MANILA, Philippines?A Filipino fashion designer won the grand prize at the 48th Japan Fashion Design Contest on October 16 in Tokyo, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

Jerome Allen Lorico?s win marked the first time that a foreigner won in the prestigious competition after 47 years.

He won the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award (Grand Prize) and two special corporate awards from the Japan Cotton Industry Association and Onward (one of the biggest apparel companies in Japan).

Lorico was among the 50 finalists chosen from a field of around 2,500 entries from around the world, after a rigorous and stringent screening process.

He was awarded a cash prize of one million yen, along with a trophy, certificates and commemorative gifts at the Meguro Gajoen Hotel.

Lorico was joined by two other finalists from the Philippines, Nicole Michael P. Mori and Marian V. Andrada.

Lorico?s winning all-black entry, titled ?Ink and Water,? used a unique textile he helped conceptualize which was made from conventional and Philippine fabrics such as cotton and piña.