Tamae Hirokawa presented her spring collection in a department store event space, which is also hosting
an archival exhibition of some of her brand’s most notable pieces.
The designer showed just 17 looks this season — and almost entirely on mannequins. A couple of pieces, such as a jersey dress printed with orange swirls and feathers, veered commercial. But the designer was more interested in deft incorporation of traditional Japanese influences.
Softly draped wrap dresses had layers of contrasting fabrics that mimicked kimono necklines, and pleated inserts in skirt slits called to mind hakama, traditional skirt-like garments worn by women when they graduate from university. There were also plenty of beautiful kimono-inspired prints and jacquards in a range of colors from lavender, sky blue and sea-foam green to fiery oranges and yellows.