Neurodiverse artists shine on the Paris runwayーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Neurodiverse Artists: Artists who are neurodivergent, meaning their brains function differently from what is considered typical. This includes individuals with conditions like autism.
• Visualization of Life: The theme of the fashion collection, emphasizing the expression of life through art.
• Welfare Facility: A place that provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities.
• Co-CEO: A co-chief executive officer, sharing leadership responsibilities in a company.
• Unrealage: The fashion brand of designer Modiga Kunihiko, known for its shows in Paris.
• Paris Fashion Week: A prominent global fashion event showcasing new collections.

Exhibition of Neurodiverse Art in Paris Fashion Week

This summary details the presentation of artworks by neurodiverse Japanese artists at Paris Fashion Week as part of the spring/summer 2026 collections. The collection, themed "Visualization of Life," featured vibrant and colorful garments directly inspired by the original artworks of 18 Japanese artists with disabilities.

Featured Artist: Nakagawa Momoko

• Background: Nakagawa Momoko, an artist living with severe autism, is one of the featured artists. Her work often consists of numbers printed seemingly at random, built up with intricate layers of colors.
• Artistic Process: She typically creates her art at a welfare facility, engaging in repetitive actions like stamping numbers or writing her name multiple times.
• Impact of Art: Her mother, Midori, shared that Momoko was often viewed solely through the lens of her disability. However, after she began creating art, people's perceptions shifted. Instead of labeling her as "a person with a disability," they began to see her as "a person who can also do art." Midori expressed a desire for people to understand that "flowers can bloom from many different kinds of stems."

Company's Role: Supporting Artists with Disabilities

• Matsuda Taka's Initiative: Matsuda Taka, co-CEO of a company that collaborates with 250 artists with disabilities, discussed his company's mission. The company produces fashion and apparel accessories using the artists' original artworks.
• Motivation: Matsuda co-founded the company seven years ago, inspired by his elder brother, who lives with autism and an intellectual disability. He witnessed his brother being mocked and sought a way to positively transform such situations.
• Partnership Philosophy: The company operates on the principle of "putting artists first," treating them as equal partners rather than merely offering support.
• Goal: The aim is to break down prejudice by showcasing the artists' unique talents through various media. Matsuda hopes to inspire admiration and encourage the purchase of their works, stating, "I'd like to inspire people to think that's so cool or I really respect that and to start buying their works." He believes Paris Fashion Week provides a global platform for discovering the artists' creativity, works, and "fascinating backstories."

Collaboration with Designer Modiga Kunihiko

• Encounter: The opportunity for these artists to be featured in Paris arose from an encounter between Matsuda and fashion designer Modiga Kunihiko, whose brand "unrealage" has a decade-long presence in Paris.
• Designer's Perspective: Modiga was captivated by the "power, freedom, and individuality" and "pure spontaneity" evident in the artists' work. He stated, "For me, fashion is about being different from other people. I've always thought the more you stand out, the more brightly you'll shine. I think that's what I love about fashion."

The Fashion Show and its Impact

• Collection Presentation: Nakagawa Momoko attended the unveiling in Paris with her mother. The runway showcased garments that reflected the dynamic energy of the original art, appearing to move with their own "life force." One piece was specifically based on Nakagawa's signature intricate line work.
• Designer's Tribute: At the end of the show, Modiga introduced two of the original artists to the audience.
• Audience Reaction: An attendee described the show as "poetry, tenderness, and the colors," expressing strong impressions and a desire to learn more.
• Artist's Growth: Nakagawa's mother believes the experience on such a significant stage will significantly boost her daughter's confidence. She noted that despite Momoko usually being "cool and expressionless," the environment elicited strong emotions, indicating her growth.
• Overall Impression: The event was described as a "special moment," a "fabulous" chemistry between the artworks and the designer, and a "perfect stage" for the artists to showcase their creativity, with potential for "even greater recognition."