The Department of Fashion Design and Management at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) recently hosted a special lecture titled “From Design to Brand: The Practice of Emerging Designers and the International Stage,” inviting Japanese designer Yusei Otake to share his insights. Born in Tokyo, Otake taught himself fashion design starting at the age of 18. He previously worked for renowned Japanese apparel companies Adastria and TOKYO BASE, and was involved in productions for Tokyo Fashion Week. In 2024, he founded his personal brand, “VIE DIT,” which successfully secured a spot on the official schedule for New York Fashion Week 2025, demonstrating the brand’s growth potential in the international market. The lecture attracted a large audience of faculty and students, and was immediately followed by an information session for the “Asia & Pacific Emerging Designer Fashion Contest” (APEDFC), providing students with a valuable opportunity to connect with the international fashion industry and engage in cross-border exchange.
During the lecture, Yusei Otake shared his journey from being self-taught to entering the industry. He emphasized that every experience—from brand planning and design to production management—serves as vital nourishment for building a personal brand. He pointed out that through modern social media and digital platforms, young creators can rapidly showcase their work and establish a distinct style, even without a massive background or substantial capital. Furthermore, he encouraged students to take bold action rather than waiting around until they feel “perfectly prepared.” Instead, they should grow through continuous experimentation, practice, and refinement, viewing execution and the accumulation of experience as the core of a creator’s growth. He reminded students that for creators, the drive to act and consistently build experience is far more important than being perfect right from the start.
Echoing Otake’s advice that “many opportunities begin by simply taking the first step, gaining experience through competitions, and creating exposure for your work to let the world see your creation and talent,” an information session was held after the lecture for the “Asia & Pacific Emerging Designer Fashion Contest.” The contest is organized by the Association for the Promotion of Fashion Designer Development. With this year’s core theme being “Let the world see ‘our’ talent,” the competition has invited an international panel of professional judges, including Yasutoshi Esumi, Kaoru Nakamura, Toshikazu Iwayata, Aguri Isomori, and Yu Some, to assess the works. The contest encourages design students of all nationalities to challenge themselves on an international stage by putting their original designs to the test.
Designers will not only receive prize money and international exposure but, will also have the opportunity to build collaborative connections with the Japanese fashion industry. The submission deadline is July 30, 2026. The organizers hope this event will allow more emerging Asian designers to be recognized globally while providing a platform for students to participate in international fashion industry exchanges.
