Tokyo Fashion Week, the biggest fashion festival of Japan, has a new
headline sponsor, Amazon Japan, replacing Mercedes-Benz who have supported
the event for 10 seasons.
The online retailer has signed a “multiyear” deal to sponsor the Tokyo
shows, the full duration of which has not been disclosed, along with the
financial details of the agreement.
The sponsorship is the latest fashion-related venture for Amazon, it has
previously supported the Met Gala in 2012 and is currently the title
sponsorship of New York Fashion Week: Men’s. In addition, it has also
created the Amazon Fashion Studio Sessions, a student competition to
nurture emerging creative talent, and opened of two photo studios in New
York and London.
“With fashion as one of the fastest growing categories for Amazon Japan,
we’re excited to be collaborating with JFWO to become the title sponsor of
Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo,” said Jasper Cheung, Amazon Japan president. “We
are committed to making Amazon Fashion an online destination for fashion
and accessories, focused first and foremost on the customer, and also
demonstrate Amazon’s continued support of the fashion industry.”
Amazon fashion vice president, James Peter added: “Our objective is to
offer Amazon customers the fashion brands they want. Part of delivering on
our promise for great selection is through our commitment to the fashion
industry and fostering new designers, including giving them the opportunity
to take advantage of Amazon’s marketplace.
“By sponsoring Tokyo Fashion Week, we look forward to working with JFWO
to continue supporting Japan-based designers to showcase their
collections.”
Commenting on the new headline sponsor, Japan Fashion Week Organisation
chairman, Mr. Miyaka, said: “The new Tokyo Fashion Week under the
sponsorship of Amazon Fashion will give us the opportunity to elevate
Japanese fashion and share the creations of Japanese designers, especially
emerging ones, more than ever before to a global audience.
“Amazon is becoming more essential as a channel for the fashion
industry, not only for e-commerce, but also for awareness. I’m confident
that the collaboration between Amazon and JFWO will ensure a great future
for Fashion Week.”
Tokyo Fashion Week was launched 12 years ago and attracts around 50,000
visitors each season.
The 23rd Tokyo Fashion Week will run October 17 to 23 at Shibuya Hikarie
complex and Omotesando Hills shopping mall.
Image: courtesy of Amazon Tokyo Fashion Week