Tokyo Emerging Designers to Showcase at Paris Fashion Show 2026

Tokyo Designers Set to Shine in Paris Fashion Show 2026

Tokyo's emerging fashion designers are gearing up for an exciting opportunity in 2026. A project launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host a fashion show in Paris on January 25, showcasing the talents of 13 teams and 14 noteworthy young designers. This initiative is part of the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo (NFDT) and the Sustainable Fashion Design Award (SFDA) competitions, aimed at supporting the next generation of designers living or studying in Tokyo.

Beginning in July 2025, these selected participants will undergo a six-month preparation period, culminating in a runway show that presents their new creations to international buyers and media. The event promises to elevate Tokyo's design scene by promoting the creativity and potential of its young designers on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Kunikazu Morinaga, CEO and designer of ANREALAGE and a veteran of 24 consecutive Paris Fashion Weeks, will lead the show’s direction. With a strong background in fashion, Morinaga emphasizes not just the aesthetics of the designs but their underlying philosophies and stories. He aims to create a nurturing environment where each designer can engage with industry professionals, including directors, PR experts, and stylists.

The Concept Behind the Show

The Paris fashion show is an essential milestone in Tokyo's quest to establish itself alongside iconic fashion capitals like Milan, New York, and London. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is committed to cultivating a supportive ecosystem for fashion and apparel industries, encouraging young creatives to experience a real-world fashion environment early in their careers. Morinaga expressed a deep passion for guiding the next generation, saying, “I want to pass down my experiences and connections accumulated over two decades in fashion. My goal is for these young talents to develop a strong, internal world that can withstand challenges in their careers.”

Show Highlights

This project is also significant because it underscores Tokyo's ambition to become a global fashion hub. Last year's fashion display at the Palais Brongniart, which featured 10 designers, attracted around 270 attendees. With heightened expectations, the upcoming show aims to provide a broader platform for creative expression.

Among the chosen artists, participants will include:
1. Takuto Tachi (TACKT) - Winner of the Governor of Tokyo Award (Grand Prize) in the Free Category
2. Junko Mohri (JUNO MOHRI) - Outstanding Award in the Free Category
3. Kanei (山岡寛泳) - Special Selection Award in the Free Category
4. Misato Hayami (速水美里) - Grand Prize in the Inclusive Design Category
5. Yumi Matsumoto (松本優美永) - Outstanding Award in the Inclusive Design Category
6. Wakana Abe (阿部若菜) - Special Selection Award in the Inclusive Design Category
7. FoLPER - Grand Prize in the Wear Category
8. Ryutaro Akama (赤間隆太郎) - Outstanding Award in the Wear Category
9. Kana Tamura (田村香奈) - Outstanding Award in the Wear Category
10. Hazuki Akashio & Yume Iwama (赤塩葉月・岩間夢々) - Special Selection Award in the Wear Category
11. RUMIE SUENAGA (末永るみえ) - Grand Prize in the Fashion Goods Category
12. Nao Saruta (猿田奈央結) - Outstanding Award in the Fashion Goods Category
13. Ayami Nishiyoshi (西吉絢海) - Special Selection Award in the Fashion Goods Category

These designers, chosen through rigorous evaluation by distinguished judges, will showcase their finest works, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive design principles.

Future Plans for Tokyo's Fashion Scene

Tokyo's government sees the urgency of nurturing fashion talent as essential for the city's creative future. The ongoing challenges and successes of emerging designers contribute significantly to shaping the international perception of Japanese fashion. The government has made it a point to focus on sustainability and inclusivity, adhering to their 2050 Tokyo Strategy aimed at fostering a culturally rich and eco-friendly society. With initiatives like the NFDT and SFDA, they aim to redefine fashion's cultural significance while supporting the industry’s growth and promoting sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The runway show in Paris signifies more than just a platform for the young designers; it's a movement aiming to transform Tokyo into a recognized fashion leader globally. By 2026, attendees can expect to witness groundbreaking innovations and the vibrant pulse of Tokyo’s future designers, fulfilling their aspirations while contributing to a broader narrative of fashion's evolution.
- For more information about the designers and their works, please visit the official Instagram accounts of NFDT and SFDA.

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