J-Fashion Designer Application FAQ
Please read all the information detailed below.
We adjust our policies every year, so we encourage both new and returning designers to review the information listed below.
2026 Fashion Show Designer Application
Application opens: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Deadline to apply: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Thank you for your interest in our 2026 FanimeCon Fashion Shows! 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
We will be hosting two separate fashion shows in order to showcase a variety of J-Fashion styles.
Saturday
Pop! Fashion Show: Any styles that fall under the J-Fashion umbrella, such as fairy kei, decora, gyaru, menhera, mori, and wafuku
Sunday
Elegant Fashion Show: Lolita fashion, EGA, ouji, and otome
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. The model application period will take place from March 1 – March 22, 2026. Model selection is first-come, first-served.
How do I apply as a designer?
All designers will need to submit a portfolio of images of their previous works, as well as a link to their webstore.
Selection Process
The J-Fashion Department will reach out via email after the application deadline. Participation in the Fashion Shows is juried and not all designers who submit an application are guaranteed selection. If you are selected, you will receive an acceptance email. You will have a limited amount of time to reply to this email and officially commit to the Fashion Show.
Do I have to attend FanimeCon 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 whether 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.
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
Am I expected to provide my own models?
No, the J-Fashion Department will be responsible for model outreach. Once model applications close, selected designers will be given a pool of models to choose from. If you already have an established agreement with a model to use them in the Fashion Show, please have them fill out the model application form, and let the J-Fashion staff know ASAP.
Do I have to purchase a convention badge if I am a participating designer?
Fashion Show designers do not have to purchase a convention badge, and will be provided an industry badge.
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 Market. Preference will be given to designers selected for the Fashion Shows. Additionally, we offer discounted booths and tables to designers selected for the Fashion Shows. Please visit the J-Fashion Market page for more information.
Designers who are planning to sell items at the J-Fashion Market must attend the convention in person. If a designer cannot attend the convention in person, we can put you in contact with third-party consignment sellers who will be present at the J-Fashion Market. Please email us at jfashion@fanime.com for more information.
If you wish to both participate in the Fashion Show and sell in the J-Fashion Market, you must submit two separate application forms.
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 harder to view on a runway, we recommend that you apply to sell at our J-Fashion Market 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 2026’s overall theme is “Obakeyashiki,” or Japanese haunted house. Designers are welcome to take inspiration from this year’s theme, but it is completely optional.
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
Pop! Fashion Show: Saturday, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Elegant Fashion Show: Sunday, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
If you have any further questions please contact us at jfashion@fanime.com!