[Vautreile FA] Peel off the cap sticker or keep it? Students verify using AI data - Data analysis collaboration with Newrope, 2026 2nd Edition

Vautreile Fashion Academy (Vautreile, managed by Osaka Bunka Fashion College, Chairperson: Akitoshi Toyoda, Location: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka), which trains designers and fashion professionals, has introduced a curriculum called 'AI Business Utilization' in its Brand Management Department. This program, supported by Newrope Co., Ltd., a company specializing in fashion AI, aims to equip students with skills to utilize trend data effectively. From the results of student planning and data analysis within this class, highly evaluated reports are being published in a series. The second theme for 2026 is 'Peel off the cap sticker or not?' Using data collected from ZOZO and Instagram as sources, a multifaceted, data-driven analysis was conducted. (The following content is based on the students' report materials.) ● Data Analysts Brand Management Department, 2nd Year (Currently 3rd Year) Koharu Kawano / Ryunosuke Umezaki / Ikki Mineyuki ● Report Analysis Tool: AI (#CBK forecast) ● Comment from the Curriculum Support Company & Instructor (Satoshi Sakai, CEO of Newrope Co., Ltd.): 'Whether to peel off the cap sticker or not. I feel a sense of 'fashion student identity' in this debate topic that might happen during school breaks, and I find it very interesting to see the effort to solve it numerically. The finding that 'many people don't peel it off flat caps' is convincing. It was a very good research project that also revealed differences in the attributes of users of flat caps vs. curved caps.' ● About the 'AI Business Utilization' Curriculum Vautreile Fashion Academy's 'Brand Management Department' is the only (based on independent research as of April 1, 2026) fashion vocational school to introduce an advanced curriculum for trend analysis using AI. Beneficial analysis results obtained in class are also made public. In this unique curriculum, students also conduct group work to analyze and propose improvements for challenges actually faced in EC and branding upon request from apparel companies. They improve their skills and experience through practical formats. ● Related Links 'AI Business Utilization' Curriculum: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000081590.html ■ Curriculum Support Company: Newrope Co., Ltd. Developer of the fashion-specific AI '#CBK scnnr'. A fashion-tech startup providing technology for personalization in EC, styling suggestions, trend analysis, and demand forecasting to brands, retailers, and media. Their core is image recognition technology capable of identifying 600 characteristics such as category, color, pattern, material, length, and details. Representative: CEO Satoshi Sakai URL: https://www.newrope.biz/ ■ About the Brand Management Department A 3-year business department aimed at nurturing leaders and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. In the second year, students choose between the 'Shop Development Course' and the 'Producer Course' to enhance their expertise in planning, management, and marketing. They also participate in workshop-style overseas training at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York. In the third year, they challenge themselves with full-scale practice, such as producing original brands and operating shops in famous fashion buildings, gaining comprehensive skills through PDCA in the field. ■ Birth of the 4-year 'Brand Producer Department' in 2026 In April 2026, the 'Brand Producer Department' was established as an evolution of the Brand Management Department's practical education. The duration has been extended from 3 to 4 years. Students start their own brands while in school and practically learn planning and management skills. Upon graduation, the title of 'Advanced Specialist' (equivalent to a 4-year university degree) is granted, and a 'Bachelor's degree' can also be obtained through a dual enrollment system. ■ Vautreile Fashion Academy Renamed from Osaka Bunka Fashion College in April 2026. This year marks the 80th anniversary of one of Western Japan's largest fashion vocational schools. With the power of creation, it brings 'joy' and 'confidence' to society.