Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2024
Final Screening Event
On March 20th (Wed / Holiday), the Contest Finalist Fashion Show for Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2024 was held at Yurakucho Mullion Center Mall.
Selected among more than 1300 applicants in two rounds of screening, 12 designers and designer groups were nominated for the Tokyo Governor's Award (6 in the Free category and 6 in the Inclusive Design category), and 6 were nominated for the Special Selection Award (3 in the Free category and 3 in the Inclusive Design category). These designers presented their works in a fashion show in front of the watchful eyes of the audience.
Following a rigorous evaluation process by the final jury, the Tokyo Governor's Award Grand Prix in the Free category was awarded to Takuto Tachizawa (from Bunka Fashion College). In the Inclusive Design category, the Grand Prix was awarded to Misato Hayamizu (from Tokyo Mode Gakuen).
The participants' sensitivity, skills, and ideas were on full display in this remarkable show, enhanced by all the professional support they received in workshops with specialized advisors and individual sessions with merchandisers, patterners, and designers.
Runway Show
The finalists of the 2nd screening were asked to prepare 3 looks each to present on the runway. Despite the demanding timeline, each finalist was able to deliver exceptional pieces that showcased their conceptual ideas and technical skills. The audience at the venue was captivated by their stunning creations.
Talk Show
The event also featured a talk show with judges Yusuke Takahashi, Fumiaki Koizumi, Naoko Kamatani, and special advisor Sakura Kato. They discussed their sentiments after the final judging and shared their thoughts on the significance and value of the award.
Award Ceremony
During the award ceremony, the winners in the Free and Inclusive Design categories received the Special Selection Award from Yusuke Takahashi. Katsuhiko Hibino and Kunihiko Morinaga presented the Governor of Tokyo Award for Excellence in the Free category, and Katsuhiko Hibino and Yumiko Hara presented it in the Inclusive Design category. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike presented the Grand Prix in both categories.
Backstage
The day before the runway show, the participants who passed the second round of screening worked backstage, fitting the models and creating detailed styling sheets, which also served as a workshop, as they carried out meticulous final checks before the models appeared on the runway. This intense and challenging process of preparing for the show undoubtedly provided a valuable learning experience for the contest finalists aspiring to build careers in the fashion industry.
