AKINO was chosen as ONE OF TEN FINALISTS IN THE INDUSTRY ACCLAIMED HYÈRES FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL with the winter melancholy collection.

As a Japanese designer in Helsinki, she was inspired by Finland’s snowy climate and dark winters. Its effects upon her are evident in the Winter Melancholy collection where the clear blue skies she yearned for and mountainous, snow-capped landscapes dominate oversized garments with surrealist silhouettes.