Awakening to the “greatest beauty of your life” – 35-day challenge “Runway Challenge 2025” event report and winner announcement, and public applications open for “Runway Debut in Paris 2025”, the stage for your world debut

Awaken the “greatest beauty of your life”──Report on the 35-day challenge “Runway Challenge 2025” and announcement of the winners, and the start of public recruitment for “Runway Debut in Paris 2025”, the stage for your world debut ​ Image
URL: WE Co., Ltd. Press release: July 7, 2025 Awaken the “greatest beauty of your life”──35-day challenge “Runway Challenge 2025” event report and winner announcement, and public recruitment begins for “Runway Debut in Paris 2025”, the stage for your world debut Report on the 35-day training program “Runway Challenge 2025” for women aiming to be on the world’s runways, and the general public is invited to participate in “Runway Debut in Paris” produced by MAMI OKANO
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-3293f86706b62b7bbd22e62bcb9e348f-3900×2600.jpg The Runway Challenge 2025 ended with a great success this year. Mami Okano, designer of Red carpet dress “MAMI OKANO”, based in Monaco, held the 35-day challenge program “Runway Challenge 2025” from May 26th (Mon) to June 29th (Sun), 2025, aiming for her debut on the Paris runway as her “first step into the world”. The final stage was held in Yokohama, Kanagawa on June 28th and 29th. Eight challengers gathered to shine a new spotlight on their lives, and participated in a program with top instructors from Japan and abroad to pursue the greatest beauty of their lives. The Runway Challenge is a one-of-a-kind runway model training project produced by MAMI OKANO, a dress designer based in Monaco who is active on red carpets around the world. Ordinary women with no professional modeling experience will refine their minds, bodies, and even their way of life, with the aim of standing on runways around the world. This year, past Grand Prix winners, active Paris Collection model KIKO, who is active on the world stage, and walking director Kayoko Asai appeared as instructors. They provided comprehensive lessons on walking, beauty mindset, makeup, posing, and behavior in high heels.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-69bd9266de006d8daf1dce5eea1ee8c1-3900×2600.jpg ◆The winner is “the person who has changed more than anyone else.” The final runway where the whole venue was filled with tears On Sunday, June 29th, the final event was held to conclude the 35-day “Runway Challenge 2025”, and all participants tried their hand at runway walking on stage to “show off their true selves”. The winners were not voted for by the judges, but by the votes of all the visitors who were watching. The glory was given to the person who made everyone feel that they had “changed” more than anyone else, and who made everyone feel that they had “shined” more than anyone else. The person who was selected as this year’s Grand Prix winner was Akane Ishiguro. When she appeared as the first batter in a pure white dress, she looked like a goddess enveloping the venue. The winners were awarded the right to compete in “Runway Debut in Paris 2025” (October 1-6, 2025), a one-of-a-kind beauty project organized by MAMI OKANO that will allow them to debut on runways around the world, as well as the entire program that comes with it.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-f82e66464d9bbe0350abd576282727d4-1800×2700.jpg Runway Challenge 2025 Winner Akane Ishiguro ◆Winner: Akane Ishiguro Comments on winning My long-held dream of “walking the runway in Paris, the pinnacle of fashion,” has become a reality, and I am overwhelmed with emotion and joy. I am filled with gratitude to all the people involved who gave me the opportunity to stand on this dream stage, and above all to MAMI, who chose me and led me down this path. I can’t stop feeling excited just thinking about what kind of dress MAMI will create for me and what kind of feelings she will put into it! I will carefully prepare for the days to come while imagining the moment when I will put on that dress and walk down that special runway.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-8f9171d681270f1a1ff4fd4a88e080b9-3900×2600.jpg Runway Challenge 2025 winner Akane Ishiguro talks about the joy of winning ◆World debut in Paris──”Runway Debut in Paris” to be held & general participants now being recruited This time, designer MAMI The next global challenge project, “Runway Debut in Paris,” where participants will make their debut on the one-of-a-kind runway wearing dresses made by OKANO that will brighten and elevate the lives of each individual, will be held in Paris, France from Wednesday, October 1st to Monday, October 6th, 2025. And at the same time, we are also accepting applications for the “general participation slots” where participants will walk the runway on the same stage as the Grand Prix winners of “Runway Challenge 2025.” This is for all women who want to “change” and “expand their potential,” even if they have no experience as a professional model.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-21893bd1c1192be4e3e203b61c396210-3900×2057.jpg Last year’s runway debut in Paris 2024 The culmination of the “Runway Debut in Paris” will be the runway on the official stage of Paris City Fashion Week (PCFW2025), which will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in the historic Salle Wagram hall with a capacity of 800 people. This opportunity to walk down the runway as a selected model in front of a large audience is a big step towards opening the door to the dream of making your debut on a global stage.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-dd78cfa946992be62acb3f85642b6951-2048×1454.jpg ◆Runway debut in Paris 2025 Support details ・2-month beauty training to improve inner and outer beauty MAMI OKANO Beauty Mind Session to Shine on the World Stage 8 Important Things to Shine on the World Stage (60 minutes x 1 session)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-f80d733830ad301dbf5264880a2e72b1-1835×2700.jpg To walk beautifully down the runway in Paris, it is very important to live your daily life beautifully until you get there. We will teach you what you need to know to go and see the overwhelmingly beautiful world with your own eyes while feeling a sense of tension you have never felt before, in order to stand on the runway of the world that will dramatically change your life. What kind of mindset do you spend each day in order to fully savor the experience of “showing off” yourself on the world stage under the flashlights of cameras? The accumulation of these experiences is very important. I will carefully explain the important points to you in individual sessions. Two private walking lessons with runway producer Kayoko Asai Walking instructor Kaori Asai, who made her world debut with the MAMI OKANO collection, will hold a private lesson to help you walk down the runway in the most beautiful way possible and captivate those around you. In this lesson, you will learn the walking and posing skills to captivate audiences on the world stage while bringing out the beauty of MAMI OKANO dresses and your own beauty to the fullest. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-0c56146b44c4015308ec258afac502c2-2085×2700.jpg ◆Runway debut in Paris 2025 participant benefits Couture dress production of a one-of-a-kind “dress that lifts and brightens your life”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-712d1799face9263db92bc288573af48-3900×2600.jpg Models who made their runway debut in MAMI OKANO dresses in Paris in 2023 Each participant will receive individual online dress counseling from dress designer MAMI OKANO. We will discover the hidden charm and brilliance that a person may not even be aware of from the words they use, their attractive expressions, and their life story, and create a design based on that. Dresses designed by MAMI are carefully sewn stitch by stitch in a small atelier in Monaco. Make your world debut wearing the one and only dress designed just for you. ◆Runway debut in Paris Comments from customers who participated in 2024 ・Yuko Shibata Please tell us your impressions of walking down the runway. I was very nervous on the day. After it was over, when I looked at the photos and videos, I felt like I had done my best. Please tell us your
impressions of wearing a MAMI OKANO dress and its design. I really like it. Walking will also be polished to show off the charm of the long hem. What was the most memorable program apart from the runway? Cooking every day with friends. The crazy horse show and dinner cruise that MAMI took me to are memories that will last a lifetime. What would you like to try in the future? Model. I would also like to work overseas on MAMI’s projects, not just as a model but also supporting the photography, travel arrangements, etc. Message to MAMI Thank you MAMI-san. I had a lot of fun. I feel like I’ve grown a lot. I look forward to your continued support.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-c0a07f8c0134ea35156888e67eb19ff5-850×1072.png Yuko Shibata ・Kaoru Takayasu Please tell us how you felt walking down the runway. Honestly, it was a dream come true. Walking down the runway in a dress made just for me, in front of discerning people at a prestigious venue, and being myself. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. Please tell us your impressions of wearing a MAMI OKANO dress and its design. When I first saw the dress, I thought it was a perfect embodiment of my ideal. So when I tried it on, it felt natural and like a part of my body. What was the most memorable part of the program apart from the runway? Living together (it was nice to be able to be ourselves without any pretense) What do you want to try next? I want to continue to bring courage and hope to many people while proving that “people can shine at any time, even if they are over 50 or have a serious illness.” And eventually, I want to quit my job and start a business related to fashion or walking. I would also like to realize the projects I’ve been talking about, such as fashion shows at hospitals and nursing homes. I would also be happy to be involved in MAMI’s project. What I can do now is to use my qualifications as a mental trainer and walking instructor to give advice on how to overcome nervousness and help the challengers choose their dresses. We have connections with two of the top dress shops in Tokyo that require reservations, so we hope to make use of these connections. Message to MAMI MAMI-san, thank you for everything. I once again realized how wonderful it is to come into contact with high-quality people, things, and places. I think it must be really hard to hold events one after another in such far-flung places as Monaco and Japan and make them a success. I admire you.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-13a78e5a09782d62e314f95e447dec40-1398×2060.jpg Kaoru Takayasu ・NATSUMI HARA Please tell us how you felt walking down the runway. The moment I walked the Paris Fashion Week runway, I felt like I was in a dream. But that’s not a dream, I’m definitely at the heart of the world, and I’m the one living the lead role in life! It was also a moment when I was convinced. At the moment when the light hits your skin and your gaze gathers across your body, it is no mistake to have made any effort and challenges up until now! I realized that everything was rewarded. Every step I took, I was convinced that I was the right person for the occasion, and felt like I was under the magic of fashion. This dress, inspired by Yamato Nadeshiko, was a piece that combines Japanese beauty and elegance, with a subtle lace and bold golden ribbons that were impressive. The sleeve design, reminiscent of a kimono, gives it a sense of elegant yet modern refinement, perfect match for the Parisian stage. Walking around in this dress feels like I was able to experience a special time where tradition and innovation intersect, not just a fashion show. The Parisian atmosphere is special, and that unique tension and excitement is something you can’t experience anywhere else. Thank you very much. This is where the start comes. We hope to continue to grow and evolve further. Please let us know what you think about the design wearing the MAMI OKANO dress. The moment I wore a MAMI OKANO dress, I was able to see a world that beautifully blended Japanese beauty with Western elegance. I really like the delicate lace and gorgeous gold ribbon. It has an obi-like presence and is in perfect harmony with the dress, making it seem like it embodies modern Yamato Nadeshiko. In particular, the long sleeves have a flowing movement, reminiscent of a kimono, but still have a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. By wearing it, I felt like I had become a special person, and as soon as I was walking along the runway I was able to feel the power that this piece had. I think this design is not only beautiful, but also a work of art that beautifully combines tradition and innovation. Dress designer MAMI is a genius. What is the program that left an impression on you outside of the runway? Dior, CHANEL, dinner, spending time at home with friends, walking around Paris, shopping at the supermarket. What do you want to try now? Activities in Paris Message to MAMI I thought more women and men should experience a beautiful world. I remember meeting MAMI and warping into an incredible place. I was even more excited about my future.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-9cbd30bfc1177fffa350617774919bf6-1667×2700.jpg NATSUMI HARA ◆Runway debut in Paris 2025 Event overview PARIS stay period: Thursday, October 2nd – Monday, October 6th, 2025 Fashion show performance: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 Venue: Salle Wagram (Sale Wagram, near Arc de Triomphe, Paris) During period: Thursday, August 15th – Monday, September 30th, 2025 Participating slots: Slightly numbered (MAMI) (There will be an interview with OKANO) About Application: “Can I do it too?” “What kind of lessons will you take?” “What is the Paris runway?” To alleviate any such questions and concerns, we hold a free information session. At the information session, producer and designer MAMI OKANO will talk directly to you about the appeal of the program and the possibilities for the future. First of all, you just need to take a step. We look forward to welcoming you to your challenge. Please use the button below to apply for an individual online interview with MAMI OKANO. Apply for an individual interview with MAMI ​ *After the interview, you will be required to proceed to the official application process. *Recruitment may end once the capacity is reached.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-7d49ed9fe2c5fb7158338e9272636d9c-1066×1600.jpg ◆From a “world that you just see” to a starring role in a “world that you can see” –A message from MAMI “I’m not like this” — if you’ve ever thought so, you’re ready to take another step. There’s no need to adapt to someone else’s life in the future. Escape from “normal” and unleash your own beauty in the middle of the world. I think that’s the path you really wanted to walk. No more need to compare or endure. Awaken the “best person in your life” that lies within you in the city of Paris, filled with overwhelming beauty. When you stand on the world-class stage, the excitement and tension you’ve never felt before will lift your future. The world awaits your beauty. The challenge of “Runway Debut in Paris 2025” may be a “life-changing step.” We look forward to your participation.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-049906e00a47fd31d88a72932bbe4389-2048×1536.jpg ◆MAMI OKANO Profile
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-8877076f144c5ee45913f1ffa924d716-3900×2600.jpg MAMI wears a dress she designed herself MAMI OKANO (dress
designer/producer) After graduating from junior college, he worked in the apparel industry for 16 years as a designer and sales position. He started as a walking instructor in 2006. Since 2015, she has been a walking and fashion instructor for women who want to become active around the world at the World Class Beauty Academy, supervised by Ines Ligron, who has worked on the world’s number one Miss Universe. May 2016 Although he won the Grand Prix in the Mrs. Queen Contest for ages 45 and above, he decides to abandon his title and aim for the world on his own. He then attended balls around the world, including Monaco, Serbia, Italy, Russia, New York, and Dubai. In 2017, he made his runway debut in Belgrade, Serbia. In May 2019, he moved his base to Monaco, the most beautiful country in the world to “live beautifully.” He appeared in a fashion show in Dubai in 2022, participated in the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, and appeared in a fashion show in Monaco. July 2022: Started Red carpet dress “MAMI OKANO.” He begins his activities with the mission to make Japanese women shine on the world stage. On October 1, 2022, at Tiffany Fashion Week at the 5-star Hotel Meurice in Paris, the MAMI OKANO will be selected by six designers who have announced and participated in the MAMI OKANO debut collection and will receive an award. November 2022: Became CEO of WE Co., Ltd. Collections will be presented in Dubai on March 11, 2023, with five women making their model debuts May 23, 2023, he
successfully passed the examination at the official Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo Fashion Week, and presented his collection. The same month, seven women attended a Cannes film, and seven women in MAMI OKANO dresses walked the red carpet. On May 23, 2023, three women will be presenting their collection at the Hermitage five-star hotel in Monaco, and will make their runway debut. On April 24, 2024, he presented his own collection at Monte Carlo Fashion Week. At the offer from KIKO, a Paris Collection model affiliated with elite Japan, KIKO walks the MAMI OKANO runway. Three ordinary women are used as models on the same stage. Produced a woman’s runway debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. The Runway Challenge 2024 begins in June 2024. The third collection was announced in Paris in October 2024. Award award winner at Monte Carlo Fashion Week in April 2025
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137829/9/137829-9-a134fd1b409ceafe1568dfb9464e7ab7-962×1444.jpg Apply for an individual interview with MAMI ​ *After the interview, you will be required to proceed to the official application process. *Recruitment may end once the capacity is reached. ■Contact for this matter WE Public Relations Co., Ltd. (inside Gravity PR Co., Ltd.) TEL: 043-400-3434 (in charge: Yamada) Mail: pr@gravity-g.com Details about this release *This email will be sent automatically, so please refrain from replying.