The 45th Moda Italia and 55th Shoes from Italy 2015 Spring/Summer Collection exhibitions, organized by the Italian Embassy's Trade Promotion Section, opened on the 25th. They run until the 27th at the Westin Hotel Tokyo in Ebisu, Tokyo. Moda Italia features 61 apparel companies and 28 leather goods companies from across Italy, showcasing the latest releases in women's wear, bags, leather goods, knitwear, men's wear, leather wear, small items, and accessories. Approximately 70 companies are exhibiting at Shoes from Italy, showcasing pre-collections of women's and men's shoes, sandals, and children's shoes ahead of the Micam exhibition, which will be held in Milan from August 31st to September 3rd. At the press conference held on the first day, Lorenzo Morini, Charge d'Affaires of Italy to Japan, said in his opening remarks, "Italy and Japan have strong ties and a relationship of trust. This is evidenced by the increase in exports from Italy to Japan and the fact that Moda Italia has been held for 55 consecutive years." Aristide Martellini, head of the Trade Promotion Section at the Italian Embassy, also commented, "The two exhibitions together make up the 100th. Despite the strong yen, Italian products' share of Japan's apparel imports from January to March this year increased 4.3% compared to last year, ranking third. Men's wear increased 11.3% to rank fourth, and women's wear increased 7.7% to rank third. Italy also surpassed China to rank first in leather and fur clothing. I hope this trend will continue." He then reiterated the strong ties between Italy and Japan, citing the many shop openings and collaborations, such as Italian brands opening at Isetan Shinjuku and the ongoing partnership between Alcantara and Yohji Yamamoto. Giuseppe Mazzarella, Chairman of Confaltigianato Moda, commented on shoes, "Italian shoes account for the largest proportion of leather shoes imported into Japan. They are highly regarded for their high quality and the fact that their quality exceeds their price." A trend presentation also took place at the press conference. Ornella Bignami, Creative Director of Elementi Moda, explained, "Soft elegance is the trend. We are proposing sophisticated and comfortable styles. The contrasting combination of traditional and innovative elements is also a feature." She cited key themes such as "easy chic," "smart elegance," and "graphic modernity," and introduced white shirts, combinations of different materials, black and white, geometric patterns and floral motifs, and minimalist shapes such as the A-line style popular in the 1960s, enhanced with three-dimensional embroidery. Aldo Premoli, trend consultant for the Italian Shoe Manufacturers' Association, said of shoe trends: "We're seeing Mediterranean resort styles such as boat shoes and driving shoes, as well as pieces inspired by Princess Grace's films. Contrasting colours inspired by the Matisse exhibition are also being proposed. Sandals are also a must."