On June 18th, the public judging for the 98th Soen Award, Japan's most prestigious fashion contest, was held at the Endo Memorial Hall Grand Auditorium of Bunka Gakuen in Tokyo. Rensuke Iwano, a third-year student in the Creative Designer Course Fashion Creator, won the Soen Award (Grand Prix)! In addition, four out of the 16 finalists were selected from OSAKA INSTITUTE OF FASHION, resulting in the highest number of winners nationwide.

Theme: "Somewhere, not here"
Concept: Focusing on the history of 19th-century Britain, where women escaped oppressive environments by riding bicycles and enjoyed a brief period of freedom, this work was created with the belief that cycling culture can still be a symbol of liberation in the modern era. The textile was made using barricade tape and tubing, resulting in a finish that matches the concept.

Award acceptance speech: I am extremely happy to have received the Soen Award (Grand Prix) in my first ever contest. I have often lacked confidence in the past, but this has given me the confidence that "it's okay for me to be involved in fashion."

Award recipient: Renyu Iwano
Profile: Born in 1999, from Kagoshima Prefecture. In 2022, enrolled in Fashion Creator OSAKA INSTITUTE OF FASHION College. From the second year, chose the Creative Designer course. Currently in the third year of the same course.