Toledo Museum of Art calling for entries in Japanese-inspired clothing design contest

TOLEDO -The Toledo Museum of Art invites clothing designers to unleash their creativity in a
Japanese-inspired clothing design contest that will be displayed in the Community Gallery and culminate in
the museum’s first ever "runway" closing reception.Designers are invited to enter the contest in
one of two ways: by submitting a photo or sketch of an original Japanese-inspired garment, or by proposing a
design for a Japanese-inspired T-shirt.While drawing inspiration from the Japanese style, entries should
also retain the participant’s unique voice.Those entering a garment may submit a web link or photo example
of previous work, or a sketch of their idea. Selected designs must be created by Aug. 16, and sketches may
be included in the exhibition along with the article of clothing.T-shirt submissions must also be inspired
by the Japanese aesthetic. Designs will be printed onto T-shirts by the museum, and winners will receive
their shirts at the end of the runway show, scheduled for Dec. 27. Participants in both categories should
ensure that their designs are suitable for viewing by both adults and young children.Garment and T-shirt
entries may be submitted now through 11:59 p.m. on June 23. Works will be juried. Winners will be notified
on June 28, and clothing designs will be displayed in the Community Gallery from Aug. 23 to Dec.
27."This is the first time the Community Gallery has had a ‘fashion as art’ exhibition and the first
time there has been a ‘runway’ closing reception," said Jennifer Bandeen, manager of the Community
Gallery. "This is a historic happening and we are all excited about it."The Art of Fashion
Challenge has a strong connection to another upcoming Toledo museum exhibition, Fresh Impressions: Early
Modern Japanese Prints, on view in the Canaday Gallery from Oct. 4, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014.Containing 343
Japanese color woodblock prints, all but five of which are owned by the museum, Fresh Impressions explores
the importance of the early 20th-century resurgence of woodblock printmaking in Japan.These rare,
mint-condition prints will be shown alongside kimonos, Kabuki costumes, samurai swords and other objects
similar to those depicted in the images.Complete information including entry guidelines, drop-off dates and
the online submission form can be found at
http://www.toledomuseum.org/events/japan-the-art-of-fashion-challenge/. Questions may also be directed to
the Community Gallery manager at [email protected] .