Stella McCartney’s Japan visit features an exclusive sneaker launch and a design competition aimed at future fashion talents, all promoting sustainability.
Stella McCartney, the renowned British fashion designer, is currently making a significant impact in Japan with multiple initiatives tailored to engage with fashion enthusiasts and students alike. The highlight of her Japan visit includes the exclusive launch of the black version of her Rasant sneaker, created in collaboration with Adidas. This sneaker is being featured exclusively at the prestigious Isetan department store, where McCartney is also offering personalized signing sessions for customers.
In addition to the sneaker launch, Stella McCartney’s brand has taken over the storefront windows at Isetan, showcasing its spring 2025 collection under the impactful theme “Save What You Love.” This visually striking display is designed to attract attention and generate conversations about sustainability in fashion, a core principle of McCartney’s work.
As part of her ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of fashion designers, McCartney visited Bunka Fashion College during her trip. She is serving as one of the judges for the “Mitsukoshi Isetan Mirai Award — Colour of the Future.” This prestigious award is aimed at students from three leading fashion institutions: Bunka Fashion College, Tokyo Mode Gakuen, and ESMOD Tokyo.
The competition is particularly noteworthy as it encourages creativity while utilizing sustainable practices; students are provided with deadstock fabrics from Yamazawa Press to incorporate into their designs. The competition’s winner stands to gain either a $20,000 cash prize or a commercial partnership with Levi’s Japan or Isetan, along with added fame as their work will be displayed in Isetan’s Shinjuku store windows come April. Furthermore, the winner will receive an invitation to attend Stella McCartney’s fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in October.
Stella McCartney’s commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with the ethos of the award, reflecting her passion for environmentally friendly fashion practices. The esteemed Bunka Fashion College boasts a roster of distinguished alumni, including prominent figures in the fashion industry such as Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, and Nigo.
Looking ahead, McCartney has ambitious plans for her brand’s presence in Japan, including the opening of a concept store in Shibuya Parco and another one in Umeda Hankyu. This expansion reflects her intention to deepen her engagement with the Japanese market and its vibrant fashion community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
