This year brought about the 4th JCC Sustainable Fashion Design Contest and Exhibition. As always fashion has been a big part of the Japan Creative Centre. Once again the colourful and artistic works of the top 10 winners from Japan and the top 10 winners adorned the hallways and exhibition rooms of JCC.
Winners of the fashion design contest were chosen through a careful selection process by judges from various design and fashion related backgrounds. The objective of this competition was to create an opportunity for students from Fashion Schools in Singapore as well as Bunka Fashion School in Tokyo, Japan, to exchange and promote ideas on the growing importance of sustainability and responsible design within the Fashion Industry.
Keeping in mind the primary theme of sustainability, this year’s theme for the contest was "Japan, Mixed Culture & High Fashion". Applicants from Japan had to incorporate ASEAN elements and culture into their designs whilst their Singapore counterparts had to infuse their garments with a Japanese flavour.
The garments of the top 10 finalists from both Singapore and Japan were displayed in JCC from the 15th to the 18th of October. To commemorate the 4th JCC Sustainable Fashion Design Contest, Exhibition, an award cum opening ceremony was held on the afternoon of the 15th of October.
JCC’s multi purpose hall was packed with students, teachers and various professionals from different fashion and design backgrounds. The ceremony started off with the welcome remarks by Ms Misako Ito, the Director of Japan Creative Centre. Following Director Ito’s remarks, Professor Zesshu Takamura from Bunka Gakuen University gave his remarks as representative from Bunka Fashion School. On behalf of the judging panel, Mr Mahendran Reddy from Singapore Design Council said a few words to the audience to give them an idea on how the top 10 winners from each country were selected.
Top 3 winners from Japan who were present at the occasion received their return air ticket to Singapore (which they had used to fly into the country) courtesy of All Nippon Airlines. Whilst the top 3 winners from Singapore were presented with the air ticket that they would use to fly in to Japan, courtesy of Japan Airlines.
Soon after the consolation prize winners received their certificates from Director Ito with Professor Takamura receiving the certificates on behalf of the consolation prize winners from Japan. Unlike previous years, this year a special award was given out by the Society of Dyers and Colourists. A cash award and the chance to represent Singapore in a fashion competition in China were presented to a lucky winner who was specially selected by the Society of Dyers and Colourists.
To round off the ceremony, the Top 3 Winners from Japan and Singapore were awarded with a special certificate by FIDE Fashion Weeks. The 6 winners from both Japan and Singapore respectively were given an exclusive invitation to attend a gala dinner by FIDE Fashion Weeks. Mr James Tulley, representative of FIDE, made his remarks, congratulating the winners on their achievements and informed the audience about the exclusive invitation.
Guests to the exhibition were particularly impressed at the level of creativity and quality of the garments on display with many commenting that they couldn’t believe the works were done by students. Some guests also complimented the harmony between the various cultures with high fashion, while keeping the theme of sustainability in mind.
 
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