On March 12, Mercedes-Benz Japan held a press conference at the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi, Tokyo, to announce that Hiromichi Ochiai of FACETASM has been selected as a Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer. Katsuhito Tai, Representative Director of the Japan Fashion Editors Club, called FACETASM "one of the most important brands currently leading Tokyo," and praised the brand for its promising future success, innovative designs, and comfortable fit. The Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer award is given to designers who are committed to unique style, high-quality materials, and innovative design. Previous recipients include Yuima Nakazato of YUIMA NAKAZATO, Naoto Joga and Hiroto Tamaki of et momonakia, and Conny Groenewegen of Conny Groenewegen. This time, the members of the Japan Fashion Editors Club, made up of fashion executives from newspapers, news agencies, publishing companies and broadcasting companies, made the selections based on the collections of the past two seasons.

At the press conference, Ochiai said, "I'm surprised that an independent brand like ours was able to win this award. I think this will be encouraging for the next generation of designers. At the next collection next week, I want to present a collection that everyone can be satisfied with."