UNIQLO launches collection of Nintendo UT Grand Prix winning designs

If you're a fan of UNIQLO's UT line and an even bigger Nintendo fan take note! UNIQLO announced today that it will begin selling all 25 winning designs from its Nintendo themed UT Grand Prix 2017 design competition. 

This year's Nintendo themed contest attracted a record 16,000 entries from around the world. Participants were invited to create original T-shirt designs inspired by the gaming company's most iconic games and legendary characters such as Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, as well as Kirby, Splatoon, and of course, Pokemon. 

The winning design featured a Mario motif by Takashi Kawazoe (Japan). Second prize was awarded to Shino Yamazaki (Japan) and third place was awarded to David Ricardo Flores Gomez (Mexico) who's designs were based on Splatoon and Zelda themes. Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, the originator of Super Mario Bros and other hit games, was amongst the judging panel. 

"I was extremely surprised and pleased to receive such a prestigious award for my creation featuring one of Japan's most renowned characters, Mario, as a motif," said Takashi Kawazoe of Japan and Grand Prize winner. 

In addtion to the winning designs being featured on the t-shirts and available worldwide, top prize winners also received $10,000, an invitation to attend a special awards ceremony in Japan, and a Nintendo Switch system personally signed by Mr. Miyamoto.

The UNIQLO NINTENDO UT Grand Prix 2017 collection will be launch globally in stores on Friday, May 19. You a sneak peek at the designs on the Uniqlo Canada Facebook page. 

UNIQLO has conducted its UT Grand Prix design competitions since 2005 to foster creativity and talent around the world. The contest is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, or nationality.