The 100th Soen Award, Japan's most prestigious fashion contest, held its public judging session, and Risa Matsumura, a third-year student in the Art Fashion Designer course Fashion Creator won the "Soen Award Honorable Mention 1st Place" award, which is equivalent to the runner-up prize.

This award marks the third consecutive year that our students have received top honors, following Rensuke Iwano's "Soen Award (Grand Prix)" in the 98th competition and Chino Miki's "Soen Award Honorable Mention (2nd place)" (3rd place nationwide) in the 99th competition.

Theme: "Metamorphic Presence"

I was drawn to the beauty of octopuses, which constantly change their color and shape, and how they protect their lives by changing. This piece was created with the concept of "camouflage" in mind. The motif, created with a 3D printer, changes its appearance depending on the viewing angle and surrounding environment, giving the impression that the artwork itself is changing. Therefore, I paid close attention to the form and color of the piece.

"I feel both joy at winning the award and a little bit of regret. This award has given me a great deal of confidence. Since the work was created using a 3D printer, it was an unprecedented creation, and I was able to complete the work through trial and error, revising it many times. I focused on bringing out the best in the techniques of each of the three figures. I would like to continue challenging myself in contests and exploring new ways of making things."

Born in Osaka Prefecture in 2005. Enrolled in Fashion Creator of this school in 2024. Currently a third-year student in the same department.

Our school boasts an unparalleled track record in Japan, having produced a total of 32 finalists over the past 10 years.

Following Ms. Iwano's Grand Prix win two years ago and Ms. Miki's second-place honorable mention last year, this year's first-place honorable mention further demonstrates the high educational standards of our school.

Finalists for the 100th Soen Award
・Risa Matsumura (Fashion Creator, 3rd-year student in the Art and Fashion Design Course)
・Rei Akai (same as above)
・Kanamu Komamura (Super Designer, 4th year)

Photo Credit: The 100th Soen Awards Public Judging Session © Bunka Publishing Bureau

Established in 1956 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the magazine "Soen," this is Japan's first award for emerging fashion designers, based on the concept of "discovering and launching young talent into the world." It is Japan's most prestigious fashion contest, having produced numerous renowned designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo Takada, and Junko Koshino. This year marks its 70th anniversary and 100th competition.

- Chino Miki won the "2nd Place Honorable Mention" (3rd nationwide) at the 99th Soen Awards! This honor follows her Grand Prix win last year!
https://voutrail.jp/news/11532/

- Rensuke Iwano, Fashion Creator won the Grand Prix at the 98th Soen Awards! He has reached the pinnacle of new designers!
https://voutrail.jp/news/9881/

- Won first place in the honorable mention category (runner-up) at the "Soen Award," OIF 's most prestigious fashion contest!
https://voutrail.jp/news/5746/

Five students OIF were selected as finalists in the "Soen Award," Japan's most prestigious fashion contest.
https://voutrail.jp/news/3087/

Four students OIF were selected as finalists in the "Soen Award," Japan's most prestigious contest.
https://voutrail.jp/news/916/