Design the Future of Fashion with Generative AI! Award-winning works to be released as T-shirts! "AI FASHION CHALLENGE T-Shirt Design Contest_2026" Starts Today

OpenFashion Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Toru Ueda, hereinafter OpenFashion) is pleased to announce the launch of the "AI FASHION CHALLENGE T-Shirt Design Contest_2026" on Wednesday, July 1st, utilizing generative AI for fashion design. Selected designs are planned to be developed into real clothing (prompt T-shirts). The contest will be held in two parts, with submissions sought for different themes in each half.

OpenFashion develops services and products that combine fashion with the latest technologies, including generative AI. The generative AI platform "Maison AI," previously offered by our company until February 2025, has now been taken over by AuthenticAI Inc. Leveraging our accumulated knowledge, we support the digital transformation of the apparel industry through design generation and trend analysis, primarily for apparel companies.

About "AI FASHION CHALLENGE T-Shirt Design Contest_2026"

"AI FASHION CHALLENGE T-Shirt Design Contest_2026" is a fashion design contest that utilizes image generation AI such as "Midjourney" and OpenFashion's generative AI utilization support tool "Maison AI." This time, the application period is divided into two parts, the first and second halves, with different themes for each. The theme for the first half is "Wave Rush," and the theme for the second half is "Sundae Sunday."

Ten selected works for each theme will be sold as "prompt T-shirts," real clothing printed with the generated art design and its prompt (*). Please participate in the contest with designs perfect for this summer!

* Contest winners will receive real clothing (prompt T-shirts) printed with their own work.

Contest Overview

The contest will be held in two parts, the first and second halves, with different themes for each period.

1st Round: Wednesday, July 1st - Wednesday, July 15th

Theme: "Wave Rush"

The theme for the first half of the contest is "Wave Rush." This contest encourages free expression of impulses and moments of change that surge like waves. Whether it's the undulation of nature, a moment of overflowing emotion, or something stirring from within – express your "Wave Rush" with your own free interpretation.

2nd Round: Thursday, July 16th - Thursday, July 30th

Theme: "Sundae Sunday"

The theme for the second half of the contest is "Sundae Sunday." On a Sunday afternoon, with an ice cream in hand – just that simple moment shines the brightest. Sweetness, looseness, affection. Whether it's ice cream, animals, scenery, or memories – express your most melt-in-your-mouth ideas with your own free interpretation.

◆ Example Works

Prompt T-shirt Image

- Please submit only the generated image for the design part to be printed, as shown in the image below.

- There are no specified image sizes for submission (we may adjust the size during printing).

- You can submit multiple entries per person during the contest period.

Judging Criteria and Method

After the contest period ends, OpenFashion will conduct a rigorous internal review based on the following four criteria to determine the winners.

Creativity and Originality

Evaluates how uniquely the theme "Wave Rush" is expressed with original perspectives and ideas. The key is how you elevate the universal motif of waves and impulses with your own new approach.

Adherence to Theme

Evaluates how deeply the work captures the theme of "Wave Rush." Whether it's natural waves, emotional surges, or inner impulses – your interpretation must clearly connect to the theme.

Visual Impact

Evaluates whether the work leaves a strong impression on the viewer and evokes an emotional response. The dynamism of waves and the moment of impulse should be powerfully conveyed through color, composition, and expression.

Uniqueness and Interpretation

Evaluates how your personal experiences and sensibilities are incorporated into the work, even under the same theme. What moment is captured from the word "Wave Rush," and what story is woven – your unique interpretation enhances the appeal of the work.

Results Announcement:

Scheduled for around Friday, August 7th

* Results for both the 1st and 2nd rounds will be announced simultaneously on this date.

* The results announcement date is subject to change.

How to Apply

1. Generate contest submission images using generative AI such as Maison AI or Midjourney.

* If you have Midjourney, you can also generate images in a dedicated channel by joining OpenFashion's Discord (free).

- OpenFashion Discord (Free to join): https://discord.gg/KYTWYP9EAK

* Please state the AI tools used for image generation, such as "Midjourney" or "Maison AI," when applying. You may also combine multiple tools.

Example) Tools used: Maison AI + Photoshop, etc.

* The generative AI implementation support tool "Maison AI" provided by OpenFashion can be used from here:

https://maisonai.io/

2. Submit your work (image and prompt set) to the "Shirt Design Submission" on OpenFashion Circle.

- OpenFashion Circle (Free to join):

https://openfashion-jp.circle.so/c/ai-fashion-challenge-tshirts-design/

* There is no limit to the number of submissions per person, so please feel free to apply with as many works as you like.

3. Application complete.

Submission Destination: OpenFashion Circle: T-shirt Design Submission (Free to join)

https://openfashion-jp.circle.so/c/ai-fashion-challenge-tshirts-design/

* Please see below for details on how to apply.

Prize:

"Prompt T-shirt" printed with your generated design and its prompt.

* Winners will be contacted by the organizers.

Future Prospects and Message: We sincerely look forward to your challenge.

OpenFashion will continue to expand opportunities for more people to express their creativity through the co-creation of generative AI and fashion.

Generative AI is a powerful tool to extend our imagination and shape the unseen future. Even if you've hesitated thinking "this might be too difficult for me," please take this opportunity to shape new fashion possibilities with AI as your partner. We sincerely look forward to encountering your passionate and innovative works.

About OpenFashion Inc.

Company Name: OpenFashion Inc.

Location: World Kita-Aoyama Bldg. 12F, 3-5-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0061

Representative: CEO Toru Ueda

Business Activities: AIX (AI Transformation) for the fashion industry utilizing generative AI technology.

URL: https://jp.open-fashion.com/

Inquiries

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact us via the inquiry form below.

Inquiry Form: https://jp.open-fashion.com/pages/contact