The 2026 Taiwan Fashion Design Award (TFDA) announced this year’s winners on October 14 at Heritage Square, Kong Zong Cultural Base in Taipei. The competition attracted 530 emerging designers from 25 countries and regions, with 12 finalists selected to present complete collections during Taipei Fashion Week. With strong international participation once again this year, the competition brought together diverse cultural perspectives and creative approaches in Taipei, adding a new chapter to TFDA’s 40-edition history.
The First Prize went to Takumi Ogura from Japan for the collection “Future Groom”, earning a cash prize of US$10,000. The Second Prizes were presented to Chen Li-Yue for “To Grandma” and Weng Yu-Hsuan for “Flaking Strata”, with each receiving US$5,000. Kao Wan-Ci, Jaehee Kwon, and Leo Whitehouse received the Third Prize for Best Use of Fabrics, Best Pattern Making, and Best Market Potential, with each winner receiving US$3,000.
From Concept to Runway: 12 Finalists Showcase Material and Craftsmanship
The jury brought together professionals from fashion design, media, and industry, including renowned designers Fujiwara Dai (Japan) and Stephane Dou; Jane Singer (USA), Managing Director of Inside Fashion; Elaine Liao, Editor in chief of Wazaiii; Tomonori Matsui (Japan), CEO of ONE O Ltd.; Eliza Yang, Vice President of onefifteen; and Charlotte Chiang, Director of the Innovative & Sustainable Design Department at TTF. The jury evaluated the collections based on creative concept, fabric application, pattern and construction, overall execution, and commercial potential, combining design expertise with a market perspective.
Around 500 guests attended the final selection show, where the 12 collections unfolded on the runway through distinctive silhouettes, material treatments, and cultural references. Some explored sculptural forms, while others focused on the relationship between garment and body or created depth through refined craftsmanship and material transformation. Presented in motion, each collection revealed a clearer sense of character and offered audiences a direct view of the 12 designers’ individual aesthetics.
From Competition to Industry: Building a Pipeline of Design Talent
TFDA is organized by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and executed by the Taiwan Textile Federation. Over four decades, the award has evolved alongside the fashion industry, expanding from an early focus on garment form, patternmaking, and production techniques to material innovation, sustainability, digital technology, and commercial potential. During this time, TFDA has continued to identify and nurture emerging designers while supporting the textile and apparel sector’s shift from OEM manufacturing toward ODM, design-added value, and stronger connections with international markets. To date, the competition has attracted more than 15,000 entries, with over 90% of award recipients pursuing careers in fashion and design-related fields.
The award’s long-term development has also been strengthened by industry support. This year’s competition is supported by Coddy Global Ltd., Eclat Education Foundation, Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Makalot Foundation, New Wide Enterprise Co., Ltd., and New Wide Garment Co., Ltd., providing more than US$35,000 in total prize money to encourage young designers in their creative and professional development.
Winners of 2026 Taiwan Fashion Design Award:
Awards: Name / Work
First Prize: Ogura, Takumi (Japan) / Future Groom
Second Prize: Chen, Li-Yue / To Grandma
Second Prize: Weng, Yu-Hsuan / Flaking Strata
Third prize - Best Use of Fabrics: Kao, Wan-Ci / The Child I Refuse to Abandon
Third prize - Best Pattern Making: Kwon, Jaehee (South Korea) / Schuroop (It’s rainy, but…)
Third prize - Best Market Potential: Whitehouse, Leo (Australia) / Crash
【Contact Information】
Taiwan Textile Federation
Winnie Chen
TEL: +886-2-2336-7599 #18
e-mail: winniechen@textiles.org.tw
Yaohung Kuo
TEL: +886-2-2341-7251 #2965
e-mail: yaohung@textiles.org.tw
- Coordinated with national bilingual policy.-