Aichi Factory x Next-Gen Fashion Designers Week at Matsuzakaya Nagoya

The "Aichi Factory x Next-Gen Fashion Designers Week" will be held at the Matsuzakaya Nagoya store, located in Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The event will take place from Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the 4th-floor event space of the main building. This exhibition explores new possibilities in manufacturing by combining Aichi's long-standing traditional materials and techniques, such as weaving, dyeing, and pottery, with the innovative sensibilities of next-generation fashion designers.

The event features three finalist designers from the FASHION FRONTIER PROGRAM (FFP). They will present unique approaches to Aichi's materials and craftsmanship from their individual perspectives. The designers view clothing not just as attire but as a medium for social commentary and future vision. Their works, which balance creativity with social responsibility, will be exhibited and available for purchase. Stories behind the creation of these pieces will also be shared, offering insights into the depth of Aichi's manufacturing heritage and its future trajectory.

One participating designer, Ao Umemiya, will showcase a coat created by combining Chita cotton and Tokoname-yaki pottery. Umemiya's design process starts from yarn production, integrating the entire manufacturing background into a single garment. The resulting coat harmonizes the warm texture of Chita cotton with the aesthetic of Tokoname-yaki buttons, making Aichi's craftsmanship more accessible. Umemiya is scheduled to be present at the venue throughout the event to discuss their work.

A workshop titled "Arrange Your Everyday Clothes with Tokoname-yaki Buttons" will also be offered by Ao Umemiya. Participants can select one of six original Tokoname-yaki buttons, created for the exhibition in three colors (vermilion, gray, black), to attach to their own clothing or use as decorative accents. The workshop costs ¥500 (tax included) and takes approximately 15 minutes. Participation is limited to the first 50 visitors during the event period, with on-site registration. This workshop provides an opportunity to incorporate the warmth of Tokoname-yaki into daily fashion.

Another featured designer, Kazuha Horikawa, will present wearable art pieces that combine Seto-yaki pottery from Aichi with Echizen washi paper, a material she has used in her previous works. These pieces, which change in expression through interaction with the wearer's body and the passage of time, invite contemplation on the boundaries between self and the external world. Horikawa is scheduled to be present on Sunday, October 25, and Monday, October 26.

In addition to the art exhibits, the venue will offer new product sales and opportunities to interact with the designers, allowing visitors to experience the charm of Aichi's manufacturing firsthand. This event promises a convergence of tradition and innovation in fashion and craftsmanship.

Event Information

• Event Name: Aichi Factory x Next-Gen Fashion Designers Week
• Venue: Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store, Main Building 4F Event Space
• Address: 3-16-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
• Dates: October 21 (Wed) - October 27 (Tue), 2026
• Admission: Free (Workshop is fee-based)
• Workshop Fee: ¥500 (tax included)
• Workshop Capacity: First 50 participants in total during the event period

Access

• Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Nagoya Station / Subway Sakae Station

Official Website & Further Details
For detailed information and the latest updates, please visit the official website of Matsuzakaya Nagoya. If you plan to attend the workshop, it is recommended to check the capacity, registration method, and required items (clothing to attach buttons to) in advance. It is also advisable to check the artist's attendance schedule and the availability of exhibited items and products on the official website.