KAI Hat & Head-piece Competition 2023: Overview

Overview
Kai Corporation, a global cutlery manufacturer with a long history in the development and production of sewing scissors, is hosting a hat design competition with the theme "COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL." The judging panel includes Nobuki Hizume, a Hat & Head-piece designer and recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) award.

Multiple winning designs will be selected and announced at an event on August 10, 2023, "Hat Day." Winners will receive Kai sewing scissors and will be commissioned to create their designs. A production cost of up to 30,000 yen per piece will be covered. The finished pieces will be exhibited at an event on November 8, 2023, "Good Blade Day." Additionally, one Grand Prize winner will receive a fashion design study tour in Paris.

*"Hat" includes all types of hats and headpieces.

Competition Theme: "COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL"
Selected participants will be required to create a physical hat after passing the initial screening.

Application Period: Monday, April 17, 2023, 11:00 AM - Sunday, July 16, 2023, 11:59 PM

How to Apply:https://www.kai-group.com/kaihat/

Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kai_hat_headpiece_competition/

Schedule
Design Submission Period: Monday, April 17, 2023, 11:00 AM - Sunday, July 16, 2023, 11:59 PM
Document Screening: Monday, July 17 - Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Winner Announcement: Thursday, August 10, 2023 (Kai "Hat Day")
Announced during a talk event with the judges.
Hat Production Period: Thursday, August 10 - Friday, October 20, 2023
Final Judging: Late October 2023
Grand Prize Announcement: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 (Kai "Good Blade Day")
Announced and exhibited at an event.

Paris Fashion Design Study Tour: Spring 2024 onwards
*The competition schedule is subject to change without notice.

Scenes from Last Year
The competition was held to commemorate the company's 110th anniversary, with Nobuki Hizume, Hat & Head-piece designer, as judge, Ai Tominaga as special supporter, and Sakura Yosozumi, professional skateboarder, as special judge. The theme was "Ocean Blue," Kai's corporate color.

Grand Prize Winner (left image):
Shunsuke Gunji's "spacescape" was selected.

Ai Tominaga Award Winner (right image):
Maiko Takemura's "bel bul" was selected.

Paris Fashion Design Study Tour
Grand Prize winner Shunsuke Gunji received a fashion design study tour in Paris. He visited Hizume's atelier, leading museums and boutiques in Paris such as "Sandrine Bourg," and the "ATELIER-MUSEE DU CHAPEAU" in Lyon.

Gunji commented, "Reflecting on the experiences of the study tour, I realize it was an incredibly valuable and fulfilling period, filled with new discoveries. Experiencing different cultures through scenery, language, and cuisine, and meeting the people who planned and supported this trip, broadened my perspective and gave me precious time to reconsider my own aspirations. It was truly an experience that stimulated all five senses."

Comments from Mr. Hizume

Encouragement for Applicants
Recently, I spent time with Shunsuke Gunji, last year's Grand Prize winner, in Paris, exploring various sights. During that time, he gained many insights and grew significantly, likely marking a turning point in his life. I believe he was able to have such a valuable experience because he challenged himself wholeheartedly without fear of failure. I encourage all of you to seize this opportunity and take on the challenge. I look forward to meeting you all.

Regarding This Year's Theme: "COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL"
This competition began with the theme "Blue Ocean" for its first iteration. It was truly a departure into the vast ocean for aspiring creators. For the next voyage, the theme is "COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL." Please express the brilliant ideas within you through your hats. I eagerly await encountering your wonderful creations.