On October 14th, Somarta unveiled its 14 Spring/Summer collection, designed by Tamae Hirokawa. The theme, "Meta-phor," combines the words "transcend" (meta) and "transport" (phore), and embodies the desire to "connect contexts connected to the past to the future." Made from triacetate chiffon, the collection is feminine and dressy with a draped feel, but is also peppered with designs reminiscent of kimono attire, such as wrap-around dresses, jackets, and skirt hems that reveal overlapping fabrics, and belts featuring Sanada cord obi-jime sashes. The collection features geometrically patterned fabrics, hairstyles with tightly held-back sides strung with metallic hair accessories, and necklaces accentuating the metallic textures of gold and silver, creating a futuristic look that blends Japonism with style. "When I thought about what Japan needs in terms of future manufacturing, I felt strongly that we need to continue the path of Japanese tradition that has been passed down since ancient times. The fact that the classics have been left behind as classics means that Japanese designers have not been able to adapt kimono culture to the modern era. I feel that this is something I regret. Japanese culture is wonderful because it is delicate and functional, and it is highly regarded overseas as being 'futuristic and cool.' I would like to propose a new style of dress that is neither Western nor Japanese clothing, but one that adapts Japanese clothing to the modern era," says Hirokawa.