On Tuesday 23 April 2024, SOLIT! will be on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) in Vancouver (Canada), a city of great cultural diversity.
More information about our VFW runway!
This year, the VFW concept is "diversity". Because this is the stage for a collection that creates an era, we will use this stage to express our desire for an all-inclusive society and fashion. In this VFW challenge, we have also placed great importance on building a team with diverse members. This is because we feel that taking on the big runway together with people who have been overlooked in the decision-making and upstream of all things because of their disabilities, sexuality, refugees and other nationalities and religious circumstances has more significance and meaning than just presenting a work.
As we see and hear more and more about the current situation of the representation issues in Japan, which is still overlooked, sometimes underestimated and inaccurately portrayed in mainstream media and marketing, we decided to organise a post-VFW triumphant event in order to challenge the world stage with the members having different attributes, to convey what we have seen, heard and experienced during this VFW challenges, and to further promote the promotion of diversity in Japan (DE&I - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).
（This event is organised with the full support of Tokyu Corporation Shibuya Hikarie Creative Space 8/ (Hachi)）
「Fashion Values Society-3 DAYS TO UNDERSTAND, EXPERIENCE, AND ENGAGE WITH DE&I」will have content that is exclusive to this event. Some of the content will require advance bookings, so please check this article and the additional information to be published in the future to find out what you can experience, and we hope that many of you will be able to attend!
To try on/purchase SOLIT fashion items, including VFW clothes, please attend the VFW debriefing/try-on sales and order-taking events from 17 (Fri) to 19 (Sun) May.
Event overview.
Date
- Tuesday, 14 May 2024, 2.00pm - 7.00pm
- Wednesday, 15 May 2024, 10.00am - 4.30pm
- Thursday, 16 May 2024, 10.00am - 4.30pm
Venue
Shibuya Hikarie 8/ COURT
8F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8510, Japan
※Restrooms are located on every floor (except the 1st and 2nd floors), with priority toilets and ostomates available.
Access from public transport
- Directly connected to Shibuya Station on the JR and Keio Inogashira lines via a connecting passageway on the 2nd floor.
- Directly connected to Shibuya Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line on the 1st floor.
- Directly connected to Exit B5 of Shibuya Station on Tokyu Toyoko Line, Denentoshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Fukutoshin Line.
For visitors travelling by car
You can find information on parking around the venue at「Information on Parking」
※Some parking spaces are barrier-free; please ask a member of staff at Shibuya Hikarie when using these spaces.
3DAYS Event Content.
The event will be split into several areas, each designed to allow visitors to see, hear and learn about different topics. Please note that registration required for some event content.
［PDF］Click here for a list of programmes.
［Peatix］Click here for booking.
Display Area「Three challenges and solutions」（No reservation required）
In this area, visitors can see and experience the background to the challenges at this year's VFW, what happened at the collection and the clothing actually worn by the models. In particular, exhibits have been prepared that refer to the three challenges and solutions that became important from DE&I's point of view during this fashion show.
1）Diversity of models (a solution to de-fixing beauty).
2）Clothing display (solutions to clothing challenges).
3）Representation(Resolving the challenges of diversity of people).
The exhibition can be visited at any time during the exhibition.
Reservations are not required, so please feel free to drop by while you are shopping or working.
#Fashion #DE＆I #InclusiveFashion #HumanRights #Representation
EXHIBITION GALLERY TOUR(Time limited/by appointment only)
For those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition space and learn more through dialogue, a gallery tour of the exhibition space will be given by the models who walked the runway at the VFW.
The models themselves come from a variety of backgrounds, and will give visitors the opportunity to discover new things from their own perspectives, such as how they can devise ways for everyone to comfortably enjoy fashion regardless of disability, what they saw, heard and felt as they took on this challenge as people with disabilities, and what they felt while walking on the runway. The event creates a place where everyone can gain new discoveries from their own perspectives.
The models who act as guides vary in their first language, from English to sign language, and from using wheelchairs on a daily basis. We hope that you will enjoy learning and participating in this diverse dialogue opportunity.
🌎Pre-booking form for Gallery Tour
［PDF］Click here for a list of programmes.
［Peatix］Click here for booking.
#Fashion #DE＆I #InclusiveFashion #DiverseCommunication
Inclusive Design Workshop(Time limited/by appointment only)
Inclusive design workshops where participants can experience how the voices of diverse people can be used in product development. Within the framework of about one hour per workshop, participants will experience everything from input to dialogue and output through the workshop. This workshops will focus on two themes. We would be happy to have a time for you to experience product making/project making/space making with diverse parties.
● Theme１：SOLIT! Duh! Fashion design created with diverse people
THE WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON CREATING A VERSATILE ONE-PIECE DRESS FOR THE VANCOUVER FASHION COLLECTION RUNWAY, AIMING TO APPEAL TO VARIOUS BODY TYPES AND GENDERS. THE DESIGN MAY EVOLVE BASED ON PARTICIPANT INPUT, ENCOURAGING DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE FASHION DISCUSSIONS.
#Fashion #DE＆I #InclusiveDesign #Crafting
● Theme２：Engaging in conversation with the underrepresented group
PREPARATIONS FOR THE VANCOUVER FASHION SHOW FACED CHALLENGES IN COMMUNICATING WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF MEMBERS, INCLUDING MEMBERS WITH FOREIGN ROOTS AND DEAF PEOPLE. THEREFORE, A WORKSHOP IS HELD TO EXPLORE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES WHEN PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT ATTRIBUTES COME TOGETHER IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS.
#InclusiveDeisgn #DE＆I #DiverseCommunication
🌎Pre-booking form for Workshop
［PDF］Click here for a list of programmes.
［Peatix］Click here for booking.
Talk Session(Time limited/by appointment only)
Japan is still a backward country in diversity promotion. However, even within this situation, many individuals/businesses continue to raise their voices to promote diversity. We have invited speakers who are active in a variety of fields to discuss the future of diversity promotion in Japan, from the issues related to diversity and inclusion in all aspects, which were also faced in the challenges on the global stage this time. These talk sessions lead to opportunities to think about and practise diversity promotion in Japan with the audience.
● TALK SESSION1：It's SOLIT! Duh!-Diversity from a fashion perspective
Talk on 'diversity in fashion' practices realised by SOLIT at the Vancouver Fashion Collection.
THIS IS A TALK SESSION ON THE PRACTICE OF 'DIVERSITY IN FASHION', WHICH WE CHALLANGED AT THE VANCOUVER FASHION COLLECTION. THIS FASHION COLLECTION RAISED THE ISSUE OF DIVERSITY IN MODELS AND THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF USING THEM. IN THE THIS SESSION, THE BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUES AND THE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS WILL BE SHARED.
- Natsumi Wada (SOLIT, Inc. Environment and Human Rights Executive)
- Hayuka Yoshizaka (VFW Model)
- Nao (VFW Model)
- Mirai Mizuguchi (VFW Model)
- Moeba (VFW Model)
#InclusiveFashion #TeamBuilding #DE＆I #Representation #JapanToGlobal
●TALK SESSION2：OUR DESIGN FOR BEING TOGETHER, INVOLVING PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE IDENTITIES.
Talk by design practitioners on engaging people with diverse attributes and enabling co-existence.
DESIGN TALKS AIM TO ENGAGE PEOPLE OF DIVERSE IDENTITIES, PROMOTING CO-EXISTENCE THROUGH INCLUSIVE AND TRANSCENDENT SERVICES AND DESIGNS. SPEAKERS FROM VARIOUS FIELDS DISCUSS CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS, EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES IN DESIGN PROCESSES.
- Misaki Tanaka（SOLIT, Inc. CEO）
- Atsushi Otaki（World Yuru Sports Association Director/Sports Creator）
- Yuki Koike（at FOREST, Inc. CEO）
- Yuta Masaki（at FOREST, Inc. COO）
- Kazuki Mori（Participatory designer）
●TALK SESSION3：Navigating the maze of social barriers: A tale of triumphs and tumbles.
Talk on designing for mutual help by maintaining barriers, cautioning against overly barrier-free structures.
THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT MANDATES CHANGES FOR BUSINESSES SINCE APRIL 2024 IN JAPAN. ADDRESSING SOFT BARRIERS IS CRUCIAL ALONGSIDE PHYSICAL BARRIERS. THE TALK EXPLORES PITFALLS AND SOLUTIONS INVOLVING DIFFERENT PARTIES.
- Misaki Tanaka（SOLIT, Inc. CEO）
- Kensuke Ishii（Blind Communicator）
- Naoyuki Miyata（Vilhelm Hertz Japan）
- Motonori Yokoi（Aisin Corporation YYSystem Department）
●TALK SESSION4：Embracing Diversity and Inclusion reveals benefits and drawbacks through case studies.
Talk on the real value of promoting diversity.
THE REAL VALUE OF PROMOTING DIVERSITY IS OFTEN QUESTIONED FOR ITS PROFITABILITY, ESPECIALLY IN JAPANESE COMPANIES. THIS TALK SESSION AIMS TO EXPLORE WHETHER DIVERSITY PROMOTION IS ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY BENEFICIAL, WITH INSIGHTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS GLOBALLY PROMOTING DE&I AND COMPANIES PRACTISING IT, ALONG WITH SUPPORT FROM SOLIT.
- Natsumi Wada（SOLIT, Inc. Environment and Human Rights Executive）
- Yukio Ida（KOKUYO CO.,LTD Sustainability Department Director）
- Emi Aizawa（The Valuable 500 Japan/Asia Pacific Regional Manager）
#OrganisationalDE&I #InclusiveDesign #BusinessDevelopment #Business #TeamBuilding
●TALK SESSION5：The new 'sustainability' in Fashion- what is emotional durability?
Talk on 'emotional durability' as the new standard for sustainability.
EXPLORING “EMOTIONAL DURABILITY” IN FASHION, BEYOND THE RECENT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES OF FOCUSING ON MATERIAL LONGEVITY, TRANSPARENCY, HUMAN RIGHTS, SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS, RECYCLING, AND REPAIR. INTRODUCING THE CONCEPT OF 'EMOTIONALLY DURABLE FASHION' TO CONSIDER NEW SUSTAINABILITY APPROACHES IN THE INDUSTRY.
- Misaki Tanaka（SOLIT, Inc. CEO）
- Takayuki Ishii（Shitateya to Shokunin）
- Yukari Watanabe（Shitateya to Shokunin）
- Shogo Minemura (Zoukei Kousou)
#EmotionalDurabity #NewSustainability #Fashion #Traceability
●TALK SESSION6：Creating Diversity in entertainment- Embracing diverse representation and global trends.
Talk on the importance on 'Representation' in entertainment/ media.
THIS TALK SESSION WILL ADDRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSE REPRESENTATION IN ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA, DISCUSSING ISSUES LIKE CULTURAL APPROPRIATION AND THE NEED FOR CHANGE. IT WILL EXPLORE CREATING DIVERSITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF BOTH MARGINALIZED GROUPS AND MEDIA CREATORS.
- Misaki Tanaka（SOLIT, Inc. CEO）
- Christine Hemphill（Open Inclusion CEO）
- Tomoyuki Kuwayama (Stage/Documentary Director)
- Haruki Maruyama (Actor・Photographer)
#Representation #CulturalAppropriation #Media #Entertainment #DE＆I
●TALK SESSION7：Microaggression: Important in today's world, especially in refugee contexts.
Talk on why refugee models are needed now in a society where bias is still present.
REFUGEE MODELS ARE ESSENTIAL IN ADDRESSING BIASES THAT PERSIST IN SOCIETY. THE NEED FOR REFUGEES TO STAND OUT AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES IS DISCUSSED IN LIGHT OF SOCIAL STRUCTURES AND BIASES. THE SPEAKERS WILL ADDRESS MICROAGGRESSIONS, BIASES, AND CHALLENGES FACED BY REFUGEES, EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING ACTION NOW.
- Natsumi Wada (SOLIT, Inc. Environment and Human Rights Executive)
- Moeba（VFW Model）
- Shohei Hayashi (Nonprofit Corporation WELgee)
#RecognisingBias. #Immigrant #Refugee #MultinationalTeamBuilding. #RefugeeEmployment #DE＆I
🌎Pre-booking form for talk sessions
［PDF］Click here for a list of programmes.
［Peatix］Click here for booking.
To further promote diversity in Japan
SOLIT's vision is to realise an all-inclusive society where no one is left out. and the introduction of our own brand, SOLIT!
For us, this is not just an event, but an important opportunity to play a part in the promotion of DE&I in Japan, and we want to make it a step towards wider implementation.
We hope that you will experience the ideal society we are aiming for at the Fashion Values Society - 3 DAYS TO UNDERSTAND, EXPERIENCE, AND ENGAGE WITH DE&I, so that one day we can embody an all-inclusive world in society as a whole. We hope that this event will be the first step in gathering friends who stand together, creating empathy and expanding the all-inclusive circle.
All SOLIT members look forward to meeting many of you.
［PDF］Click here for a list of programmes.
［Peatix］Click here for booking.