"What's the Odd Pairing?: Toyota's Presence at the Tokyo Girls Collection Fashion Show!"
In an exciting turn of events, Toyota and Urban Research have joined forces to create environmentally conscious fashion items for the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) fashion event. The collaboration showcases the coolness of Toyota's logo and materials, while emphasizing the significance of upcycling and sustainability.
The partnership between Toyota and Urban Research was born at an exhibition two years ago, where both parties discovered a shared passion for craftsmanship and sustainability. Toyota's upcycling project, which continues to build partnerships across industries, has found a perfect match in Urban Research's sophisticated urban apparel and lifestyle products.
Ichiro Jinno, Manager of Toyoshima, a textile company involved in Toyota's upcycling project, expressed admiration for the unique scratches and marker lines on upcycled pen cases and business card holders. Meanwhile, Eiji Wentz and Misato Ugaki, event hosts at Mynavi TGC in Expo 2025, were impressed by the upcycled products, stating they didn't look like traditional upcycled items.
Toyota's upcycled products have made their way onto the TGC runway, with a jacket crafted from unused car airbags and a bag made from car seat leather. These unique pieces not only demonstrate Toyota's commitment to sustainability but also showcase the inherent charm and character that upcycling offers.
Urban Research aims to create designs that appeal not just to car enthusiasts but to anyone drawn to the products' unique appeal. Naoki Hagiwara, Executive Officer of Urban Research, values one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces as works of art. He hopes more people will come to understand the significance of upcycling and realize they can contribute to environmental positivity.
Tokyo Girls Collection, which started in 2005, attracts a large following from the younger generation. The event features models from fashion magazines, popular celebrities, and trending artists. By incorporating upcycled fashion into their show, TGC is encouraging its audience to think about sustainability and the circular economy.
This collaboration between Toyota and Urban Research is a testament to the growing trend of sustainability in the fashion industry. It's a reminder that even the most unexpected partnerships can lead to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. As Naoki Hagiwara said, "Fashion involves transforming various types of clothing into stylish expressions by abandoning preconceived notions and embracing new challenges."
The partnership between Toyota and Urban Research, initiated at an exhibition two years ago, has expanded beyond just textile companies, venturing into the realm of environmental-science and technology as they collaborate on fashion-and-beauty items. Rather than appearing traditional, these upcycled products showcased at the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) truly demonstrate the inherent charm of science and technology, encouraging a sustainable and artistic lifestyle.
