CLASSICS the Small Luxury Design Award 2026

In a world increasingly driven by speed and spectacle, CLASSICS the Small Luxury invites designers to rediscover beauty in the intimate, the tactile, and the quietly expressive. For its sixth edition, the CLASSICS the Small Luxury Design Award returns with a new theme that celebrates sensory memory, emotion, and everyday pleasure through one of the most intimate design objects: the handkerchief.

Founded in 2003, CLASSICS the Small Luxury is a Japanese brand rooted in the philosophy of “quiet luxury in the palm of your hand.” Drawing on the craftsmanship and heritage of its parent company, Blooming Nakanishi, established in 1879, the brand has continuously reimagined the handkerchief as a contemporary cultural object. By merging tradition with modern sensibility, CLASSICS the Small Luxury has collaborated with artists from around the world to transform a familiar object into a medium of expression.

Through the Design Award, launched in 2020, the brand continues its mission to support creative voices and bring design closer to everyday life.

THE 2026 THEME: “YUM YUM”

The theme of the 6th CLASSICS the Small Luxury Design Award is “YUM YUM,” an invitation to interpret the idea of deliciousness beyond taste alone. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what “delicious” means to them personally and to translate that sensation into visual form.

Deliciousness can exist in many dimensions. It might be found in the warmth rising from a shared meal, a nostalgic memory from childhood, a fleeting scent in the air, or even a gesture that brings comfort. It can be seen, heard, felt, or imagined. This competition invites designers to explore those subtle sensory moments and express them through color, texture, rhythm, and composition.

The challenge is not simply to depict food, but to capture emotion, atmosphere, and personal interpretation through a handkerchief design that feels intimate, joyful, and alive.

DESIGN FORMAT AND SUBMISSION CONCEPT

Participants are asked to create an original handkerchief design measuring 45 by 45 centimeters. The work should reflect the designer’s individual interpretation of the theme while remaining suitable for commercial production as a textile product.

Submissions must be prepared as a digital image in JPEG format, sized at 5315 by 5315 pixels, with a resolution of 300 dpi in RGB color mode. Each file must be under 6 MB and titled using the applicant’s name followed by the artwork title. Physical submissions are not accepted.

The competition is open to individuals, groups, companies, and organizations of any nationality or professional background. All submitted works must be original and unpublished, both domestically and internationally. By applying, participants agree to the commercialization of selected designs.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The Grand Prix winner will receive a cash prize of 100,000 Japanese yen and have their design produced and sold through CLASSICS the Small Luxury directly operated stores, official online platforms, and authorized retailers. A Runner-up award will receive 30,000 yen along with the same commercialization opportunity.

A Jury Special Award may also be granted, with the selected design produced as a handkerchief and presented to the winner. This award is determined through jury discussion and may not be presented if no suitable work is selected.

All prize amounts are subject to applicable taxes, including withholding and reconstruction taxes. For international participants, prize values are calculated in Japanese yen and converted according to the exchange rate at the time of payment.

APPLICATION PERIOD

The submission period opens on November 3, 2025, and closes on January 31, 2026, based on Japan Standard Time. Full application guidelines and updates are available on the official CLASSICS the Small Luxury website.

A CELEBRATION OF DESIGN IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

The CLASSICS the Small Luxury Design Award is more than a competition. It is an invitation to reflect on how design can evoke emotion, memory, and connection through the smallest of objects. By transforming the humble handkerchief into a canvas for creativity, the award celebrates intimacy, craftsmanship, and the quiet power of design to enrich everyday life.

cash prize award: 663 USD

For full details and access to the official call for entries, visit here.