This year, the Japan Fashion Week selected five designers for the Shinmai Creator’s Project:

Sachio Kawasaki from Fukuoka, a graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

Nima Taherzadeh from Iran, graduate of Parsons The New School for Design.

Tatsuya Shida from Shizuoka, graduate of Nagoya Mode Gakuen.

Ly-Ling Vilaysane and Adrien Escaravage from Switzerland and France, graduates from ESMOD PARIS.

Donna Sgro from Australia, araduate of the University of Technology, Sydney.

The project in JFW’s own words:

“SHINMAI”, which means “fresh rice” in Japanese, refers to the idea that fresh rice that is in season and full of nourishment, can be used as a metaphor for young talent that is full of potential. The purpose of the project is to provide an entrée into the Japanese fashion market for both domestic and foreign talented young designers seeking to introduce their brand / fashion line in Japan.

Designers that have experience for less than ten years, have a strong interest in Japanese manufacturing, and have received recommendations from a professor from an overseas fashion school or the principal of a Japanese fashion school are eligible.

This will be the first “SHINMAI Creator’s Project” and five brands are selected from 52 brands (60 designers) from 34 schools in 17 countries.

See photos