BOOKOFF’s Reclothes Cup 2023, Japan’s upcycling fashion contest

As the fashion industry grapples with concerns about overproduction and waste, Book Off Corporation Ltd. is taking a unique approach to address the issue: a nationwide upcycling contest.

A subsidiary of Book Off Group Holdings and the force behind the reuse shop “BOOKOFF,” the corporation announced preliminary results for its transformative “Reclothes Cup 2023.” The contest challenges participants to breathe new life into used clothing provided by the company.

Introduced just two years ago, in 2021, the Reclothes Cup has already seen a surge in interest. This year, participation swelled to over 400, marking its place as Japan’s premier used clothing upcycling contest.

But it’s not merely a competition. The ethos behind the Cup is a timely response to the escalating global problem of “fashion loss”— the overproduction and rampant disposal of garments. In turning an eye to upcycling, BOOKOFF not only addresses a pressing environmental issue but also unearths a wellspring of creativity, evoking the thrill and sentimentality of fashion.

The contest is cleverly bifurcated. The ‘Design Category’ caters specifically to fashion students, while the ‘Sales Category’ is an open invitation, welcoming entries from the broader public. Winning not only brings acclaim but also tangible rewards. The top designer in the ‘Design Category’ can expect their work to grace the pages of “So-en,” a reputable fashion magazine, along with a 300,000 yen prize. The ‘Sales Category’ victors are not left behind either, with cash prizes and an opportunity to showcase at ‘NEW ENERGY TOKYO’ in 2024. Furthermore, BOOKOFF will sell winning designs from the ‘Sales Category,’ further closing the loop on the reuse initiative.

A tidbit that underscores the contest’s serendipitous inception: BOOKOFF, which annually handles over 10 million garments, was prompted to reevaluate the lifecycle of their items due to a chance interaction with a part-time worker – a student in fashion school. This student illuminated the decline of traditional platforms like contests and shows amid the pandemic.

With the preliminary phase concluded, 40 design aspirants and 15 sales-centric entrants have been shortlisted. All eyes are now on the grand finale slated for October 29th.