Calling all Fashion Designers and Fashionistas: We want YOU to dress up and showcase your freshest outfits with us to prove that Miami is a fashion capital of the world!
You’re the designer, and every type of fashion is encouraged to participate from show-stopping couture dresses and suits, punkish street wear and cutting-edge sportswear and even your favorite historically re-created garb from an ancient time period (just to name a few). Dress to impress, and we’ll see you on the Fashion Show runway!
Runway Rules:
One entry per person, per day. No separate entries from the same person.
If you are entering as an Individual, please submit a flatlay or worn photo of your intended outfit below.
If you are entering as a Brand/Designer, please submit a link to your portfolio below.
You are allowed to use model(s) to showcase your work.
All participants must fill out the application form.
All outfit designs must be rated PG-13 or less. No nudity or risqué outfits allowed.
No bad behavior. You know what that means! No trash talking, sabotage or poor sportsmanship. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly even the convention. Remember, we’re all here to have fun!
No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, and any other substance that can be fired, launched or dripped.
The most important rule: HAVE FUN!!!
If you have any questions, please direct them to otakufestfashion@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How is “Fashion” different from “Cosplay”?
Fashion is the original use of clothing, footwear, accessories, and cosmetics that are handmade, altered or store-bought as a means of self-expression in one’s outfit. A statement is always made with fashion. It is this unique combination of items that makes designers, their models and their brands both distinguished and coveted in the wonderful world of fashion.
Whereas Cosplay, short for ‘Costume-Play’, typically refers to the specific recreation of an existing character from an existing property such as anime, manga, video games, etc. Competitions are held all over the world now in order for people to bring their favorite characters to life, so most Cosplays involve dressing up as both popular and easily recognizable characters from current series.
Is there ever any crossover between Fashion and Cosplay?
Of course! For example, when Usagi, the main character from the popular mahou shoujo series Sailor Moon, wears a kimono, this would qualify as both traditional Japanese Fashion as well as Cosplay if you wanted to make it happen on stage. However, we’re really looking for everyone to showcase both your originality and creativity as a designer, so what if your favorite DanDaDan character attended the Met Gala this year? Could you also see yourself as an awesome Kaiju No.8 character in the latest sportswear at a sneaker convention? Or what if you even designed a stunning Rococo ball gown for a Legend of Zelda character to wear at tea time?! We’re so excited to see what you come up with as the answer!
Who can participate?
All attendees who have an event badge or bracelet for OtakuFest can enter this contest. Participants can enter as individuals or as a Brand/Designer. This will be a runway-style event.
How do I sign up for the contest?
There are two ways to register for the competition:
Register Online before 12pm(EST) on June 8th, 2025. This is the most preferred method. You will receive an e-mail confirmation with your Runway Number. When you get to OtakuFest, you will need to sign-in at the Cosplay Info Booth, located at Booth #901,903, where you will be given further instructions.
Register at the convention before 12pm(EST) on June 8th, 2025. Participants will be able to sign up for the contest at the Cosplay Info Booth located at Booth #901,903, located in the Exhibition Hall. Please fill out and return the participation form to the registration table. You will be given a Runway Number and further information.
Roll Call: All entrants must show up 30 minutes prior to the event for roll call and lineup, or they may be disqualified at the staff’s discretion prior to the event.
What to expect at the event:
When you arrive at OtakuFest, there will be a Cosplay Info Booth located at Booth #901,903 in the Exhibition Hall. This is where all questions regarding the competition can be answered and where you will need to go to sign up and/or check-in.
Each entry will have up to 15 seconds on stage. Brands/Designers will have 15 seconds per model.
We recommend doing at least two different poses and holding those poses for five seconds at a time so our live audience and convention photographers can fully appreciate your outfit(s).
Remember, practice makes perfect!
If you have any questions, please e-mail us at otakufestfashion@gmail.com
