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Défilé libre - Information for contenders

Forget the constraints of a traditional cosplay competition. Come with your favourite cosplay, whether it’s hand-made or bought, parade for a few seconds on stage and pose for the photographers who will make your outfits unforgettable.🕴️

The Free Fashion Show is a fashion show where YOU are the star and where YOU have all the possibilities to stand out on a stage, in front of an audience at Japan Impact 2025, on Sunday 16th February 2025!

Registration

Stage

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Rules of “Défilé libre” 2025

Gender neutral language is used in the course of this document.

1. Purpose of the “Défilé libre”

  1. The “Défilé libre” on Sunday, February 16, 2025, is an activity open to everyone, offering the opportunity to participate in a giant parade (alone or in groups of up to 6 people) to showcase their passion through cosplay, medieval costumes, or contemporary Japanese fashion: there are no limits to creativity!
  2. The “Défilé libre” invites participants to walk across a stage to a central photo point, where a professional action shot will be taken. Afterward, they continue their parade and exit the stage.
  3. The event emphasizes creativity and personal expression, with no specific requirements regarding costume craftsmanship.
  4. While it is not an official contest, a jury composed of four guests, as well as the audience, will vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Voting will be based on originality, creativity, and presentation. Handmade costumes are not required.
  5. The “Défilé libre” is open to anyone holding an entry ticket for Sunday, February 16, at Japan Impact 2025.
  6. Each person is allowed to participate only once, whether individually or as part of a group.

2. Outfits and accessories

  1. The outfit must be appropriate for all audiences, meaning it should not contain offensive or inappropriate text or images. The outfit can be either bought or sewn.
  2. No debris (glitter, confetti, feathers, etc.) should be left on the stage or in the venue.
  3. Only accessories that have been approved by security at the entrance of the festival are allowed.
  4. All participants must wear appropriate footwear.

3. Dates and registration

  1. The “Défilé libre” will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The exact time will be communicated to you later.
  2. Registration is only available via the official link until Friday, 8 February 2025, at 11:59 PM.
  3. The opening and closing dates for registration may change without prior notice.
  4. You will receive a pre-confirmation email within 4 business days following your registration.
  5. The number of registrations is limited: first come, first served. In case of cancellation, please notify us as soon as possible to give someone else a chance.
  6. In case of a lack of response or disrespect towards participants, judges, or organizers of Japan Impact, you may be blacklisted for future activities and contests.
  7. Practical information (meeting times, location, entry, etc.) will be communicated to you a few days before Japan Impact.
  8. By participating in this event, participants agree to be filmed and photographed. They give Polyjapan permission to use these images for promotional purposes.
  9. Minors or those under guardianship at the time of the event must provide authorization from a legal guardian no later than 3 business days after registration to kawaii@japan-impact.ch .
  10. You can download the parental consent form here.

4. Changing room

  1. Access to the dressing rooms is only allowed half an hour before the “Défilé libre”.
  2. Only participants registered for the “Défilé libre” are allowed entry.
  3. The dressing room is divided into two sections: men and women. We cannot guarantee the presence of a gender-neutral booth.
  4. Access is monitored by staff. However, other service providers may also use the space. We therefore advise you to take your valuables with you or entrust them to a friend before entering the dressing rooms.
  5. Neither the organizing team of the “Défilé libre” nor the organizing committee of Japan Impact will be held responsible in case of theft or damage to your personal belongings inside the dressing rooms or during the event.

5. Stage Performance :

  1. The participant is allowed about 20 to 30 seconds on stage (they only stop to take the photo at the center and then continue their walk).
  2. The participant must walk, pose for the camera, and then exit the stage.
  3. The “Défilé libre” will take place in the CO1 auditorium at EPFL, Taiyo room.
  4. It is prohibited to throw objects at the audience, dirty the stage, or damage the furniture: please be considerate of others!
  5. The dimensions of the stage are 24 square meters, or 8x3 meters (Length x Width).
  6. No audience member is allowed to assist you during your presentation. However, a staff member can help with accessories or any other request that has been pre-approved by email (kawaii@japan-impact.ch) by the event organizer.
  7. Participants must arrive at the time indicated by the organizers. Late arrivals may be excluded from the event.
  8. In case of abuse (trolling, obscenity, etc.), the participant may be heavily penalized at the discretion of the committee.
  9. The judges’ notes remain confidential and are destroyed 1 month after the end of the contest. However, at the end of the contest, you can approach the judges, the presenter, or the person responsible for the contest to ask your questions. They will respond based on their availability.
  10. Each participant is responsible for their costume and accessories. The organizers cannot be held responsible for any damage or accidents.
  11. If you have doubts or questions regarding the points mentioned above, please email kawaii@japan-impact.ch. You will receive a response within 4 business days.
  12. The French version of this document takes precedence.

By participating in the “Défilé libre”, you agree to follow these rules to ensure a pleasant experience for all. We look forward to seeing your creations and celebrating your creativity together!