ARTIST
MANAGEMENT
ENTRY

NEWS

STATEMENT

The FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM is more than an award.

It is a platform for learning, experimentation, and collective inquiry —

an initiative that explores how fashion might shape a different future for society.

 

Fashion designers do not only create garments.

Through their work, they express values, questions, and visions of the world.

When the mindset of designers shifts, the impact can extend far beyond the boundaries of fashion itself.

 

For this reason, we believe society needs a space where fashion design is evaluated not only for its aesthetic or commercial success, but also for its creative vision and social responsibility.

 

The FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM was founded in 2021 with this intention.

 

At a time when many of the structural challenges of the fashion industry have become visible, continuing to rely on traditional systems of evaluation risks reproducing the same patterns.

 

Instead, this program seeks to cultivate a new perspective —

one that looks toward the future.

 

Through this evolving axis of evaluation, we hope to contribute to the emergence of new possibilities for fashion, and ultimately for the society it inhabits.

 

To explore what forms of fashion the future may require, the program brings together judges, mentors, and partners working at the forefront of diverse disciplines, alongside finalists whose backgrounds, careers, and nationalities span cultures and contexts.

 

Within the FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM, the terms “fashion designer” and “fashion design” are understood expansively.

 

The program welcomes designers, artists, and creators from many fields — including those who have practiced in other disciplines yet are drawn to the expressive potential of clothing.

 

Anyone who is curious about the possibilities of fashion is invited to participate.

ABOUT

FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM is a new learning opportunity that combines three programs.
AWARD AWARD

To open space for the next generation of designers — those with the potential to question and transform existing values — we choose three award recipients each year. The program fosters encounters with judges whose practices span diverse fields and perspectives. Through this exchange, we collectively reflect on what the future of fashion could be.

INCUBATION EDUCATION

To explore the future of fashion beyond disciplinary boundaries, the program fosters learning through dialogue with lecturers and mentors working across diverse fields. Through encounters with materials, techniques, and the processes of making, documenting, and sharing their work, participants cultivate the perspectives needed to bring creative expression into society.

INCUBATION INCUBATION

To support designers in sustaining their creative practice without isolation, the program nurtures a community that continues beyond the duration of the program. Through networks, information exchange, and ongoing guidance, participants are encouraged to develop their practice and move toward the next stage of their creative journey.

Who Can Apply
This program is for designers who aspire to pursue fashion design where creativity and social responsibility are deeply intertwined.

It welcomes fashion professionals, students, designers and creators from other disciplines, artists, and anyone who wishes to explore new forms of learning and expression through the FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM.

Program Timeline
April 20th - May 31st
Application Period
Upon applying, please prepare the document and fill out the entry form.
The angles of jury are below.
Late July
Primary Selection
16 semi-finalists will be selected from the applicants.
From August
1st Incubation Program
The 16 participants selected through the first round of judging will take part in lectures exploring sustainability and creativity from diverse perspectives. Alongside these sessions, they will engage in dialogue through Q&A discussions and present their own work as part of the program.
Mid-September
Secondary Selection
8 finalists will be selected from the 16 semi-finalists.
From September
2nd Incubation Program
The 8 finalists selected in the secondary selection will be granted with partial production funding, technical guidance from experts, and the opportunity to collaborate on a photoshoot with a photographer and a hair and makeup artist.
Mid-December
Final Selection / Awards Ceremony
1 grand prize winner and 2 runner-up will be selected from the 8 finalists.
Winners will have the opportunity to join the following year’s incubation program and present their work at the next year’s award event.
From January, 2026
Join the Lab
The 8 finalists can voluntarily participate in the lab.
The lab, running concurrently with programs from the following year onwards, will serve as a continuous learning platform for them to further develop their ideas.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM does not prioritize commercial viability or trend-driven appeal.Instead, we understand clothing as a medium for interpreting society — a way to make visible ideas, questions, and visions.What we value is the depth of their inquiry and the integrity of their approach to expression through fashion.

1. Questioning Society

What questions does the work raise about social structures, values, and the realities of our time?

We value a designer’s willingness to understand the social contexts behind their themes, the imagination required to avoid unintentional harm or oversimplification, and an awareness of how their expression connects with and is received by society.

2. Clarity of Vision

Is there a vision behind the work that the creator can articulate in their own words?

What have they observed, what do they perceive as an issue, and why did they arrive at this particular form of expression? Rather than the trendiness or accessibility of a concept, we evaluate the sincerity and coherence of the thinking behind it.

3. The Meaning of Clothing

Why must this expression take the form of clothing?

Among many possible mediums—such as painting, sculpture, architecture, or product design—we consider what meaning the creator finds in expressing their ideas through garments, the body, and the act of dressing.

4. Commitment to Creation

Does the designer show the potential to continue their practice beyond a single project?

We consider how their choice of materials, production processes, research, and methods of communication connect with the questions they are exploring. Particular attention is given to the potential for their creative practice to evolve and deepen over time.

REWARD

By participating in this program, you can gain the following experiences and benefits.

Attending specialized lectures
You can attend special lectures by lecturers who are active at the forefront of the industry.
Technical advice from active lecturers and pattern makers
You can receive practical advice on design and pattern making.
Professional photography of your work
Your work will be photographed in high quality by professional photographers, hair and makeup artists, and models.
Exposure to major media
You will have the opportunity to have your winning works and activities featured in major media both in Japan and overseas.
Feedback from judges and lecturers
You will receive valuable advice from professionals with diverse backgrounds.
Building a network with partner companies
You will be able to expand your connections with supporting companies and industry professionals.
Interaction with like-minded participants both in Japan and overseas
You will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded designers and creators both in Japan and overseas.
Opportunities for exhibition both in Japan and overseas (only for those who qualify)
Selected participants will be provided with the opportunity to present their works at exhibitions and events both in Japan and overseas.
Management support provided (upon request)
Finalists can sign a contract with FFP Artist Management (a management agency run by FFP) if they wish, which will give them management support and access to new production opportunities.
The purpose of this program is not just to win through the award, but also to support the growth and career development of creators. We hope you will join us.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Please register your email address via “ENTRY.”
    *Registration will be available approximately one week before the application period begins (from April 20).

2. After registering, you will receive an email with the application guidelines and entry instructions.
    Please make sure to read them carefully before submitting your application.

3. Submit your application materials via the entry form link provided in the email.
    The following materials are required for submission (please upload two files via the form):
    ・A project proposal or design proposal
    ・Past works and achievements

* Entry form submission period: April 20 (Mon) – May 31 (Sun)
* Please note that a Gmail account is required to submit your application. Please create one in advance.

CONTACT: info@ffp-contact.com
EVALUATION CRITERIA

ENTRY

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ENTRIES CLOSED

JUDGING COMMITTEE

Juries of wide range of profession considers the compatibility of beauty and social responsibility.
Juries encourages multifaceted discussions on what and how we should evaluate fashion, and considers the true meaning of making clothes while maximizing the joy of fashion.

※Juries will be added going forward.

EXPERT MENTORS

Expert mentors from a variety of fields who support thinking about the future of fashion across disciplines.
We will invite a variety of experts related to creativity and social responsibility as mentors and give lectures that will provide inspiration to the finalists.

Ann McCreath

  • Fashion Designer
  • "Considering Clothing Production from the Clothing Disposal Site"

Hideaki Ogawa

  • Managing Director / Artistic Director, Ars Electronica Futurelab
  • "Fashion from the Perspective of Artistic Journalism"

Kosai Sekine

  • Film Director
  • "The Distance between Creators and Media"
Kosai Sekine

Noritaka Tatehana

  • Artist
  • ”Crossing the Boundary Between Fashion and Art"
Noritaka Tatehana

Aya Nagata

  • Deputy Director, General Policy Division, Ministry of the Environment
  • "Fashion and the Environment: The Power and Responsibility of Design"

Kaori Nakano

  • Fashion Historian / Author
  • "Elegance: Its Power and Practice in Society"

Yuima Nakazato

  • Fashion Designer
  • "The concept of creativity"

Arisa Kamada

  • co-founder of unisteps
  • "The Concept of Social Responsibility"

※Expert mentors will be added going forward.

FINALIST

The participants of FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply?
First, please register your email address via “ENTRY”. Once the application period begins, you can apply through the Google Form link provided in the email you receive upon registration.
What are the requirements to apply?
There are no requirements. Regardless of age or experience, we would be happy to receive applications from anyone who aspires to realize a creation for the new era.
Is there anyone who is not eligible to apply?
Basically, everyone is welcome to apply. However, we would not accept those who are involved with antisocial forces.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. You may have to cover the postage cost, in case you with to send optional documents to us.
Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes. Please note that you can only make one application for one idea.
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ENTRY

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ENTRIES CLOSED

PARTNERS

Jury members, mentors, sponsors are in alphabetical order.