J-Fashion Designer: FAQ

Please read all the information here.

We adjust our policies every year, so we encourage both new and returning designers to review the information listed below.

2023 Fashion Show Designer Application

Opens: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 
Deadline to apply: Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Thank you for your interest in our 2023 FanimeCon fashion shows! We will be hosting two fashion shows, Elegant and Pop!, that showcase a variety of J-Fashion styles. Please familiarize yourself with this FAQ and feel free to reach out to us at jfashion@fanime.com with any questions.  

About the fashion shows

This year, we are offering designers the opportunity to apply to one or both of our fashion shows. Our Elegant Fashion Show is most suitable for those who design styles that can be described as EGL, ouji, otome, natural-kei, mori-girl, etc. Our Pop! Fashion Show is most suitable for those who design styles that can be described as fairy-kei, decora, menhera, gyaru, etc. You may apply to participate in both shows if you feel that you have designs that suit both themes.

Designers are expected to show anywhere from three to eight looks MAXIMUM due to limited COVID-19 capacities. Model options for designers will be made available starting on April 3, 2023. Designers must confirm their final look count and model choices with J-Fashion staff by April 15, 2023. Model selection is first come, first served.

How do I apply as a designer?

All designers will need to send a portfolio of images of their previous works, as well as a link to their webstore. 

Selection

The J-Fashion Department will reach out via email after the application deadline. Participation in the fashion show is juried, and not all designers who submit an application are guaranteed selection. If you are selected, you will receive an email of acceptance. You will have a limited amount of time to reply to this email and officially confirm and commit to the fashion show.

Do I have to attend the convention in-person in order to participate as a designer?

We do not require fashion show designers to attend FanimeCon in-person. Please indicate on the application form if you are interested in participating in-person or remotely.

All remote designers are responsible for the cost of shipping their looks to and from the show. 

Please note, designers who are planning to sell items at the Trunk Show must attend the convention in-person. 

What criteria does the jury judge on?

The J-Fashion Department will jury the applications based on the following criteria:

  • Craftsmanship and quality of work
  • Design aesthetic
  • Relevance to J-Fashion
  • Brand history and experience

Do I have to purchase a convention badge if I am a participating designer?

Yes, designers must purchase a badge for the days they are participating in-person.

If I am a participating designer, can I sell my designs at the convention?

All participating designers interested in vending are welcome to apply to our J-Fashion Trunk Show. Preference will be given to designers selected for the Fashion Show. Please visit the Trunk Show webpage for more information.  

Please note, if you wish to both participate in the Fashion Show and sell at the Trunk Show, you must apply to both events separately. 

Can I participate as a Fashion Show designer if I am an accessory designer or don’t make full coordinated looks?

Accessory designers are welcome to apply in partnership with a clothing brand to showcase their items together; however, since smaller items are likely to be difficult to view on a runway, we recommend that you apply to sell at our Trunk Show so attendees may better see your items up-close.

Designers are not required to make every item in a coordinated fashion show look, as long as their own pieces are a clear highlight.

Is there a theme that I need to follow for my collection?

FanimeCon’s 2023 overall theme is ‘Postal Service,’ which you are welcome to take inspiration from, but you are not required to follow any theme.

If I can no longer participate in the fashion show, what should I do?

If you are no longer able to participate in the fashion show, please email us at jfashion@fanime.com as soon as possible.

Fashion Show Times

Elegant Fashion Show: Saturday, May 27, 2023, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pop! Fashion Show: Sunday, May 28, 2023, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

If you have any further questions please contact us at jfashion@fanime.com!