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Announcing the contestants who passed the first screening
(Wear Category)

  • 赤塩 葉月

    General application

    赤塩 葉月・岩間 夢々 Hazuki Akashio & Mumu Iwama

    Work name: Memories

    Features

    • The three-dimensional texture is achieved by creating wrinkles on the front side of the material and securing them in place with glue.
    • Despite its voluminous appearance, the dress remains lightweight.
    • The design makes use of the linear aspects of kimono, while giving it a familiar silhouette of modern Western clothes.

    Main comments from the jury

    • The use of smocking to highlight the characteristics of kimono fabric with a touch of sustainability gives an impression of effortless elegance and strength.
  • 赤間 隆太郎

    Professional Institute of International Fashion

    赤間 隆太郎 Ryutaro Akama

    Work name: Seaming together

    Features

    • The braids incorporated into the cracks are reminiscent of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where cracks in pottery are filled with gold.
    • Down-filled sections are inspired by traditional Japanese paper manufacturing techniques.
    • Using different patterns around the topic of kintsugi creates a sense of eclectic beauty.

    Main comments from the jury

    • The use of kimono fabric and the concept of kintsugi appeal to sustainability, and with the functionality of the down jacket, it is a good design.
    • This design weaves a cohesive story around traditional techniques.
  • 石野 隼斗

    Tokyo Mode Gakuen

    石野 隼斗 Hayato Ishino

    Work name:TSUMAMI - New possibilities for tsumami-zaiku

    Features

    • The tsumami-zaiku technique involves utilizing square cloth pieces to form three-dimensional petals.
    • Various shapes can be achieved using both "maru tsumami" and "ken tsumami" techniques.
    • The process of cutting kimono fabric into squares minimizes fabric waste.

    Main comments from the jury

    • This strong design will undoubtedly appeal to the market, and it is also mindful of the losses in manufacturing process.
    • I imagine a beautiful couture dress that incorporates Japanese authentic crafts techniques and look forward to seeing it completed.
  • 内田 エリザベータ

    General application

    内田 エリザベータ Elisaveta Uchida

    Work name:Overlap

    Features

    • The design reuses segments of a kimono that is no longer used due to stains.
    • The design around the waist of the pants is inspired by the kimono collar, emon.
    • Combining a corset and a kimono incorporates both Western and Japanese elements.

    Main comments from the jury

    • This design feels fresh, incorporating kimono into a mix of the American hippie culture of the 60s and 70s and the rave culture of the 2000s.
  • 佐藤 愛海

    Tokyo Mode Gakuen

    佐藤 愛海 Manami Sato

    Work name:Sense of regret over waste

    Features

    • This design aspires to spread the Japanese concept of "mottainai," a sense of regret over waste.
    • It uses unique fabric made from denim, manufactured using a technique used in the Edo period to make clothing that protects against the cold.
    • Using a linear pattern helps minimize waste when cutting fabric for tear repairs.

    Main comments from the jury

    • I feel that customers will be highly satisfied with the concept and design.
  • 立澤 拓都

    Bunka Fashion College

    立澤 拓都 Takuto Tachizawa

    Work name:Fraying

    Features

    • The design depicts a kimono fraying and falling apart.
    • Layering materials and textures allows fabrics to peek out from under the frayed material.
    • The image of "fraying" is conveyed by creating a patchwork of worn-out fabrics.

    Main comments from the jury

    • I appreciate the strength of this design, and it will likely generate a response in the market. The point of taking a sustainable approach is also commendable.
    • I'm looking forward to seeing how realistically this idea can be reproduced.
  • 田中 みちる

    General application

    田中 みちる Michiru Tanaka

    Work name:× 〜かける〜

    Features

    • This piece uses diverse fabrics, taking advantage of their unique characteristics.
    • It explores the beauty of combining kimono fabrics with other materials and combinations of various patterns.
    • To make it more practical, the textile used in this piece was made by knitting together typical trench coat materials and kimono fabric, achieving a thicker fabric suitable for outerwear.

    Main comments from the jury

    • The idea of weaving fabrics makes a clear concept and finds rich expression for orthodox items.
    • A lot can be achieved by combining different materials of the same color.
  • 田村 香奈

    Bunka Fashion College

    田村 香奈 Kana Tamura

    Work name:Japanese workwear

    Features

    • The upper body garment is inspired by the sokutai, a traditional formal court dress worn by the Heian aristocrats, and the lower body garment is inspired by the hakama trousers for horse riding.
    • The pochette on the waist is a tribute to the armor of the Muromachi period.
    • This casual design incorporates elements of Japanese clothing and enables easy movement.

    Main comments from the jury

    • This design doesn't simply utilize kimono materials but also incorporates the history of kimono use to create a modern, fashionable, and cool look.
  • 恒松 杏渚

    Tokyo Mode Gakuen

    恒松 杏渚 Anna Tsunematsu

    Work name:Wazme

    Features

    • This design uses Shinto-inspired "wakazari" decorations to express a sense of "Japaneseness" and "nostalgia."
    • Kimono fabric is incorporated into the skirt lining and the ring-shaped decorations to achieve a unique look.
    • The belt around the waist and all accessories are Western-style, including ballet flat shoes and a ballet cloche hat as a hair accessory.

    Main comments from the jury

    • The design of the ring decorations is a creative and standout feature of this design. The ring decorations also represent the Shinto tradition.
  • 中村 瑛美

    Tama Art University

    中村 瑛美 Emi Nakamura

    Work name:Special day

    Features

    • This piece nurtures the warmth and softness that can only be achieved by handwork.
    • The design uses draping techniques to create a body-fitting three-dimensional silhouette.
    • The edges of the woven fabric can be reused for fringe trim.

    Main comments from the jury

    • This design demonstrates a thorough study of the concept that considers the market's preferences.
    • Traditional techniques are also well incorporated into the design.
  • 並木 力也

    Bunka Fashion College

    並木 力也 Rikiya Namiki

    Work name:Flow

    Features

    • This design is based on a flat pattern, able to accommodate various body shapes, and uses pleated processing for better fit.
    • The pleats are used to express the sense of flow of time.
    • The pattern is based on a rectangle, allowing for efficient use of fabric without waste, addressing social issues such as SDGs.

    Main comments from the jury

    • It is a strong design based on understanding the characteristics of kimono and Western clothing that will speak to the market.
    • It is extremely stylish despite its minimalistic pattern and design.
  • 成瀬 擁汰

    Professional Institute of International Fashion

    成瀬 擁汰 Yota Naruse

    Work name:Essence

    Features

    • This piece expresses the unique Japanese aesthetic of "showing off by hiding" that comes from the tradition of "uramasari."
    • It incorporates a Western workwear design that is more durable and functional than kimonos.
    • The "essence" of this reversible garment expresses the aesthetic sense of "showing off by hiding."

    Main comments from the jury

    • The concept design is very interesting.
  • 西吉 絢海

    Tokyo Mode Gakuen

    西吉 絢海 Ayami Nishiyoshi

    Work name:Check KIMONO out

    Features

    • Long rectangular pieces of fabric are gathered and knitted together into a checkered pattern.
    • The base of the garment is made of translucent kimono fabric with colorful scraps arranged on top.
    • The use of a hat adds to the overall elegance of the kimono.

    Main comments from the jury

    • Fantastic ideas and approach to sustainability.
    • I highly appreciate this design that makes you want to try it on immediately.
  • 野村 大紀

    Professional Institute of International Fashion

    野村 大紀 Daiki Nomura

    Work name:nomadic KIMONO

    Features

    • With simple flat cutting, this design creates a nomadic feel through the use of fabric. - Looped fabric and loose silhouette.
    • The bottom is made of 6 alternating panels to express the beauty of wearing things such as patchwork and sakiori weaving, which embody the spirit and treasure of valuing things.

    Main comments from the jury

    • The designer's thought went beyond the Japanese element of kimono, considering what happens after the clothes are made.
    • I would like to complement the choice of materials. It's nice to see a modern silhouette that makes use of traditional sakiori.
  • 野元 嗣英

    Tokyo Mode Gakuen

    野元 嗣英 Jiei Nomoto

    Work name:Space-kimono-suit

    Features

    • The focus is on the similarity between spaceships and kimonos: they both allow for replacing old parts.
    • In addition to spacesuit-like details, the length of the sleeves and pants can be customized by redoing the buttons.
    • Accessories can be removed freely.

    Main comments from the jury

    • I feel the strength of the design in its ability to connect things that are originally far apart by digging deep into the concepts, resulting in both a good design as an output and matching the customer's needs.
    • The unexpected combination of kimono and spacesuit is a good fit for modern times.

Preliminary judging shortlist