Each April, Tokyo’s cult fashion school Coconogacco hosts an unconventional event: a free, open-to-the-public exhibition showcasing its graduating class. No runway, no hierarchy, just garments-as-installations, judged by both the public and invited industry insiders.
Founded by Yoshikazu Yamagata in 2008, Coconogacco blurs the lines between fashion, art, and philosophy. Alumni include Tomo Koizumi, whose explosive tulle gowns have dressed Björk and Lady Gaga, and textile artist Saiko Shirai, known for her poetic, material-driven work. More incubator than institution, the school draws students from diverse creative backgrounds, encouraging wildly personal visions of what a garment can be.
This year’s “Collection of the Year” went to Kouki Saito, who crafted sculptural silhouettes from felt and wadding in bold primary hues. His technicolor pieces stood like wearable architecture that’s playful, surreal, and defiantly oversized. Runner-up Seishiro Beppu (who goes by Bep) presented a conceptual collection rooted in error, deviation, and the chaos of non-linear time. Yuta Matsuda received the “Special Prize” for work steeped in streetwear, occult references, and Japanese subculture—a darker, more introspective vision.
As for the rest of the Class of 2025? Scroll on.
Akira Takahashi
Asuka Kawamata
Baba Ippei
Seishiro Beppu (Bep)
Chiharu Hagiwara
Daisuke Kobayashi
Fang Yiting
Hikari Hayashi
Kazuki Saito
Kento Yamasaki (Kenty)
Kouki Saito
Kousei Matsumoto
Leo Fujimatsu
Masahiro Egami
Massahiro Kashiyama
Matsuno Momo
Minami Saga
Niji
Saki Takagi
Shun Kimura
Sola Hamada
Sumire
Tamaki Miyase
Tamami Sato
Tamio Aihara
Yu Chenchen
Yuta Matsuda
