Japanese Design Students Create Premium Underwear Line in Collaboration

A New Wave in Men's Underwear: Student-Designed Boxer Shorts

Osaka Cultural Fashion College (OIF) has joined forces with Turkey Co. and Hankyu Men's Osaka to create a line of premium boxer shorts, dubbed "gravevault." This collaboration emphasizes the uniqueness of Japanese aesthetics, showcasing the talents of budding designers.

This initiative kicked off when OIF's super designer and fashion creator students were invited to submit designs inspired by the theme of "Beauty in Japan." Their efforts culminated in a competitive selection process featuring submissions from 66 students. Ultimately, three designs were chosen for commercialization: the Grand Prize winner, "Serene Ripples" by Yasu Hirai, the Runner-Up, "Origami Crane" by Saho Nakata, and another notable entry, "Maplage" by Tsubasa Ohkuro.

The winning designs will be sold exclusively at Hankyu Men's Osaka starting from August 9, 2025, with an initial production run of 80 pieces per design, split across various sizes. The Grand Prize piece will be featured prominently in the "UNDERWEAR WEEKS" event held in-store on the same day, where an awards ceremony will acknowledge the designers' achievements.

Project Overview

The ongoing project aims to foster collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, offering students a unique opportunity to experience the entire product lifecycle—from design conception, public voting, to the retail sale of their creations. This hands-on involvement in the fashion industry is invaluable, providing students with practical insights into customer preferences and design validation through actual market engagement.

The journey began on April 23 with a kickoff lecture from Turkey Co. and Hankyu Men's Osaka, where they shared insights into the project's scope and brand ethos. After student submissions closed on May 12, expert judges from both companies reviewed the designs, allowing 12 finalists to progress to the next stage, which included public voting available on the Hankyu Men's Osaka website.

On June 13, the winners were publicly announced, and production commenced at Turkey Co., with a sales launch planned for later that summer. The project's ambition is to challenge the conventional norms of men's underwear, providing stylish and quality products that appeal to a wider audience.

Through the synergy of established companies and emerging talents, this collaborative project underscores the educational value of real-world experiences in fashion design and production. Students will soon see their original designs transformed into tangible products, significantly boosting their confidence and career trajectories.

Company Backgrounds

Turkey Co. specializes in the manufacture and wholesale of men's and women's underwear, dealing with domestic retailers and exporting to various international markets, including the USA, Spain, and Germany. Their commitment to quality is epitomized in the gravevault brand, known for delivering high-end underwear.

Hankyu Men's Osaka is celebrated as one of the premier men's department stores in the Kansai region, catering to a diverse male clientele with a broad range of lifestyle and fashion products. They actively engage with the community, hosting various cultural and educational initiatives.

Osaka Cultural Fashion College (OIF) has a rich history spanning 78 years and is a significant player in fashion education in Western Japan. With a mission to contribute to society through fashion, OIF is dedicated to nurturing global fashion talent capable of making an impact in the industry. Their recent accolades, including winning the prestigious award at the 2nd Fashion School Award, reflect their commitment to excellence.

In an exciting development, OIF will be transitioning to the new name, VOUTRAIL THE FASHION ACADEMY, in April 2026, marking a new chapter in its legacy while honoring its historical roots.

For future projects, OIF aims to maintain its tradition of combining education with active industry engagement, ensuring its students become skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the fashion landscape.

Contact Information: For inquiries regarding the collaboration, please reach out to OIF’s Management Planning Headquarters at 06-6392-4371 or via email at [email protected].