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Upcoming Fashion Showcase: NFDT and SFDA Finals

The Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo (NFDT) and Sustainable Fashion Design Award (SFDA) will hold their finals and award ceremony on March 29 at Toranomon Hills. This initiative aims to discover and nurture fashion talents based in Tokyo, helping set the city alongside global fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, New York, and London.

This year marks the fourth edition of these prestigious competitions, during which a vast pool of approximately 2,000 entries was received across all four categories. From these submissions, 24 finalists were selected in the secondary screening (six from each category), in addition to 12 groups chosen through public voting (three from each category). A total of 36 budding designers will showcase their work in a runway-style fashion show.

Live Final Event

The finals and awards ceremony are scheduled for March 29 from 15:00 to 17:30 (with doors opening at 14:30), at the Toranomon Hills Station Atrium. Attendance is free and no prior registration is required, making it readily accessible for fashion enthusiasts.

This event will not only feature an exciting fashion show presenting the creative designs of selected finalists but will also have a distinguished panel of judges essential for assessing the participants' work.

Esteemed Jury Members

A remarkable panel of 16 highly regarded figures from the fashion industry will serve as judges. They include:

• - Katsuhiko Hibino, President of Tokyo University of the Arts
• - Kunihiko Morinaga, Designer of ANREALAGE
• - Tomo Shinohara, Artist
• - Norber Lere, President of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Japan (to name a few)

At the end of the day, awards will be distributed including the prestigious Tokyo Governor’s Prize for the best work in each category, as well as excellence awards for two additional designs in each category. There will also be a special award selected through audience voting.

Awards and Support for Winners

Looking at what’s at stake, winners will receive monetary rewards of up to one million yen for the top award and 500,000 yen for excellence awards. Additionally, awardees are granted opportunities for brand launch support and will showcase their work during Paris Fashion Week, aiding their growth on a global stage.

Emphasizing Inclusivity and Sustainability

The NFDT emphasizes inclusive design for empowered fashion that caters to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. In the SFDA, the focus is on embracing traditional Japanese fabrics such as kimono textiles, showcasing their elegant designs adapted for contemporary fashion while ensuring sustainability.

Both competition categories have their own specific divisions; NFDT includes an inclusive design segment, while SFDA comprises wearables and fashion goods segments.

Committed to Nurturing Future Talent

Unique to these competitions is the rigorous training and support structures in place for participants. Finalists benefit from workshops held by seasoned industry professionals to enhance their understanding of the fashion business. Secondary screening participants gain practical experience in merchandising and promotional activities.

The city of Tokyo is devoted to establishing itself as a pivotal hub for fashion, where new talents can thrive and develop into internationally recognized figures. By fostering creativity and sustainability, the NFDT and SFDA play a vital role in shaping the future landscape of fashion.

Final Notes

Mark your calendars for this exciting event and witness the innovative works of emerging talent in the world of fashion. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a fashion enthusiast, the NFDT and SFDA finals and award ceremony promise an insightful experience showcasing the future of style in Tokyo.