Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2025 A/W 3/17(Mon.) Day 1 Report

FASHION PRIZE OF TOKYO 2025 WINNER’S EVENT and Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2025 A/W Opening Party was held on the day before the fashion week.

FASHION PRIZE OF TOKYO (FPT) 2025 WINNER’S EVENT and the opening party for Rakuten FWT 2025 A/W were held at Spiral Garden, Spiral Hall in Omotesando, Tokyo, on the eve of the 2025 A/W fashion week. The event was attended by approximately 700 people, including the press, related parties, and the general public. Despite the rain, the event was a great success and celebrated the opening of this season’s fashion week.

An installation by ssstein, FPT’s 7th award-winning brand, was held in the Spiral Hall on the 3rd floor, where a runway show supported by FPT held at Paris Fashion Week this past January was shown on a large screen. Fourteen mannequins were used to display the new collection at the venue, and for about 7 minutes the audience was surrounded by the music that was played at the Paris runway show, creating a realistic and immersive experience.

After the video was shown, ssstein designer Kiichiro Asakawa sat down for an interview. When asked about the response to the Paris show, he said, “The number of overseas accounts increased thanks to the show, and we received good feedback from from those who saw the show. We would like to continue to improve our efficiency and deliver a higher level of purity and mood to our customers,” he said with enthusiasm.

On the first floor, runway photos taken in Paris were on display. Additionaly, guests enjoyed the event with drinks including Ballantine whiskey, Suntory Natural Water, Dassai Sparkling, Chang Beer, 333 (Bababa), Red Bull, and green tea provided by meta, the official media partner.

Season opener “mintdesigns” (from 12:30 p.m.)Online Presentation

This collection focused on designs with an awareness of margins, based on the theme of “Positive Shape” (the object) and “Negative Shape” (the part outside the object). Collars and pockets were hollowed out to allow layered items to be seen from the inside. To complement the silhouettes and graphics that show glimpses of the margins, the color scheme was based on monotones.

The video was set in the “Kait Plaza,” a space created by architect Junya Ishigami. By having the models walk through the vast, column-free space, the theme of the relationship between negative and positive space was brought to life.

Runway show opener “HOUGA” (from 1:30 p.m.) Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan

Following the theme of “witch,” HOUGA cast a spell of freedom and liberation through fashion. In an age where we have become increasingly conscious of boundaries, HOUGA dares to cross those boundaries through clothing. “Clothing is not just a thing to wear, but a magic to expand the boundaries of the self, and to live in one’s own way in society,” states designer Ishida. The bags made with large braided cords (designed to ward off evil spirits) and the original lace-up shoes decorated with flower parts may be small magic tools.

As a new attempt to deepen his creations, he started a high-end line “HOUGA Banquet,” which is inspired by dinner party dresses. Priced at around 300,000-400,000 yen and made of high quality materials such as silk organdy and wool, the line will serve as a dress-up line for special occasions while HOUGA will offer items for everyday wear.

PETIT BATEAU (15:00-) Spiral Hall (Spiral 3F)

Children made an appearance on the Petit Bateau runway, bringing a cheerful mood to the first day of Fashion Week. The collection represented children’s various seasonal events, such as summer seaside school, a back-to-school look for fall, ski school in winter, and Christmas parties.
In addition to the brand’s signature striped items, French chic preppy style and relaxing wear were also featured.
In addition, a unique Japanese lineup of wear for adults was introduced. The items produced at Petit Bateau’s own factory in collaboration with WIND&SEA were unveiled as well. The show was captured by a “kid-cameraman” positioned beside the runway!

pillings (16:30～) Shinagawa Intercity Hall

Before the show began, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. For the 11th pillings collection, the clothing further explored and brushed up on the brand’s iconic pilling covered knitwear and details that gave the impression of being turned inside out.
The brand’s distinctive knitwear was taken a step further with its irregular shapes that looked as if knitwear was encroaching on knitwear, sleeves and skirts with irregular length, and linings that protrude from zippers. The unique silhouettes were said to have been created by combining materials with different shrinkage rates and washing them many times. The models’ slow steps and somewhat limp movements were choreographed by contemporary dancer Un Yamada.

Spiral is the official venue for the first half of Rakuten FWT 2025 A/W

The official venue for the first half of this season is Spiral in Omotesando. The venue is conveniently located along Route 246, just a short walk from Omotesando Station. The key visuals are also displayed on the wall, which can be seen from outside. There will be many related events and drinks to enjoy, so if you come to the show be sure to enjoy them as well.

The 24th YKK FASTENING AWARDS Special Exhibition

Japan’s largest fashion design contest for students, the YKK Fastening Award, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The four winning entries from the 24th award are on display in the Spiral Hall Foyer until March 19th. In the apparel category, two outfits that made creative use of hook-and-loop fasteners and snap buttons won the award. In the fashion goods category, a bag that “packs memories” with a rotating buckle and a mini MA-1 style hat won the award as well.

Archives available on the RakutenFWT official website

The RakutenFWT official website underwent a complete renewal in March this year and now features a page where you can view archived looks and videos from past participating brands. This is a valuable archive that allows you to look back on the history of Fashion Week over the past 20 years. We welcome you to  take a look at it along with this season’s looks.
Check the brand page below:
https://rakutenfashionweektokyo.com/jp/brands/