0 from 1 review

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