【Vautraille FA】Can long-sleeved cut-and-sew sell in summer? Current students verify with AI data ─ Data analysis collaboration project with Newrope Co., Ltd. 2026 First Edition

Vautraille Fashion Academy (hereinafter Vautraille, School Corporation Osaka Bunka Fashion College, Chairman: Akihito Toyoda, Location: Mikunihonmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City), which trains designers and fashion professionals, has collaborated with Newrope Co., Ltd., a company that develops AI specialized in fashion, to introduce the 'AI Business Utilization' curriculum, which teaches skills to actually utilize trend data, with the company's support. From the results of planning and data analysis actually conducted by students in this class, reports that were particularly highly evaluated will be released in a series. The theme of the first edition in 2026 is 'Long-sleeved cut-and-sew in summer, buy or not buy?' Data-based analysis is conducted from various perspectives, using data collected from ZOZO and Instagram as information sources. (The following content is based on the student report materials.) ● Data Analysts Brand Management Department, 2nd year students (currently 3rd year students) Hayato Imato / Yuto Kaihatsu / Karin Kitamura ● Report Analysis tool: AI (#CBK forecast) ● Comment from Curriculum Support Company and Instructor (Satoshi Sakai, Representative Director, Newrope Co., Ltd.) "Is it possible that long sleeves are needed for air conditioning measures because summers are getting hotter due to global warming, and people are spending more time indoors?" This hypothesis is very logical and is a very meaningful theme for the apparel industry, which is struggling with product composition due to climate change. Although the hypothesis that "the demand for long-sleeved cut-and-sew will be higher in 2025 than in 2024" was not proven, the survey result that about 20% of all cut-and-sew items were long-sleeved in both 2024 and 2025 is sufficiently suggestive. "Formulating hypotheses and verifying them with data" is a highly versatile method, and I hope it will be useful for future challenges and planning after entering the workforce. ● About the 'AI Business Utilization' Curriculum The 'Brand Management Department' of Vautraille Fashion Academy has introduced an advanced curriculum that uses AI for trend analysis, which is unique among fashion vocational schools (*). Useful analysis results obtained in class are also made public. In this unique curriculum, group work is also conducted to analyze and propose improvements for challenges faced in e-commerce and branding, based on requests from apparel companies. This practical format also improves skills and experience. *Based on our own research. As of April 1, 2026 ● Related Links 'AI Business Utilization' Curriculum: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000081590.html ■ Curriculum Support Company / Newrope Co., Ltd. Develops '#CBK scnnr,' an AI specialized in fashion. Based on image recognition technology that can determine 600 types of features such as category, color, pattern, material, length, and detail, it provides technologies such as personalization measures on e-commerce, styling suggestions, trend analysis, and demand forecasting to brands, retailers, media, trading companies, etc. It is a fashion tech startup. Representative Director: Satoshi Sakai URL: https://www.newrope.biz/ ■ About the Brand Management Department This is a three-year business-oriented department aimed at fostering leaders and entrepreneurs active in the fashion industry. In the second year, students are divided into a 'Shop Development Course' and a 'Producer Course' to enhance their respective specializations, such as planning ability, operational ability, and marketing ability. In addition, students participate in a workshop-style overseas training program at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York) to learn international perspectives on fashion business from the university's faculty. In the third year, students take on full-fledged practical challenges such as producing their own original brands and operating long-term shops in famous fashion buildings. Through PDCA on site, they comprehensively acquire the skills necessary for brand management. ■ 4-year 'Brand Producer Department' to be established in 2026. Practical education further evolves. In April 2026, a new department, the 'Brand Producer Department,' will be established, further developing the practical education of the current Brand Management Department. The period of study will also be extended from three to four years. Students will launch their own brands during their enrollment and practically acquire the planning and operational skills necessary for a producer, from formulating business strategies to marketing and monetization. Upon graduation, they will be awarded the title of 'Advanced Specialist,' equivalent to a four-year university degree, and can also choose a university co-enrollment system. Keywords: