Faith and Nippon Columbia are collaborating with Nicola Formichetti, artistic director of Diesel and fashion director for Lady Gaga, to launch the "POP ICON PROJECT TOKYO," an audition program that combines fashion and music. The program is open to women between the ages of 10 and 25, and aims to discover globally acclaimed artists. The successful applicants will be produced by Nicola, who will develop them into fashionable, cutting-edge, trend-setting artists who will become icons of their time. They will also be making their major label debut with Nippon Columbia. Nicola commented, "I've always wanted to do a project like this, and while working in fashion around the world, I've always wanted to strengthen my ties with Japan. Music has always been an important part of my work, so this is the first time I've put it at the forefront. I believe we can create something interesting from Japan, and I want to respect the free thinking of young people."

At the press conference announcing the event, model Nana Suzuki, a big fan of Nicola, appeared dressed in an outfit styled by Nicola. She showed off "Lady Nana Fashion" made from transparent vinyl umbrella holder material.

Film director Hitoshi Ohne, who has worked on films such as "Moteki," has currently been appointed as a special judge. Auditions close at the end of September.

Nicola Formichetti is half Italian and half Japanese, and is from Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. He is responsible for Lady Gaga's costumes and music video direction. Lady Gaga's eccentric "raw meat dress," which became a hot topic around the world, was also designed by him.